Netherlands

Europe

Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany.

52 30 N, 5 45 E

"Ik zal handhaven"  (Dutch) "I will endure"
Monarch Queen Beatrix	Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende

Capital

Amsterdam

Government
Parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch

Religion
Roman Catholic 30%, Dutch Reformed 11%, Calvinist 6%, other Protestant 3%, Muslim 5.8%, other 2.2%, none 42% .

Population
16,715,999

Ethnic groups
Dutch 80.7%, EU 5%, Indonesian 2.4%, Turkish 2.2%, Surinamese 2%, Moroccan 2%, Netherlands Antilles & Aruba 0.8%, other 4.8%.

National Language
Dutch

National Day
23 January 1579

Currency
Euro (EUR)

Anthem
"Het Wilhelmus"

Attractions
Aalsmeer Flower Auction,  Dutch Dikes & Windmills,  Keukenhof Gardens,  Madurodam Miniature Village,  Rijksmuseum,   Royal Palace in Amsterdam

Website
www.holland.com

Art & Cultural

The ICON

Windmill                                     Smock mill De 1100 Roe, Amsterdam, Netherlands, built in 1757, type called a grondzeiler ("ground sailer") by the Dutch , since the sails almost reach the ground. A windmill is a machine which converts the energy of wind into rotational energy by means of vanes called sails or blades.[1][2]  Originally windmills were developed for milling grain for food production. In the course of history the windmill was adapted to many other industrial uses.[3]  An important application was to pump water. Windmills used for generating electricity are commonly known as wind turbines.

The Windmill