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Netherlands
The Dutch Golden Age republic that built a global maritime empire from a delta below sea level.
Overview
The Netherlands emerged from an 80-year revolt against Habsburg Spain to become the 17th-century's leading commercial, scientific and artistic power.
Basic Information
CapitalAmsterdam
Population17.9 million
Area41,850 km²
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
LanguagesDutch, Frisian
RegionWestern Europe
History Timeline
- 1568 – 1648Eighty Years' War with Spain
- 1602Dutch East India Company founded
- 1648Peace of Westphalia recognizes independence
- 1815United Kingdom of the Netherlands
- 1940 – 1945Nazi occupation
Ancient Peoples
- Frisians
- Batavians
- Franks
Ancient Kingdoms
- County of Holland
- Duchy of Guelders
Empires
- Dutch Empire
Religions
- Protestantism
- Roman Catholicism
Culture
Rembrandt, Vermeer, Van Gogh, tulips, windmills and religious tolerance.
Language
Dutch is a West Germanic language closely related to German and English.
Important Battles
- Siege of Leiden1573 – 1574
Turning point in the revolt
- Battle of Waterloo1815
Dutch contingent among Allies
Historical Figures
William the Silent
1533 – 1584
Founder of the Dutch Republic
Johan de Witt
1653 – 1672
Grand Pensionary of Holland
Anne Frank
1929 – 1945
Diarist of the Holocaust
Archaeological Sites
- Roman fort at Nijmegen
- Hunebedden megalithic tombs
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Amsterdam Canal Ring
- Kinderdijk Windmills
- Beemster Polder
Dynasties
- House of Orange-Nassau
Colonial Period
Ruled Indonesia, Suriname, the Cape and the Caribbean until decolonization after 1945.
Modern History
Founding member of the EU and NATO.