The relief of the country
The country is located mainly on coastal lowlands and areas of drained land (polderiers). By the nature of the relief, the territory of the Netherlands is an almost ideal plain. Approximately 2/5 of the country's territory is below sea level (in some places up to 5 m below sea level). These are mainly its northern and western areas. Height rarely exceeds 50 meters. Such lands are reliably protected by a system of dams, dams and other hydraulic and drainage structures. The total length of the dams is 3,700 km. The west of the country, lying below sea level, is indented by channels and sea arms. The coasts of the North Sea are made up mostly of dunes. In the north, the dunes are torn apart by sea arms, thus creating the West Frisian Islands, to the east of which lies the tidal sea, called Wadensee in Holland. To the southeast, the terrain rises slightly. The highest point in the country is Waalserberg, 321 m high, and the lowest point is 6.7 m below sea level. The main rivers are the Rhine with tributaries, the Meuse, the Scheldt. The largest lake is the IJsselmeer, with an area of 1210 sq. meters)
Soil cover and minerals
The soil and vegetation cover of the Netherlands, despite the small size of the country, is quite diverse. In the north and east, soddy-pale-podzolic soils developed on sandy deposits under heaths and oak forests are common. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%. In many localities, the accumulation of humus has been artificially stimulated, and the natural soils there are actually buried under a dark-colored layer - a mixture of manure, sod, forest floor and sand. These soils occupy one of the first places in Europe in terms of their arable properties. The polders, almost completely used for agricultural needs, are composed mainly of clay and peat. Heathlands (short grasses with shrubs) and pine-oak-beech forests have been preserved here. The plateaus of southern Limburg are covered with loess of eolian origin. The humid climate and flat low-lying terrain of the Netherlands contributed to the formation of marshes here, which have undergone significant reclamation. Bog peat is often covered with mineral soil raised from ditches either during their periodic cleaning or during deep plowing. The soils of the river valleys along the Rhine and the Meuse, as well as the soils of the marches, are very peculiar. Forests cover 7.6% of the country's territory, mostly in the form of groves. Presented oak, beech, hornbeam, ash.
Among minerals, natural gas (explored reserves of 2 billion m 3, 1st place in Western Europe). Oil is being produced on the Dutch part of the continental shelf. There is coal, clay.
Animal world
In the process of human development of the territory of the Netherlands, many species of wild animals were forced out of their habitats. However, there are many birds in the country, especially waterfowl. Many rare animal species are protected in national parks and reserves. Preserved mainly are those species of wild animals that live in damp meadows, in reservoirs and canals. The expansion of reclamation worsened the habitat conditions of birds, and relatively large colonies still survived only in certain coastal areas. There are about 180 species of birds in the Netherlands. And during winter flights, thousands of waterfowl enter the Netherlands. In the north of the country, on the shallows of the Wadden Sea, which separates the West Frisian Islands from the mainland, white-fronted geese, short-billed bean goose, barnacle goose, a lot of gulls and waders winter. In addition, the southernmost eider population lives here. The abundance of lapwings and bartails is typical for marches. On the coast itself, large curlews, herbalists, and turukhtans are common.
The national bird of the Netherlands is the spoonbill. White or pink large long-legged bird living in swamps. She has a very large long beak, expanding towards the end. With such a beak it is convenient to get food out of the swamp. Male roseate spoonbills present twigs to the lady during courtship. The delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt is known as a wintering and resting place for birds on migration. Thickets of reeds along the channels attract gray geese for wintering, as well as teals, pintails, curlews, snipes. Breeding species include the reed harrier, short-eared owl, shepherd, rutting, whiskered tit and bittern. Also in the delta region, along the overgrown shores of small bays, the muskrat is widely settled. At northern shores The Netherlands is inhabited by seals, the fishing of which is limited, and in some areas it is completely prohibited. In large forests, there are wood mice, squirrels, rabbits, roe deer, as well as representatives of the marten family. The moorlands are characterized by black grouse and large crowns, while the coastal dunes are characterized by wild crumbs. The North Sea is rich in fish - cod, herring.
Water resources
Water can be considered one of natural resources Netherlands. There is a very dense river network on the territory of the country, the mouths of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt converging on it form a vast common navigable delta. The rivers are full-flowing and bring masses of sediment, but often their channels carry the danger of floods. If during the spring flood the waters of the Rhine collide with a tidal wave penetrating up the branches of the delta, the rivers burst their banks, destroy the dams and overflow into the surrounding lowlands. To avoid this, protective dams are built on the banks of the rivers. In addition, the existing system of canals with locks contributes to the regulation of the flow and at the same time increases the navigational value of the rivers. The Netherlands is known worldwide for its waterworks. Since 1927, a major hydrotechnical project began in the Netherlands to drain the Zuider Zee. By 1932, the construction of the main dam, 29 km long, was completed, which crossed this bay in the section between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. In the next five years, a freshwater lake IJsselmeer was formed above this dam, which was planned to be drained. First of all, the Wieringermeer polder was created in the northwest, then the Urkerland in the northeast. In the same way, the territories of East and South Flevoland were drained. In the late 1980s, the drainage of Markervärd was completed. After the completion of the project, over 60% of the original area of the IJsselmeer will be reclaimed from the sea.
Another project called "Delta", completed in 1986, was intended mainly to protect the outer parts of the Rhine and Meuse delta with numerous islands from floods. This project gained particular importance after the catastrophe of 1953, when coastal dikes were destroyed during a storm in the North Sea and most of the delta lowlands were flooded. In the course of the project, all branches of the delta were blocked by dams that connected the islands. The only exception was the Eastern Scheldt branch, along which the sea route to the port of Antwerp (Belgium) passes. Currently, the Netherlands is considering the construction of dams between the West Frisian Islands, which border the northern coast of the country. At the same time, the shallow Wadden Sea (Wadden Sea), which stretches between these islands and the mainland, will also be drained.
In the 1990s, the strategy of hydraulic engineering and reclamation works, which included thousand years of history, has changed significantly. Now it is planned to turn about 240 thousand hectares, or about 1/10 of all agricultural land in the country, into forests, meadows and lakes in order to protect the environment.
Climate
The climate of the Netherlands is determined by the position in temperate latitudes on the Atlantic lowlands of Europe. Due to the small size of the country and the absence of significant elevations, climatic differences are weakly expressed.
Due to the predominance of westerly winds blowing from the North Sea, the weather in the Netherlands is usually mild in winter and cool in summer. The average January temperature is 2°C. In winter, there are short periods with negative temperatures, alternating with thaws. It's not every year that an ice sheet forms that is safe for skating, but if it does, the Dutch are happy to go ice skating on the canals. The average temperature in July is 16–17°C. In summer, periods of cool weather alternate with hot days. Although on average 650 to 750 mm of precipitation falls annually, a rare day goes without rain, on average there are 35 clear sunny days per year. Often there are fogs, sometimes snow falls in winter.
Netherlands is a state located in the north-west of Europe. His total area is 42 thousand sq. km. in the east country borders on Germany, on South - with Belgium. In the north and west the country is washed by the waters North Sea.
The name of this state is translated as " low lands”, more 40% its surface lies below sea level. The highest point in the country is a mountain Vaalserberh, whose height is 321 m. BUT the most low point located on 6.7 m below sea level.
In coastal areas large areas busy" polders", which are artificially reclaimed plots of land, crossed by a large number of dams, rivers and canals. About 70% territory of the country are anthropogenic landscapes, natural areas very few and they are under state protection.
Capital of the country is the city Amsterdam, but parliament and seat of government located in The Hague.
The country has moderate maritime climate , which is characterized by high humidity. January average temperatures constitute +1-+3°C, July - +16-+17°C. precipitation falls annually 650-800 mm, however, they are quite evenly distributed over the seasons. In general, the climate of the Netherlands is quite warm. However, it can often blow here westerly winds, which lead to a sharp cooling even in the warmest months of the year.
Westerly winds from the North Sea make winter weather quite mild, and bring coolness in summer. In winter, there are short periods of negative temperatures, which alternate with thaws. Often there are mists sometimes falls in winter snow.
Visas, entry rules, customs rules
Kingdom of the Netherlands is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Citizens of Russia and the CIS for entry visa required.
Import and export of currencynot limited. When entering from the territory of countries outside the EU, must be declared amounts in excess of 10 thousand euros.
Persons over 17 years of age, arriving from countries outside the EU customs area, duty-free may be brought into the country a large number of cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, spirits, coffee or coffee extract, tea, perfumes, as well as goods for personal use.
Without permission forbidden to import to the territory of the country drugs and narcotic drugs, medications, firearms and ammunition explosives . The same goes for certain foodstuffs, plants with soil, animals and birds(especially poultry from countries South-East Asia), as well as haberdashery and souvenir products, which was made from endangered species of plants and animals.
To the territory of the EU countries from May 1, 2009 forbidden to importfoods containing meat or milk. They also include sausage, canned food, lard and chocolate candies . Does not apply this ban on baby food and special preparations which are necessary for people with certain chronic diseases. But these products must weigh up to 2 kilograms and they need pack carefully. Violators of this prohibition are waiting confiscation of products and fines.
Plants, animals and plant products must be presented quarantine officials. Pets imported into the countrymust have vaccination certificate and veterinary certificate. However, such evidence must be issued before than for 10 days until departure.
Medicines for personal use can be imported and without special permission. However, for many drugs necessary availability of a prescription, which was issued by a doctor and certified by a notary.
It is forbidden to export from the country objects and things that are of historical or artistic value.
Population, political condition
The population of the country is about 15.6 million people. It is quite diverse in its ethnic composition: Dutch (81% ), Flemings (12% ), friezes (3% ), Germans (1,5% ), as well as many immigrants from the former colonies of the country. This country is one of the most densely populated in the world.
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy . At the head of the state costs king or queen. legislature is bicameral parliament (Estates General). Administratively, the territory of the country consists of 12 provinces, as well as groups Netherlands Antilles and Aruba island located in the Caribbean Sea.
State language is an Dutch (Dutch), second official language is an Frisian. In the country also very widespread have English, French and German.
What to watch
Cities of the Netherlands are masterpieces of medieval architecture. One of the main visiting cards of Holland can also be called mills, canals and flower plantations.
Amsterdam- This the capital of country. The name of this city is translated as " dam on the river Amstel". Amsterdam is world famous their channels, through which more than 600 bridges. by the most beautiful bridges considered Blauburg and Maherebrug. Tourists should must see city from the water, you can do it on numerous sightseeing boats circulating through the channels.
All excursions usually start from the Central Station. Its neo-gothic red brick building was built in the 19th century.
It separates the city itself from the old harbor of Ei. Streets and canals of the city diverge from the station. main street is an Damrak, along it you can get to the historical center of the city - " Grand Canal Quarter". It is surrounded by canals Single ("defensive"), Heirengracht ("gentlemen's channel"), Keizersgracht ("imperial"),Prinsengracht ("princes channel") and many others. All channels divide the city on the 90 islands.
Center " Quarter of the Grand Canals"is famous Dam square. On it is located Royal Palace building built in XVII century. The Royal Family currently does not live in it, and the building houses the largest museum.
On Dam Square can also be seen Freedom Monument, related to 1956. It is interesting because at its base soldered capsules with the land of those countries in which the Dutch fought.
Nieuwe Kerk ("new church") was built in 1408 and rebuilt many times after that. She is is the coronation site of the Dutch monarchs. On the square stands the building of the famous Madame Tussauds museum.
Nearby you can see the building stock exchange Berlagy. Wooden Munt Tower with a spire and chimes was built in 1620, in the Middle Ages it served as a mint. amsterdam footstock is the zero reference point for sea level for the whole world.
complex of buildings of the East India Company, House of Shipbuilders, which is one of interesting buildings cities, Museum of Torture and Museum of Sex to Damrak. Worth seeing are numerous picturesque residential buildings of the XVI-XVII centuries.
There are a lot of churches in Amsterdam. Of these, it is worth highlighting the oldest church cities -gothic oude kerk which was built in 1300. In her regular organ concerts.
Westerkerk church, which is dated 1619, is an the largest renaissance church in the Netherlands. She is famous Rembrandt's tomb. First Protestant Church in the country became Südkerk("southern"), worth seeing Norderkerk, as well as Portuguese synagogue built in 1675 which was once the largest in the world.
Amstelkring (XVII century.) considered one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in Europe, now in it works museum.
There are a lot of museums in the capital of the Netherlands. The largest art museum in the country and one of the best in Europe is an Rijksmuseum. It presents the richest collection of Flemish paintings of the 15th - 17th centuries. Dutch Historical Museum works in the east wing of the Rijksmuseum.
Also interesting: museum contemporary art Stedelijk, numerous diamond factory museums, Heineken Brewery Museum, Amsterdam Historical Museum, famous Tropical Museum, Anne Frank Museum.
Van Gogh Museum has the largest collection of his works in the world. Worth to visit Rembrandt Museum in a buiding XVII century. on Jodenbreistraat, Cat Cabinet, Tattoo Museum, Jewish Historical Museum in a united building of 4 synagogues. There are in Amsterdam and Hashish, Marijuana and Cannabis Museum on the Udesijds Achterbürgwal, which is the only one in Europe.
Numerous tourists are also attracted by the famous " Red light district located opposite the Central Station.
flower markets located along Single and Monetnaya Square(Muntplein). traditional places for shopping considered to be the street areas of Kalverstraat, Nieuwe-Wendijk, Rockin, Damstraat, Leidsestraat and Wijselstraat, as well as Jordan and Magna Plaza areas. The biggest market in Europe counts market complex Zwarte Markt located in 15 km north of the city.
Zaandam is located in 20 km north of Amsterdam. In this city it is recommended to visit house of Peter I and architectural museum under open sky "Zaandam in the 17th century.".
Famous Alkmaar ("surrounded by water") lies north of Zaandam. He is the only city in the world, in which up to our time have been preserved medieval cheese fairs and even guild "cheese porters". Interesting narrow medieval streets, numerous city channels, Cathedral of St. Lawrence and gothic town hall. This city also has: museum complex Zaans Chance, great Cheese Museum, National Beer Museum in the building of an old brewery, Netherlands Kiln Museum and City Museum of History and Art.
West of the capital lies the city haarlem. He from the 11th to the 13th centuries. was the seat of the Dutch counts palatine. Here you can see a large number of historical and cultural monuments.
Located in the city center Grote Markt square, which surrounded by picturesque medieval buildings. Here are located: City Hall, Sint-Bavo church with the tomb of Frans Hals and the famous organ. Nearby is an old haarlem almshouse, now it houses the city Khalsa Museum. Interesting enough Bishop's Museum, Museum of Industrial Art in an 18th-century castle, Grote Kerk (XV - XVI centuries.) and old " meat rows" related to XVII century.
City Hague is the seat of government, parliament and the royal court. In addition, this the third largest and one of the oldest cities in the country. However, it received city status only 1811.
In The Hague is peace palace in which it works International Court of Justice. The country's parliament is currently sitting in the old Binnenhof Castle built in 1248. Around it lies the historic center of the city. In front of the castle, on the Plaine square, you can see monument to William I of Orange.
The historical sights of this city can be called: tribunal building Ridderhall (13th century.), colonial ministry, the oldest in the country city Passage, Ministry of Justice and De Witte Literary Club.
In the building of the medieval prison Gevagenport currently working Museum of the Inquisition.
Nearby is palace of the former governor of the Netherlands possessions in Brazil - Mauritshuis. It now contains one of the best art galleries in the world - Royal Art Gallery.
On the town hall square rise: gothic Old Town Hall, stock exchange Berlage. Grote Kerk Church is the most famous cathedral in the city. She is also interesting emblems of the Knights of the Golden Fleece depicted on the pediment, and symbol of the city - bell with the image of a stork.
At the Köninkliik Palais Noordeinde located queen's residence. In summer, this palace is open to the public, and the queen lives in Palace of Heis ten Bos. Another attraction of the city can be called Madurodam park. He is a very interesting open-air museum, in which almost the entire country and all its monuments are presented on a scale 1: 25 . The designs are active.
Worth a visit and ultramodern Quarter Residence, in the creation of which the best architects of the world took part.
walloon church was built in 1807 financed by Napoleon Bonaparte. Many tourists visit house-museum of Spinoza, the old catholic church, unique candy and caramel museum Gaagshe Hofje, Peace Palace.
Other sights of the city are: Prince Wilhelm V Art Gallery, Aquarium and Maritime Centre, International Press Museum, Postal Museum and Costume Museum.
Not far from The Hague is located seaside resort Schweningen, which is famous all over the world, and old City Delft. This city is the birthplace of the famous Dutch blue and white porcelain.
Among the main attractions of the city are renaissance town hall with watchtower, monastery of St. Agatha, chapel of St. Hippolytus, church of 1250 with " falling bell tower".
Tourists should also visit in this city National Museum Lambert van Merten and Gothic church Nieuwe Kerk which is interesting graves of members of the royal dynasty.
Delft Market Square, which is dominated by The 109-meter bell tower of the Nieuwe Kerk, it is considered the most beautiful square in the Netherlands.
Rotterdam is an the largest port in Europe and the second largest city in the country. It is located on one of the northern branches of the vast delta of the Rhine - r. Lek. In the chronicles, this city was first mentioned in 1238. A to 1340 Rotterdam was already considered one of the most significant European cities.
During the Second World War Old cityalmost completely destroyed Therefore, there are almost no old monuments preserved here. But the restored modern Rotterdam also has very interesting architecture.
The best preserved area of the Delft port - Delftshaven. There are many narrow streets, canals, old buildings and windmills.
The first European " skyscraper - Het Witte Heiss. This building was built in 1898, its height is 45 meters. The territory of the old port was densely surrounded by new buildings.
Located in the city center Maritime Museum Prince Hendrik. Rising next to him bronze monument "scream" ("devastated city")in memory of the old city destroyed by the Nazis.
Nearby you can visit Historical Museum in the 17th century palace, Kunsthal building, wherein exhibitions of art worksXIX - XX centuries. and famous Boijmann van Beuningen Museum, which has the best collection of Flemish masters in the country XV - XVI centuries.
You can visit City Cathedral St. Laurentskerk (XVI century.). In front of him is monument to Erasmus of Rotterdam. town hall built in 1920, is the largest in the country.
On the banks of the Meuse costs monument to Peter I, are also interesting buildings of the Post Office and the Exchange. Rising above the city TV tower Euromast, whose height is 185 meters. With her revolving observation deck offers a magnificent panorama of the city and the huge port.
In the Kralingen quarter you can visit the magnificent Botanical Garden. Near business center towering modern high-rise buildings of banks and offices.
Among the museums of the city, one can single out the Academy of Arts, the Museum of Ethnography, the Conservatory, the Museum of Entomology, the Historical Museum and the Rotterdam Zoo.
Utrecht represents old university town which is located in the center of the country. He is interested in his bunk channels, which are connected by numerous bridges with adjacent houses. During the Middle Ages, these houses served as warehouses.
Nowadays, a large number of cafes and restaurants are located on the terraces of the first tier. And the channels are used mainly for pleasure walks.
The most famous attraction in the town is the oldest Gothic country cathedral Domkerk, which has the highest spire in the Netherlands.
Also noteworthy for tourists town hall, famous university, which operates from 17th century.
by the most interesting museums can be called: Museum of Coins, Museum of the Society of Arts and Sciences, Railway Museum, Central Museum (art collection early XVII in.), as well as Museum of Christianity, which has the country's largest collection of medieval art.
Maastricht is an one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands and administrative center Province of Limburg. It is located in the south of the country, on the border with Belgium. The main attraction of the city considered remnants of the Van du Moulin defensive line, including walls, bastions, underground mine galleries, etc.
Deserves the attention of tourists and labyrinth of 20 thousand caves Sint-Petersburg. These caves were also used as casemates and warehouses during numerous sieges of the city.
Interesting and medieval burgher houses "old city", narrow streets and bridges which are protected as architectural monuments. Here you can see the oldest city gate in the country related to 1299, City Hall.The symbol of the city is considered to be Cathedral of Sint Servas (Sint-Servaskerk, 6th century.). The most popular museums in the city can be called: Episcopal, Art and Antiquities and Art Museum Bonnefanten.
Onze-Live-Frauwe Church considered to be the most beautiful Romanesque basilica in the country. It is located on the square of the same name.
Close to Tilburg you can visit interesting safari and amusement park "Efteling".
City Groningen located in the north of the Netherlands. It attracts numerous tourists with its churches: St. Martin (XIII - XVI centuries.) with tower ( XVI century.), Aa and Nieuwe Kerk built in XVII century. Here you can also see ruins of a roman settlement. Considered one of the best in EuropeMaritime Museum Groningen and original Tobacco Museum. The city library has latin translation New Testament that was made Erasmus of Rotterdam and annotated Martin Luther.
Friesland Province and wadden islands stretched along the northern coast of the country. They are interested in their wildlife, dunes, numerous lakes, pine forests, seaside resorts. In everything here, the originality of the culture of the Frisian ethnic group living here has been preserved.
provincial capital is the city Leeuwarden. Its main attractions are: ancient bastions, City Hall, Palace of Justice.
AT estate of Maria Louise of Hesse-Kassel can see the best collection of porcelain and earthenware products in the country.
Collections of the unique Frisian Museum tell about the artistic traditions and culture of this province. In the village of Vencloster located a branch of this museum with an interesting collection of toys. In Dokkum situated Frisian Museum folk art , in Franeker you can see the unique planetarium (18th century.).
In the snack tourists can visit Frisian Maritime Museum and excellent yacht Club. In Collum many luxury houses in traditional style. There is also a majestic Town Hall of the 15th century.
De Kennermerdunen National Park ("kennemer dunes") is located in an area whose area exceeds more than 1000 ha natural dune area. It is located on the coast of the North Sea, being one of the few areas where natural vegetation has been preserved.
The largest national park in the Netherlands is an De Hoge Veluwe. It has one of the largest in Europe Sculpture Museum in Otterlo. It represents more 20 hectares masterpieces of famous European masters twentieth century, placed on outdoors . There is also the richest private art collection of the Kröller-Müller couple.
The country has a large number of medieval fortresses, palaces and castles.. Fortress Ammersoen built in XIV century, is famous for the collection of items that were found during excavations in the moat.
Middachten Castle was built in 1190 and rebuilt into XVII century. It has been preserved in its entirety, along with all the furnishings.
Valkenburg was built on a rock foundation 1100. He interesting for the presence of an extensive system of underground passages that lead to a vast labyrinth of caves. Worth mentioning are castles such as De Haar and B.
The territory of the country was inhabited in the era of the last ice age, at that time there was tundra with sparse vegetation. According to scientists, the oldest traces of human activity date back 1000 years. First settlers were hunters and gatherers.
When they arrived on the territory of modern Holland Romans, she is was inhabited by Germanic tribes: tubans, kaninefats and friezes. They settled there around 600 BC.Celtic tribes (eburones and menapii) inhabited the south of the country.
German tribes also settled here Batavs and Toxandras. southern part current Netherlands during the period of the Roman Empire was occupied by the Romans. She is became part of the provinceBelgica, and later provinceGermania Inferior.
In the Middle Ages, the Netherlands consisted of modern Belgium and the Netherlands, they included various counties, duchies and dioceses that were part of the Holy Roman Empire.
In the 16th century they were one state ruled by the Habsburgs. Spread of Calvinism Led to counter-reformation which caused division in the country. Spanish King Philip IItried to centralize the state. However, the result of his actions was uprising against Spanish rule. Led it William I of Orange.
The independence of the state was proclaimedJuly 26, 1581. But other countries officially recognized it only after the end ofEighty Years' War (1568—1648 ). During the years of the War of Independence, the Golden age» Netherlands. It represented a period of economic and cultural prosperity and fell on all XVII century.
Founder of the independent Netherlands considered to be William I of Orange.
AT early XIX century, after the end of the French occupation, the country became monarchy, in which they ruled representatives of the House of Orange. Belgium in 1830 finally separated from the Netherlands and became an independent kingdom.
Luxembourg gained independence in 1890 year. AT 1848 year, the country, under pressure from liberal politicians, turned into parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Such a political structure persists here and at the present time.
Netherlands remained neutral during the First World War. BUT during World War II country for five years occupied by Germany. Rotterdam was bombed, the city center was almost completely destroyed. About fifty thousand Dutch Jews were victims of the Holocaust during the war.
After the end of the war the country has recovered enough rapidly. This in to a large extent contributed Marshall plan hosted by the USA. This allowed the Netherlands to become a modern industrial country in a short time. Former colonies Indonesia and Suriname gain state independence. Mass immigration began from Indonesia, Turkey, Morocco, Suriname and the Antilles. This resulted in the Netherlands become a country with many cultures significantly increased the proportion of the Muslim population.
In the 60s and 70s last century in the country there were major social and cultural changes. Catholics and Protestants began to communicate more with each other. The rise in living standards and the development of education led to the fact that the differences between classes became less noticeable.
Women got more economic rights Increasingly, they began to occupy high positions in enterprises and government. The government of the country started pay great attention to environmental protection. The people of the Netherlands have wide social rights . One of the highest in the worldpensions, unemployment and disability benefits.
March 25, 1957 the country became one of the founding members of the European Union. The Netherlands has also made a great contribution to the cause of European integration. But in June 2005 in the referendum on the European Constitution, more than half of the inhabitants of the country voted against its adoption. Netherlands steel the second country to reject the draft of a single EU constitution.
Main imports The Netherlands can be called cars, oil, clothes, iron and steel. The country also importsnon-ferrous metals, food products and various transport equipment.
Main export items countries are: products chemical industry, greenhouse vegetables, meat, flowers, natural gas and metal products.
The shops
Country stores usually work with 8.30 (9.00 ) before 17.30 (18.00 ). Once a week, often on Mondays, they closed before 12.00-13.00 , a on Thursdays the shops open before 21.00 . On Saturdays grocery stores open before 16.00 , a the rest are closed in 17.00 .
Only very few shops open on sunday, as well as Monday morning.
As souvenirs tourists usually bring from the Netherlands mills in various shapes and forms, wooden shoes different sizes and colors that are one of the main symbols of Holland. Many also buy cheese for which this country is famous. From here you can bring tulip bulbs, delicious chocolate, jewelry, crystal products and famous white and blue ceramics from Delft.
Demography
Population density is 395 man for one square kilometer. The Netherlands is on 15 place in terms of population density.
Average age of the population country is 40.4 of the year, average age men - 39.6 years, women - 41.2 of the year.
Population growth rate is 0.412 % . According to this indicator, the country is 162 place in the world.
Population migration: 2.46 migrant /1,000 population, 33 place in the world.
Urbanization: urban population: 82 % of the total population, increase in urbanization: annual rate 0.9 % .
average life expectancy of the country's population is 79.4 years, average duration men's lives - 76.8 years, women - 82.14 of the year. According to this indicator, the country is 30 place in the world.
Industry
The country has a modern highly developed post-industrial economy. The most important industries this country can be called the following: electronics, mechanical engineering, petrochemistry, shipbuilding, ferrous metallurgy, aircraft manufacturing, pulp and paper, furniture, textile industry, as well as production of beer and clothing.
Heavy industries concentrated in coastal areas, especially in Rotterdam, as well as in IJmuiden, Dordrecht, Arnhem and Nijmegen. All these cities are located on navigable rivers or canals. On the sea coast are wind farms. A fairly well-known industry, although it has a small scale, is diamond processing in Amsterdam.
Flora and fauna
polders almost entirely used for agricultural purposes. They are composed mainly of clay and peat. The flora and fauna of the Netherlands is quite scarce. In the southern and eastern regions countries are common sandy soils who are busy arable land. In some places there are still moorlands and pine-oak-beech forests.
South Limburg Plateau covered loess of eolian origin. Common here fertile loamy soils which form the basis of agriculture.
Most of the country's wild animals have been driven out of their habitats by humans. There are enough in the country a large number of birds especially waterfowl. Many rare animal species are protected in national parks and reserves.
Banks and money
Dutch banknotes / Currency converter
official monetary unit country is Euro, 1 euro is equal to 100 cents.
The National Bank will exchange guilders for euros free of charge until the end of 2012.
In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Tourists can exchange currency at any bank, airport, hotel or train station. At night time well less profitable. You can also do this in private exchange offices, but the exchange rate is less favorable, and the commissions are higher. Most favorable exchange rate exchange available at bank branches and post offices. The exchange there is carried out at the official rate, the lowest commissions are charged.
Exchange currency and cash travelers checks and credit cards possible in offices GWK (central system exchange offices). She happens to be main financial institution of the country which specializes in currency transactions.
Almost everywhere accepted for payment credit cards of the world's major systems. They can be cashed in almost all bank branches and in all GWK branches, including border points. Currency exchange with ISIC student cards or FIYTO youth cards produced no commission deduction.
The country's banks usually operate with 8.00 before 16.00 on weekdays, break- with 12.00 before 13.30 . On Fridays some banks close one hour early. GWK offices open from 8.00 before 20.00 , on Sunday- with 10.00 before 16.00 .
In the cities of the country there is a unified urban system transport (GVB), which includes trams, trolleybuses and buses. One trip ticket valid for one hour and costs 1.5 euros. More profitable to buymultiple tickets.
Getting on public transport is acceptedthrough the back door. In the front door most often you can come in only with multi-day passes that are presented to the driver.
In Rotterdam and Amsterdam available underground. It costs a ride not more expensive than in other modes of transport. Travel cards for all types of transportcan be bought at the train station, some bookstores, post offices, special GVB ticket offices, as well as from tram or bus drivers, but more expensive.
enough in the country water transport is also widespread:pleasure boats, water taxi etc. But the fare for them is more expensive, and they are designed, for the most part, for tourists.
In the Netherlands, very great popularity enjoy bicycles. Their number now even exceeds the number of inhabitants of the country. A separate place is required for cycle lanes on roads and city streets. Everywhere you can see dedicated bike parking sometimes several floors.
Bicycle also can be rented at special points.
Movement in the country is right-hand, the roads are of excellent quality. Priority in the order of movement on city streets is given to cyclists. The central strip of many streets is reserved for public transport. On many streets, especially tourist ones, almost impossible to find a free parking space.
Speed limits on highways 120 km/h, on the highway local importance - 100 km/h, within settlements - 50 or even 30 km/h. Installed everywhere police radar.
Taxi can be taken at a specialized parking lot or ordered by phone.
Tourists can rent a car in any hotel, airline office or specialized offices of rental agencies. Rental conditions are standard for all EU countries.
The rent usually does not include mileage and gasoline, but insurance is included. Total length of highways is 111,891 km.
well developed and ocean shipping. Rotterdam is one of the largest seaports in the world in terms of cargo turnover..
Minerals
Main coal reservesconcentrated in the province of Limburg. Here, deposits of hard and brown coal were discovered. Oil and gas fields found in the middle part of the country, near the Zuider Zee.
There are also oil and gas fields within the North Sea shelf. Of the less important minerals mined in the Netherlands, one can single out peat, table salt and kaolin.
Agriculture
In the Netherlands agriculture is a significant sector of the economy. However, this sector employs a very small percentage of the population. Near 80 % exports of agricultural products from the Netherlands are consumed by the countries of the European Union. In the structure of agricultural exports dominated vegetables and flowers, as well as dairy products.
On agricultural land accounts for about 65 % territory of the country. Near 27 % of them busy arable land, 32 % — pastures and 9 % - forests. However, there is a constant reduction in the share of pastures. This is due to the expansion of housing construction.
In the Netherlands take good care of the soil. the netherlands are one of the first places in the use of mineral fertilizers.
Crop production presented, primarily, growing flowers, potatoes, sugar beets and cereals. Important export item are greenhouse and canned vegetables High Quality.
The country is in fifth place in Europe oil production and on the fourth -for the production of cheese. Especially developed here grazing.
The country is at the first place in the world in terms of area occupied greenhouse farms. Moreover, their area is increasing. Greenhouses are usually heated with the help of local natural gas. Near 60%".
In Holland, officially legal drug use. Exist special places for their sale and consumption. But hard drugs and chemicals prohibited, as in other countries.
Abortion is legal in the Netherlands in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. In 2002 there was also legalized euthanasia but it requires strict medical supervision.
On April 1, 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in the world to have same-sex marriage legalized.
The Dutch are very polite, restrained and tolerant of other people's opinions. Here greet everyone entering the room.
The country has a very large number of animal rights activists., That's why don't wear it herethings made of natural fur or leather.
Not allowed to dance in restaurants, for this there are discos and dance halls. At the restaurant accepted. No vaccinations to enter the country to do not required.No additional health risks.
History, natural resources and tourism in the Netherlands
Introduction
1. General information about the country.
1.2. Political structure
1.3. Story
1.4. People.
1.5. Religion and languages
2. Natural resources.
2.1 Nature and environment in the Netherlands.
2.2. Climate.
2.3. Relief.
2.4. Vegetable world.
2.5. Animal world.
2.6. National parks and reserves in Aruba (Netherlands).
3. Economic resources.
3.1. Transport.
3.2. Accommodation facilities (hotels).
3.3. Entertainment industry (clubs, parties).
3.4. Other entertainment (concerts, festivals).
4. Cultural - historical resources.
4.1. Monuments of secular architecture.
4.2. Socio-cultural heritage (holidays and traditions).
4.3. Special facilities for food.
5. Program tourism resources.
5.1. Events (holidays).
5.2. Thematic resources (parks, etc., etc.).
6. Tourist formalities.
6.1. Visa.
6.2. Currency.
6.3. Customs.
7. Cities - tourist centers.
8. Map of the Netherlands.
Conclusion.
Bibliographic list.
Introduction
In the west of the Central European Plain, at the confluence of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt into the North Sea, there is a small state of the Netherlands, also known as "Holland". These names are quite close in meaning: "Netherlands" - "low-lying country", "Holland" - "a land that does not have a solid foundation under it." The name "Holland" essentially refers to only two western provinces(North and South Holland), which were the historical core of the state and still retain a leading role in its political, economic and cultural life. Bringing this name to the whole country is hardly justified. In all state documents, only the name "Netherlands" is accepted, which does not cause any discrepancies !!!
The Netherlands is famous for its abundance of inland waters. The area of the country, including the area of all rivers, lakes and canals, is 41.2 thousand square meters. km., and without water areas - 36.9 thousand sq. km. This small area is home to 14.56 million people. The borders of the Netherlands with Belgium and Germany run along the plains and are almost never connected with natural boundaries. Ethnic and linguistic differences in the border regions are equally not sharply expressed. On both sides of the Dutch-Belgian border live the Flemings, and in the north-west of Germany - small groups of Dutch and Frisians. The maritime borders of the Netherlands run along the shelf of the North Sea. This shallow basin rich in oil and gas is divided among Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium on the basis of equal distance from the nearest points on the coast. The Netherlands owns a significant area in the south and southwest of the shelf.
The Netherlands occupies an advantageous position at the crossroads of many European and intercontinental routes of communication. The country has direct access to the North Sea, which is used by cargo and passenger ships between Europe and America. The nodal transport and geographical position of the Netherlands contributed to the development on their territory of such giant international industrial and transport complexes as Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
The purpose of this work is to review the history, natural resources and tourism in the Netherlands.
The goal set led to the solution of the following tasks:
1. Consider general information about the country.
2. Consider the natural resources of the Netherlands.
3. Consider economic, cultural, historical and program tourism resources.
4. Consider travel formalities.
5. Consider the cities and tourist centers of the Netherlands.
6. Draw appropriate conclusions.
1. General information about the country.
1.1. Geographical position.
The Netherlands, or, informally, Holland, is a state in Western Europe, on the coast of the North Sea. Holland is only part of the country, now divided into two provinces. Despite this, in colloquial speech, this name has taken root.
The name of the country ("Low Lands") contains the main characteristic of its relief. About half of the territory (mainly in the western part) lies below sea level.
In the east, flat and gently undulating plains predominate; their height rarely reaches 50 m above sea level. In the south, the territory is crossed by the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt, forming a single delta, providing maritime transport with access to the hinterland of Europe. one
A strip of sand dunes stretches along the coast, then there are vast lowlands protected from flooding by dams and dams. In the sea, parallel to the shore, the West Frisian Islands stretch, representing an outer chain of dunes, partially flooded.
The name itself gives the most accurate idea of the location of this country ("neder" - lower, low, "landen" - land). The Kingdom of the Netherlands stretches along the coast of the North Sea and borders Germany in the east and Belgium in the south.
The Netherlands is famous all over the world for tulips, windmills and cheese. The country generously offers its residents and tourists a huge number of museums, parks, historical sites, sandy beaches, canals, flower fields, restaurants and cafes for every taste.
The Netherlands is also of particular interest to Russian tourists for its long-standing close historical and cultural ties with Russia, dating back to the time of Peter the Great, who literally fell in love with Holland, where he studied the art of shipbuilding.
1.2. Political structure
The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king (queen). The monarch appoints ministers and judges, has the right to dissolve parliament, and commands the country's armed forces.
Legislative power is exercised by the monarch and parliament - the bicameral Estates General. In the provinces - provincial states, headed by commissioners.
The capital of the country is Amsterdam, the seat of parliament and government is the city of The Hague. The day of the royal family is April 30 - the birthday of Beatrix's mother, Queen Juliana. 2
1.3. Story
The name Netherlands is translated as low-lying land. It first appeared in the XIV-XV centuries. to designate the lands near the North Sea, today part of: Holland, Belgium and Northern France, in the lower reaches of the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. Holland (formerly one of the counties that occupied part of the modern territory of the Netherlands) - means "wooded country", from the ancient Frisian holt ("tree") and land ("country, land"). 3
The territory of the Netherlands was inhabited already in the Neolithic period. In the second half of the 1st millennium BC. e. mainly Celtic tribes lived here, driven out by the Germans by the beginning of our era (Batavs, Frisians, Hamavs, Kanninefats).
In the 1st century BC e. part of the territory of the Netherlands was conquered by the Romans, which accelerated the cultural development of local tribes.
In III-IV AD. e. Franks (in the south) and Saxons (in the east) settled in the Netherlands, the north was occupied by the Frisians. With the formation of the Frankish state (5th century), the territory of the Netherlands became part of it. Among the tribes inhabiting the territory of the Netherlands, feudal orders and Christianity were forcibly planted.
Under the Treaty of Verdun (843), the territory of the Netherlands became part of the possessions of Lothair I, under the Treaty of Mersen (870), it became part of the East Frankish kingdom. 4
In the X-XI centuries. on the territory of the Netherlands, a number of feudal estates were formed (the counties of Holland, Geldernidr.), formally connected by vassal relations with the "Holy Roman Empire".
From the 12th century urban development begins. In the economy, along with handicraft production in the XIII - XIV centuries. the importance of fishing and shipping is growing. Already by the XIII century. a system of dams and dams is being created, which made it possible to develop the low-lying areas of the country that were swampy or flooded during floods (the name of the country in literal translation from Dutch means “lower land”).
The main economic rivals of this period were the Bishopric of Utrecht and the counties of Holland and Geldern. In the end, Geldern won the upper hand.
In the second half of the XIII century. begins the process of centralization of the country. The importance of Holland is growing (especially under Floris V, ruled 1256-1296) and the Counts of the Gennegau Avenach dynasty (1299-1354). Holland and Gennegau unite, West Frisia (1287) and most of Zeeland (1323) join. The Avenes competed with the counts of Flanders Dampiers - the allies of France, and focused on an alliance with England. This brought Holland into Hundred Years War (1337-1453). 5
In the 14th century, in the conditions of aggravated social tensions in Holland, Zeeland, Geldern, a regularly operating estate representation arose - the states.
In 1433, weakened by internal strife, Holland, and then a number of other feudal principalities of the Netherlands, were captured by the Dukes of Burgundy and became part of their state. With its collapse, the Netherlands became subordinate to the Habsburgs (1482), who completed in the 16th century, under Charles V, the annexation of those areas that had previously remained independent (Utrecht, Geldernidr.).
In 1548, the Habsburgs included all the annexed territories in a complex of lands of 17 provinces, called the Netherlands.
In 1556, after the division of the empire of Charles V, the Netherlands came under the rule of Spain.
In 1566, the bourgeois revolution that began was closely intertwined with the war of liberation against Spanish domination and took place under the banner of Calvinism (named after Calvin, one of the leaders of the Reformation).
In 1572-1575. As a result of the uprising, the Spaniards were expelled from the territory of the Netherlands.
In 1579, the political union of the northern provinces - the Union of Utrecht - laid the legal basis for the existence of an independent republic in the north of the Netherlands. In the south, the anti-Spanish movement was defeated.
In 1609, the protracted struggle for independence ended with the so-called. The twelve-year truce, by which Spain was forced, was to recognize the independence of the republic. The Netherlands became the first country where a victorious bourgeois revolution took place and where the first bourgeois republic in history arose. 6
In the 17th century the rapid economic development of the country and the growth of trade leads to the fact that navigation and shipbuilding are of great importance. Merchant fleet of the United provinces in the middle of the XVII century. almost twice the fleets of England and France combined and played a paramount role in the trade of the XVII century. The Netherlands, pushing the Portuguese and Spaniards, unfolding colonial expansion in Southeast Asia (the Malay Archipelago, Malacca, Ceylon, Guiana, the Lesser Antilles, etc.).
In 1602, the East India Company was founded, which played a huge role in the exploitation of the colonies and the trade in goods delivered from there.
In 1621, the West India Company was founded. Amsterdam becomes the most important economic center of the country (trade and stock exchanges existed here, and a deposit bank was founded in 1609. 7
The supreme power in the Republic belonged to the States General (in which delegates from the states of 7 provinces sat) and the Council of State. Along with these republican institutions, such a relic of the feudal monarchy as the position of a provincial stathouder (governor) was preserved. The statholders of most of the provinces were the princes of the House of Orange, and they were entrusted with the command of the army.
In 1621, the war with Spain resumed, which was layered on the all-European Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).
In 1648, the independence of the Republic of the United Provinces was finally recognized by the Peace of Westphalia.
In 1650, the party of the big Dutch bourgeoisie, headed by Jan de Witt, managed to completely seize power in the country and abolish the position of stathouder.
In the 1650s England begins wars with the Netherlands for colonial, commercial and maritime dominance. The result of these wars was the weakening of the military and political power of the Netherlands, limiting their commercial and colonial expansion. This was also facilitated by the wars with France in late XVII century, in which the Netherlands acted in coalitions with other European powers. eight
In 1672, in the midst of military failures and popular uprisings, the Orangemen restored the power of the stadtholder. Stathauder William III of Orange, who became King of England in 1689 and thus brought about the Anglo-Dutch Union (1689-1702), pursued a pro-English policy. Despite the fact that after his death the position of statholder was again abolished by the Estates General, in the 18th century. there has been a decline in the development of trade and industry in the Netherlands.
In the XVIII century. in the face of military defeats (1747-1748 - the war of the Austrian inheritance, 1780-1784 - a new war with Great Britain), the position of the stadtholder was restored (1747). They became William V (1766-1795). After Wilhelm V dragged the Netherlands into the First Anti-French Coalition in 1793, revolutionary France declared war on the Netherlands. The entry of French troops into the Netherlands in 1795 put an end to the Republic of the United Provinces. nine
In 1795-1813, during the period of French domination, the Batavian Republic, dependent on France, was first organized, and then (1806, after the proclamation of the French empire), the Kingdom of Holland was created, headed by Napoleon I's brother Louis Bonaparte. During these years, bourgeois reforms were carried out: the abolition of almost all feudal rights and obligations, the elimination of the guild system, the centralization of administration, the introduction of a unified tax system, a secular school, civil and criminal codes.
In 1814-1815, after the expulsion of the French. The Congress of Vienna forcibly united the Netherlands and Belgium into a single Kingdom of the Netherlands.
In 1830, Belgium seceded from the Netherlands as a result of a revolution.
In 1831-1833. in the war against Belgium, the Netherlands unsuccessfully tried to restore the previous position. Relations with independent Belgium were settled only in 1839.
In 1824, the Netherlands Trading Company was established, which received the exclusive right to export colonial goods (coffee, sugar, indigo, spices) from Indonesia.
In 1839 the first railway was built.
In 1848, a new constitution was adopted, which established the responsibility of the government to the States General, introduced direct elections to the lower house and the election of members of the upper house by the provincial states. At this time, the rapid growth of the industry continues.
In the 1860-80s. the state takes over the construction of railways, the Amsterdam-North Sea canal is being built, and the New Waterway Rotterdam-North Sea is being opened. Rotterdam is turning into the most important transit port, the sea gate for Germany.
In the 1870s - early XX century. as a result of the industrial revolution, the most important industries - shipbuilding, textile and food - are being modernized. Monopolies appear: the Royal Oil Company for the exploitation of oil sources in the Netherlands Indies, which merged in 1907 with the English oil company Shell into the international concern Royal Dutch-Shell; firm "Philips" (production of electric lamps, etc.). Agriculture begins to focus on exports, a dairy and dairy industry is being created. During this time, exports increase by 14 times, imports by 9 times, and transit by 13 times. The length of the railways increased 3 times, foreign investments in the economy, for example, in 1907 reached a gigantic amount of three billion guilders. ten
In 1887, a new constitution was adopted, which liberalized the property electoral qualification.
At the beginning of the XX century. the first trade unions and associations of workers arise, fighting for their economic rights.
In the First World War, the Netherlands remained neutral, preferring to carry out industrial supplies to the warring countries. However, in 1916-1919. as a result of the blockade and hostilities, maritime traffic ceased, ties with Indonesia were interrupted, the cost of living in the Netherlands almost doubled, and cards were introduced for basic necessities. This period was marked by strikes of miners, textile workers, dock workers, sailors. In July 1917 Potato riot broke out in Amsterdam.
In the post-war period, in the conditions of a stabilized economic situation, new industries emerged (production of radio equipment, oil refining, etc.), the General Union for the Production of Artificial Silk (1927), the Anglo-Dutch margarine concern Unilever were formed, work began on draining the Zuider -See (1920). eleven
In the 1930s Against the backdrop of the global economic crisis, which also hit the Netherlands, exports and imports decreased by 2 times, the guilder was devalued by 20%.
With the outbreak of World War II, the government of the Netherlands declared neutrality, but on May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany attacked the Netherlands and on May 14 the country was forced to capitulate. Queen Wilhelmina and the government emigrated to Britain. In the occupied Netherlands, a Nazi government was introduced, headed by the Reichskommissar A. Seyss-Inquart.
In 1945, the Allied forces liberate the Netherlands.
In 1948, the unification of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg into the Benelux customs union, which began in 1944, was completed.
After World War II, the collapse of the Dutch colonial empire began. In August 1945, Indonesia declared its independence. The Netherlands, with the support of the United States and England, tried to restore their dominance, but failed. In 1947, under the Lingajad Agreement, the Netherlands recognized the government of the Indonesian Republic. Created by the decision of the "Round Table" conference in 1949, the Netherlands-Indonesian Union was dissolved by Indonesia in 1954. By 1974, Surinam (Netherlands Guiana) and the Netherlands Antilles remained in the colonial possessions of the Netherlands. 12
In the postwar years, the Netherlands quickly reach the previous level of production, foreign trade is reoriented to Western European countries. The government pursues a protectionist policy towards the largest monopolies, encouraging their development: Unilever, Philips, Royal Dutch-Shell.
In 1949 the Netherlands joins NATO. Foreign military bases appear on the territory of the country.
In 1954 the Netherlands join NATO.
In 1958, the economic union of the Benelux countries was created.
In 1975, Netherlands Guinea became an independent state - the Republic of Suriname.
In 1980, after the abdication of Juliana, her daughter Beatrice became Queen of the Netherlands. fourteen
1.4. People.
About 15.5 million people live in the Netherlands. 80% of the population is concentrated in cities, most in the Randstad industrial area, which includes Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The population density in the Netherlands is one of the highest in Europe: it reaches 463 people per 1 sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: in addition to the Dutch, 600 thousand Frisians, 150 thousand Surinamese, 220 thousand Turks, 165 thousand Moroccans, 20 thousand Belgians, about 50 thousand British and Germans. The official language is Dutch (Dutch). fifteen
1.5. Religion and languages
Main religions: Catholicism, Protestantism.
The royal family and about 20% of the population of the Netherlands identify themselves as Protestants (Calvinists). More than 25% of the population, mostly living in the southeastern provinces of the Netherlands, belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
Religious differences have a spatial and geographical expression: in the south of the country mainly Catholics live, and in the southwest and northeast - Protestants. Officially, freedom of conscience was proclaimed in 1795, but in fact the Dutch Reformed Church remained an important political force throughout the 19th century. Religious strife still affects political parties, schools, trade unions, employers' unions and newspapers. Radio and television stations, sports associations and recreation clubs are organized on an ideological or religious basis. In the 20th century the number of mixed marriages between people of different faiths, contrary to expectations, has not increased, but decreased, and even acquaintances and spending time together often depend on religious beliefs.
A separate group is that part of the population that stands apart from religious associations (especially those who share socialist or liberal views). sixteen
The official language is Dutch, but approximately 90% of the population speaks Papiamento, a dialect that is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English. More often referred to as Dutch, and historically - Flemish. It belongs to the Germanic language group. In the northern province of Friesland, the Frisian language is also widespread, very similar to Dutch. Spanish and English are widely used, especially in Willemstad.
In addition, in Holland, English, French and German are well understood. English is known to literally the entire population of the country.
1 Maksakovskiy V.P. Geographical picture of the world. - Yaroslavl: - 1995.
2 The whole world: countries, flags, coats of arms. - Minsk: Harvest, 1999.
3 Busygin A. V., "Netherlands", Thought, Moscow 1988.
4 Brief geographical guide "Countries and peoples". M.: - 1992
6 Scientific - popular geographic and ethnographic publication "Countries and peoples", M .: - 1992.
7 Maksakovskiy V.P. Geographical picture of the world. - Yaroslavl: - 1995.
8 Scientific - popular geographic and ethnographic publication "Countries and peoples", M .: - 1992.
9 Busygin A. V., "Netherlands", Thought, Moscow 1988.
10 Brief geographical guide "Countries and peoples", M .: - 1992
11 Great Soviet Encyclopedia.
12 Small Atlas of the World 1997
13 Busygin A.V. The conquering sea: about the Dutch and Holland. - M: Thought, 1990.
14 Great Soviet Encyclopedia.
15 The whole world: countries, flags, emblems. - Minsk: Harvest, 1999.
16 Brief geographical guide "Countries and peoples". M.: - 1992
2. Natural resources.
2.1 Nature and environment in the Netherlands.
The interest of the population of the Netherlands in nature and the environment began to manifest itself in the seventies. Environmental awareness received a strong impetus after the publication of the report of the Club of Rome under the heading "The Limits to Growth". It, in particular, predicted the depletion of oil and gas resources. This report has had a great impact on how we handle our energy needs today, how we treat the balance between human activity and the environment.
In a country as densely populated as the Netherlands, it is very important to protect special natural areas. Therefore, the state buys and manages especially valuable natural areas. In addition, it provides financial assistance to private entities for the acquisition and management of such zones. More and more farmers, individually and in groups, conclude agreements with the state. They assume responsibility for the protection of nature on their own land or on land administered by a nature protection organization. In 1990, by adopting an environmental management plan from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Food Control, the state demonstrated its determination to return nature in the Netherlands to its rightful place. Of great importance here is the Basic Ecological Structure, a network of interconnected natural zones. This network of natural zones should provide guarantees for the existence of plants and animals in the future. The goal for 2018 is to achieve a total natural area of 700,000 hectares (NB: the total area of the Netherlands is 41,528 km2). one
There are currently 19 diverse national parks in the Netherlands, from the water-rich Biesbosch to the sand dunes in the dunes of Loon and Drunen (Loonse en Drunense duinen). A special place among the national parks is occupied by one of the West Frisian Islands, Schiermonnikoog. The oldest national parks are Hoge Veluwe and Veluwezoom. 2
Due to the increase in population density, strong industrialization, the growth in the number of cars and the intensification of agriculture, including horticulture, environmental problems are more acute in the Netherlands than in other European countries. Most of these problems are solved by technical means, the use of which is at a higher level than the European Union (EU) average. Thanks to the environmental protection policy, the burden on the environment is either reduced (in terms of air, water and soil pollution) or stabilized (in terms of greenhouse effect and noise levels). Increasingly, we have to state that environmental pollution is not a problem of only one country. Large European rivers carry pollutants from other European countries in their waters, and air pollution does not stop at state borders. Certain problems associated with clean air even have a worldwide scope, such as ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect. Therefore, pan-European policy is playing an increasingly important role in solving large-scale environmental problems.
2.2. Climate.
The climate in the Netherlands is temperate maritime, with pleasant summers and mild winters. Guests of this country need to be aware of the possibility of short-term precipitation and do not forget to take an umbrella and a raincoat with you. Sometimes winter can bring you dry cold and sunshine, but such weather always alternates with rainy and foggy periods. In summer, sunny weather is not guaranteed, but it can be hot. The temperature depends on the location above sea level. 3
2.3. Relief.
Currently, more than half of the country's territory (33.9 thousand square kilometers) is located below sea level, including almost all western lands - from the province of Zeeland in the southwest to the province of Groningen in the northeast. The Dutch began to conquer most of them from the sea as early as the 13th century. and managed to turn into productive arable land. Areas of swamps and shallow waters were fenced off with dams, water was pumped out first with the help of windmills, and later with steam and electric pumps. The levels of the country's major rivers in their lower reaches are often located above the surrounding interfluves, composed of loose sediments, and coastal ramparts, which are strengthened by dams, are natural protection against floods. From a bird's eye view, the drained areas, called polders, are a complex mosaic with numerous ditches and channels dividing the fields and providing runoff. 4
Since 1927, a major hydrotechnical project began in the Netherlands to drain the Zuider Zee. By 1932, the construction of the main dam, 29 km long, was completed, which crossed this bay in the section between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. In the next five years, above this dam, a freshwater lake IJsselmeer was formed, which was planned to be drained. First of all, the Wieringermeer polder was created in the northwest, then the Urkerland in the northeast. In the same way, the territories of East and South Flevoland were drained. In the late 1980s, the drainage of Markervärd was completed. After the completion of the project, over 60% of the original area of the IJsselmeer will be reclaimed from the sea. 5
Another project called "Delta", completed in 1986, was intended mainly to protect the outer parts of the Rhine and Meuse delta with numerous islands from floods. This project gained particular importance after the catastrophe of 1953, when coastal dikes were destroyed during a storm in the North Sea and most of the delta lowlands were flooded. In the course of the project, all branches of the delta were blocked by dams that connected the islands. The only exception was the Eastern Scheldt branch, along which the sea route to the port of Antwerp (Belgium) passes. Currently, the Netherlands is considering the construction of dams between the West Frisian Islands, which border the northern coast of the country. At the same time, the shallow Wadden Sea (Wadden Sea), which stretches between these islands and the mainland, will also be drained. 6
In the 1990s, the strategy of hydrotechnical and land reclamation work, which had a thousand-year history, changed significantly. Now it is planned to turn about 240 thousand hectares, or about 1/10 of all agricultural land in the country, into forests, meadows and lakes in order to protect the environment. 7
A significant part of the territory of the Netherlands is located above sea level. These are sandy coastal dunes, flat and slightly hilly plains mainly in the east and south of the country, as well as a chalk plateau dissected by deep river valleys in the extreme southeast. Here is the highest point in the country, Mount Walserberg (321 m above sea level).
2.4. Vegetable world.
Fertile silty soils of marshes (polders) are developed in the coastal zone, and alluvial-meadow soils along the river valleys. More than 70% of the country is occupied by cultural landscapes (settlements, sown meadows, arable land, etc.). The abundance of berry bushes and flowering plants is characteristic. Oak-birch forests grow on sandy hills, alternating with moors and swamps. On the wastelands there are thickets of shrubs (gorse, juniper, broom).
Forests (of oak, beech, ash with an admixture of yew) are represented by separate groves and cover (together with planted forests and roadside forest belts) no more than 7% of the Netherlands. In sandy areas, heathlands with shrubs are common, on the dunes - pine forests and thickets of sea buckthorn, along the banks of the branches of large rivers - willows. The Netherlands is called the "glass garden of Europe": more than 800 species of tulips, asters, hyacinths are grown in greenhouses here. eight
2.5. Animal world.
The fauna of the Netherlands is poor. Wild rabbits, squirrels, hare, marten, polecat, roe deer are widespread. There are about 180 species of birds in the country. In the delta of the Rhine and Meuse there are protected areas for the mass wintering of waterfowl (geese, geese, gulls, waders, etc.). The North Sea is rich in fish (herring, mackerel, cod). There are 8 reserves in the country. nine
2.6. National parks and reserves in Aruba (Netherlands).
Even on the map you can see that Aruba is a tiny island. But, nevertheless, here, on this piece of land, almost 20% of the territory is given over to a nature protection zone. The real gem of the island is the Arikok National Park, which occupies a huge area by local standards on the northern, windward coast, around the mountains of Arikok and Hamanota. A huge range of natural and historical attractions can be found in the park - Arawak petroglyphs in Fontaine Cave, Dutch colonial settlements in Masiduri, an old plantation building in Prince Valley and the ruins of gold mines in Miralamar. Along the slopes of Hamanota and Arikok stretches a whole network of beautiful hiking trails, going right through thickets of unusual plants, like quihi and divi-divi trees, and beautiful landscapes. The park is perhaps the most diverse animal community on the island. ten
Introduction 3
1. General information about the country. 5
1.1. Geographical position. 5
1.2. Political structure _ 6
1.3. History_ 6
1.4. People. thirteen
1.5. Religion and languages_ 13
2. Natural resources. sixteen
2.1 Nature and Environment Netherlands. sixteen
2.2. Climate. 17
2.3. Relief. eighteen
2.4. Vegetable world. 20
2.5. Animal world. 20
2.6. National parks and nature reserves in Aruba (Netherlands). 20
3. Economic resources. 22
3.1. Transport. 22
3.2. Accommodation facilities (hotels). 23
3.3. Entertainment industry (clubs, parties). 23
3.4. Other entertainment (concerts, festivals). 24
4. Cultural - historical resources. 26
4.1. Monuments of secular architecture. 26
4.2. Socio-cultural heritage (holidays and traditions). 28
4.3. Special facilities for food. 29
5. Program tourism resources. 31
5.1. Events (holidays). 31
5.2. Thematic resources (parks, etc., etc.). 32
6. Tourist formalities. 33
6.1. Visa. 33
6.2. Currency. 33
6.3. Customs. 34
7. Cities - tourist centers. 35
8. Map of the Netherlands. 38
Conclusion. 39
Bibliographic list. 41
Introduction
In the west of the Central European Plain, at the confluence of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt in the North Sea, is located small state The Netherlands, also known as Holland. These names are quite close in meaning: "Netherlands" - "low-lying country", "Holland" - "a land that does not have a solid foundation under it." The name "Holland" essentially refers only to the two western provinces (North and South Holland), which were the historical core of the state and still retain a leading role in its political, economic and cultural life. Bringing this name to the whole country is hardly justified. In all state documents, only the name "Netherlands" is accepted, which does not cause any discrepancies !!!
The Netherlands is famous for its abundance of inland waters. The area of the country, including the area of all rivers, lakes and canals, is 41.2 thousand square meters. km., and without water areas - 36.9 thousand sq. km. This small area is home to 14.56 million people. The borders of the Netherlands with Belgium and Germany run along the plains and are almost never connected with natural boundaries. Ethnic and linguistic differences in the border regions are equally not sharply expressed. On both sides of the Dutch-Belgian border live the Flemings, and in the north-west of Germany - small groups of Dutch and Frisians. maritime borders Netherlands pass along the shelf of the North Sea. This shallow basin rich in oil and gas is divided among Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium on the basis of equal distance from the nearest points on the coast. The Netherlands owns a significant area in the south and southwest of the shelf.
Netherlands occupied vantage point at the crossroads of many European and intercontinental routes of communication. The country has direct access to the North Sea, which is used by cargo and passenger ships between Europe and America. The nodal transport and geographical position of the Netherlands contributed to the development on their territory of such giant international industrial and transport complexes as Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
The purpose of this work is to review the history, natural resources and tourism in the Netherlands.
The goal set led to the solution of the following tasks:
1. Consider general information about the country.
2. Consider the natural resources of the Netherlands.
3. Consider economic, cultural, historical and program tourism resources.
4. Consider travel formalities.
5. Consider the cities and tourist centers of the Netherlands.
6. Draw appropriate conclusions.
1. General information about the country.
1.1. Geographical position.
The Netherlands, or, informally, Holland, is a state in Western Europe, on the coast of the North Sea. Holland is only part of the country, now divided into two provinces. Despite this, in colloquial speech this name stuck.
The name of the country ("Low Lands") contains the main characteristic of its relief. About half of the territory (mainly in the western part) lies below sea level.
In the east, flat and gently undulating plains predominate; their height rarely reaches 50 m above sea level. In the south, the territory is crossed by the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt, forming a single delta, providing maritime transport with access to the hinterland of Europe. one
A strip of sand dunes stretches along the coast, then there are vast lowlands protected from flooding by dams and dams. In the sea, parallel to the shore, the West Frisian Islands stretch, representing an outer chain of dunes, partially flooded.
The name itself gives the most accurate idea of the location of this country ("neder" - lower, low, "landen" - land). The Kingdom of the Netherlands stretches along the coast of the North Sea and borders Germany in the east and Belgium in the south.
The Netherlands is famous all over the world for tulips, windmills and cheese. The country generously offers its residents and tourists a huge number of museums, parks, historical sites, sandy beaches, canals, flower fields, restaurants and cafes for every taste.
The Netherlands is also of particular interest to Russian tourists with its long-standing close historical and cultural ties with Russia, dating back to the time of Peter the Great, who literally fell in love with Holland, where he studied the art of shipbuilding.
1.2. Political structure
The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king (queen). The monarch appoints ministers and judges, has the right to dissolve parliament, and commands the country's armed forces.
Legislative power is exercised by the monarch and parliament - the bicameral Estates General. In the provinces - provincial states, headed by commissioners.
The capital of the country is Amsterdam, the seat of parliament and government is the city of The Hague. The day of the royal family is April 30 - the birthday of Beatrix's mother, Queen Juliana. 2
1.3. Story
The name Netherlands is translated as low-lying land. It first appeared in the XIV-XV centuries. to designate the lands near the North Sea, today part of: Holland, Belgium and Northern France, in the lower reaches of the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. Holland (formerly one of the counties that occupied part of the modern territory of the Netherlands) - means "wooded country", from the ancient Frisian holt ("tree") and land ("country, land"). 3
The territory of the Netherlands was inhabited already in the Neolithic period. In the second half of the 1st millennium BC. e. mainly Celtic tribes lived here, driven out by the Germans by the beginning of our era (Batavs, Frisians, Hamavs, Kanninefats).
In the 1st century BC e. part of the territory of the Netherlands was conquered by the Romans, which accelerated cultural development local tribes.
In III-IV AD. e. Franks (in the south) and Saxons (in the east) settled in the Netherlands, the north was occupied by the Frisians. With the formation of the Frankish state (5th century), the territory of the Netherlands became part of it. Among the tribes inhabiting the territory of the Netherlands, feudal orders and Christianity were forcibly planted.
By Treaty of Verdun(843) the territory of the Netherlands became part of the possessions of Lothair I, according to the Treaty of Mersen (870) - part of the East Frankish kingdom. 4
In the X-XI centuries. on the territory of the Netherlands, a number of feudal estates were formed (the counties of Holland, Geldernidr.), formally connected by vassal relations with the "Holy Roman Empire".
From the 12th century urban development begins. In the economy, along with handicraft production in the XIII - XIV centuries. the importance of fishing and shipping is growing. Already by the XIII century. a system of dams and dikes is being created, which made it possible to develop the low-lying areas of the country that were swampy or flooded during floods (the name of the country in literal translation from Dutch means "lower land").
The main economic rivals of this period were the Bishopric of Utrecht and the counties of Holland and Geldern. In the end, Geldern won the upper hand.
In the second half of the XIII century. begins the process of centralization of the country. The importance of Holland is growing (especially under Floris V, ruled 1256-1296) and the Counts of the Gennegau Avenach dynasty (1299-1354). Holland and Gennegau unite, West Frisia (1287) and most of Zeeland (1323) join. The Avenes competed with the counts of Flanders Dampiers - the allies of France, and focused on an alliance with England. This involved Holland in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). 5
In the 14th century, in the conditions of aggravated social tensions in Holland, Zeeland, Geldern, a regularly operating estate representation arose - the states.
In 1433, weakened by internal strife, Holland, and then a number of other feudal principalities of the Netherlands, were captured by the Dukes of Burgundy and became part of their state. With its collapse, the Netherlands became subordinate to the Habsburgs (1482), who completed in the 16th century, under Charles V, the annexation of those areas that had previously remained independent (Utrecht, Geldernidr.).
In 1548, the Habsburgs included all the annexed territories in a complex of lands of 17 provinces, called the Netherlands.
In 1556, after the division of the empire of Charles V, the Netherlands came under the rule of Spain.
In 1566, the bourgeois revolution that began was closely intertwined with the war of liberation against Spanish domination and took place under the banner of Calvinism (named after Calvin, one of the leaders of the Reformation).
In 1572-1575. As a result of the uprising, the Spaniards were expelled from the territory of the Netherlands.
In 1579, the political union of the northern provinces - Union of Utrecht- laid legal basis the existence of an independent republic in the north of the Netherlands. In the south, the anti-Spanish movement was defeated.
Natural resources
In the northeast of the Netherlands at this time, subsidence reached largest sizes, and powerful sedimentary strata have accumulated there, with which deposits of rock salt are associated. Accumulations of natural gas in the same part of the country, apparently, are associated with coals and bituminous shales of carboniferous marine deltaic fractions, from there the gas penetrated into the overlying strata and was stopped by their salt roof. This barrier has ensured the safety of large accumulations of natural gas. There are relatively few oil deposits.
Almost all of the natural resources of the Netherlands are used in industry. Salt, limestone, peat, and sand are mined in small quantities. Gas production began in 1950. His general reserves exceed 2,100 billion cubic meters, 70 billion cubic meters are produced annually, half of which is exported to France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and Belgium. Until 1950, more than 12 million tons of coal were mined annually in the Netherlands, but after 25 years all mines in the country were closed.
Economy of the Netherlands
To better understand the economy of this country, I propose to consider the advantages and disadvantages.
Benefits: Highly skilled and multilingual workforce. Excellent infrastructure. equal relationship between workers and employers. Expensive social system with high taxes and social insurance payments. A third of government revenue goes to social benefits. High payroll costs. Low inflation - as of April 2014, it amounted to 2.4%. The unemployment rate as of August 2015 is 8.1%.
Weak sides: an aging population. About 50% of the resources are owned by transnational corporations such as Philips and Shell. economy geographical netherlands natural
The Netherlands has a modern highly developed post-industrial economy. The most important industries of the country:
- Mechanical engineering
- · Electronics
- · Petrochemistry
- Aircraft industry
- shipbuilding
- · Ferrous metallurgy
- · Textile industry
- · Furniture industry
- Pulp and paper industry
- · Beer production
- · Manufacture of wearing apparel.
Heavy industry - oil refining, chemical production, ferrous metallurgy and engineering are concentrated in coastal areas. There are wind farms on the sea coast. The production of chocolate, cigars, gin, and beer is also developed. A well-known industry, despite its modest scale, is diamond processing in Amsterdam.
The Netherlands is home to the headquarters and production facilities of such transnational and European companies as Royal Dutch/Shell, Unilever, Royal Philips Electronics.
The Dutch banking system is represented by such banks as ABN AMRO, ING Groep N.V. and Rabobank.
In 2002, the Netherlands introduced the common European currency, the euro, replacing the guilder with it.
Main imports: oil, automobiles, iron and steel, clothing, non-ferrous metals, food products, various transport equipment.
Main exports: chemical products, meat, greenhouse vegetables, flowers, natural gas, metal products.
The main trading partners of the country in terms of exports: Germany (25%), Belgium (12.4%), Great Britain (10.1%), France (9.9%), Italy (6%), USA (4.3%) ; import: Germany (17.9%), Belgium (9.9%), USA (7.9%), China (7.4%), UK (6.4%), France (4%) -- 2004.
In the extractive industry importance has natural gas. Pipelines distribute gas from Groningen throughout the country and for export. In terms of the reserves of this mineral, the Netherlands ranks first in Western Europe. Until 1975, coal was mined in the province of Limburg. Salt mines operated in the cities of Hangelo and Delfzijl with a production volume of 4 million tons per year. Natural gas reserves are estimated at 17 billion m 3 according to UN data for 2014. Oil is being produced on the Dutch part of the continental shelf.
Flat relief creates favorable conditions for the development of the road network, but a large number of rivers and canals creates certain difficulties and risks in road construction.
- · The total length of the railway network is 2,753 kilometers (of which 68% are electrified - 1,897 kilometers).
- · The total length of highways is 111,891 km.
- · The total length of navigable rivers and canals is 5052 km.
Ocean shipping also plays an important role in the country's economy. Rotterdam is one of the largest seaports in the world in terms of cargo turnover. The Netherlands processes a significant part of European cargo flows.
KLM operates many international routes. The government is constantly fighting traffic jams. This makes traveling around the Netherlands faster and more comfortable. In 2010, there were 640 deaths due to road traffic accidents, which is 11% less than in 2009. By 2020, the government plans to necessary measures to bring the number of road deaths down to 500.
Agriculture in the Netherlands is a highly intensive and significant sector of the economy, although in 2005 only about 1.0% of the country's population was employed in it. In 2005, agricultural exports exceeded 17 billion euros (more than 6% of the country's merchandise exports), about 80% of exports are consumed by the EU countries (Germany - 25%, Great Britain - 12%). The structure of agricultural exports is dominated by vegetables and flowers (12 billion euros) and dairy products (5 billion euros).
Agricultural land occupies about 65% of the country's territory. About 27% of agricultural land is arable, 32% is pasture and 9% is forested. The share of pastures is continuously falling, from 1995 to 2015 these lands decreased by 8.5%, which is mainly due to the expansion of housing construction.
The soil in the Netherlands is carefully looked after, in addition, in 2010, the country ranked first in the world in terms of the amount of mineral fertilizers applied per 1 hectare. The area of land irrigated for agricultural needs is 5,650 km2 as of 2013.
Floriculture predominates in some parts of the country. Potatoes, sugar beets and cereals are also grown. An important export item is high-quality greenhouse and canned vegetables.
The Netherlands ranks fifth in Europe in butter production and fourth in cheese production. Pasture animal husbandry is the most widespread, more than 4.5 million head of cattle graze on napolders.
In terms of area allocated for greenhouses, the Netherlands ranks first in the world. From 1994 to 2005, the area of greenhouses increased from 13,000 to 15,000 hectares, and the greenhouses are usually heated with local natural gas. 60% of the protected ground is reserved for floriculture.
