The World Factbook: Netherlands

The Netherlands manages to be radical, sensible and quaintly staid. The Dutch aren't bogged in their clichés, even though bikes, dykes, windmills and blazing flower fields are pretty much the norm outside the major cities. Do as the locals do - grab a bike and explore. It's a very big small country, and full of salutary surprises. One of the chief pleasures of the place is its lively contrast between pragmatic liberalism and the buttoned-up just-so primness of a culture founded on Calvinist principles. In Dutch society, ostentation is anathema and fuss of any kind is regarded as undignified.

Offical Government website of the Netherlands

Netherlands profile by U.S. Department

Country profile of the Netherlands

Website with information about the Netherlands

The latest news from the Netherlands

Official website of the board of Tourism and conventions of the Netherlands

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Is Dutch still Dutch? As the following dialogue demonstrates, English words are increasingly forcing their way into the Dutch language. A good starting point ... the best informed newspaper in Holland, The Netherlands