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The Netherlands
is a small country in the western part of Europe.
On about 42.000 sq km there is a population of almost
16 million people.
The Netherlands has been a kingdom since 1815 and
has been reigned by Queen
Beatrix for more than 25 years. The Queen and
the Government do not reside in the Capital City
of Amsterdam but in The Hague.
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The Climate
The outside temperature
during February and the beginning of March in the Netherlands
is very likely to be cold with rain. There is also a possibility
of freezing temperatures but in general temperature is above
zero degrees. The months of January and February are the
best for natural ice.
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Currency and Credit Cards
All major credit cards
are accepted in the Netherlands. The currency is the Euro
(€), which one is almost 0,9 US Dollar.
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Protection
against the water
Almost 80% of the country lies
well below sea level. The dunes along the sea-side
and the dikes along the rivers protect the Dutchmen
against the water. There has been a long tradition
of constructing dikes and building windmills to keep
the area dry.
After a big inundation in the fifties many constructions
have been built in the South Western part of the country.
These 'Delta Werken' are famous and attract many visitors
each year.
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The dunes
'Delta werken'
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Our Language
The language in the Netherlands is
Dutch. Ever since the Middle Ages the Dutch have travelled
and traded around the world and as a result many of them
speak other languages, especially English.
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Main Port
As the western part of the Netherlands
borders on the North Sea side there is a lot of transportation
to other countries especially to Germany. The main port
Rotterdam has a central position in these activities. |
Export
Main activities
in the Netherlands are agriculture and industry. Fruits
and vegetables are important export products. Industrial
activities on ago products, metal and engineering products,
electric machinery and equipment, chemicals and oil products
also have the aim of exportation.
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Universities
The Netherlands
have had a long tradition of universities. The University
of Leiden is the oldest university in the country (founded
in 1575). Delft Technical University is well known over
the world for Civil Engineering, Chemical and Physical Engineering.
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Bicycle
Although the Netherlands are
a small country a well organised public transport
as well inside as outside the cities is available.
Next to this a bicylce is an often used vehicle.
Almost every Dutchman has one so there are millions
of bicycle in the Netherlands.
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Bicycle
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Skating
Skating is a very popular activity
in the Netherlands. Almost every big city has an ice
rink. If the temperature drops below zero during the
winter there is ice on lakes and canals. When this
is strong enough many millions of people are going
out for skating.
In the northern part of the Netherlands some times
a one day competition is organised for speed skaters
over 200 km along 11 cities (De
Elfstedentocht).
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Elfstedentocht |
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