Netherlands

Flower fields, windmills, famous Dutch cheese, the art of van Gogh – all these clichés are firmly stuck to "the freest country in Europe" the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located in the Western part of the North sea coast and on several Islands of the Caribbean.

Amsterdam is the capital of Netherland it is situated in northwestern part of the country on coast of Ijsselmeer bay where it receives waters of the Amstel River. In addition city is connected with the North Sea and river Rhine via dedicated canals. Amsterdam is called “the Dutch Venice” because of amount of canals in the city.

Rotterdam is second largest city in Netherlands. It is located at the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas River in the South Holland province. In addition it is large mechanical engineering center and the biggest port of Europe and to 2004 was the world’s biggest port.

The country lies in the zone of temperate climate however local weather conditions are influenced by closeness to the North Sea and plain relief. Quarter of territory of Netherlands is below the sea level. In general summers there are warm and rainy while winters are mild yet wet and windy.

Netherlands is the most populous country in the Europe except some smallest states. It also has dense river net. Most of the country lies on coastal lowlands. Almost half of its territory is lower than sea level. Only in south eastern part of the country there are some higher grounds. Significant portion of territory of the country was added by drying marshes and coastal waters.

Netherlands is wonderful country in many aspects. It is located on coast of the North Sea in Western Europe. It has plain relief with plenty of rivers and low hills in south-eastern corner of the country. Due to such features of relief air masses travel across the country without any obstacles.