Netherlands

The Netherlands (Dutch: Nederland; IPA pronunciation: /"ne:d?rlant/) is the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands that is formed by the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba.(Dutch: Koninkrijk der Nederlanden). The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch, located in northwestern Europe. It borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east.

Related Topics:
Dutch - IPA pronunciation - Europe - Netherlands Antilles - Aruba - Parliamentary democracy - Constitutional monarch - North Sea - Belgium - Germany

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In many countries, the Netherlands is often referred to by the name Holland, and even within the Netherlands itself this name is even occasionally used as an acceptable translation of the country's name. However widespread, this usage is technically incorrect, as "Holland" is actually a region in the central-western part of the Netherlands, divided into two provinces. Also, the English plural form 'the Netherlands' is a remnant from times when the country was not yet independent and united. See below under 'naming conventions'.

Related Topics:
Holland - 'naming conventions'

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The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated and geographically low-lying countries in the world (its name literally means "Low-lands") and is famous for its dikes, windmills, wooden shoes, tulips, bicycles and social tolerance. Its liberal policies (towards drugs and prostitution among other things) receive international attention. The country is host to the International Court of Justice; Amsterdam is the official capital as stated by the constitution, but The Hague is the seat of government, the home of the monarch, and the location for most foreign embassies. The Netherlands ranked 12th on the 2005 UN Human Development Index.

Related Topics:
Densely populated - Dike - Windmill - Wooden shoes - Tulip - Bicycle - Tolerance - International Court of Justice - Amsterdam - The Hague - 2005 - UN Human Development Index

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The English adjective and noun for "of or relating to the Netherlands" is "Dutch," which is also the name of the Dutch language. "Netherlands" is also used as an adjective, especially in more formal writing and in the Netherlands Antilles.

Related Topics:
English - Adjective - Noun - Dutch - Dutch language

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