The Netherlands, a country located in Northwest Europe, is bordered by the North Sea to the north and west, ...[+]

The Netherlands, a country located in Northwest Europe, is bordered by the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east. The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, with Amsterdam as the capital. The official language of the Netherlands is Dutch, and the currency is the euro (EUR). Netherlands, the Dutch United Provinces, declared their independence from Spain in 1579. During the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom.

he Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands. Its Gothic Binnenhof complex is the se...[+]

he Hague is a city on the North Sea coast of the western Netherlands. Its Gothic Binnenhof complex is the seat of the Dutch parliament, and 16th-century Noordeinde Palace is the king’s workplace. The city is also home to the U.N.’s International Court of Justice, headquartered in the Peace Palace, and the International Criminal Court.

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands' province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum's vintage ...[+]

Rotterdam is a major port city in the Netherlands' province of South Holland. The Maritime Museum's vintage ships and exhibits trace the city's seafaring history. The 17th-century Delfshaven neighborhood is home to canalside shopping and the Pilgrim Fathers Church, where pilgrims worshiped before sailing to America. After being almost completely reconstructed following WWII, the city is now known for its bold, modern architecture.