The Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small country in the western part of Europe. On about 42.000 sq km there is a population of more than 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.
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.
Currency and Credit Cards
All major credit cards are accepted in the Netherlands. The currency is the Euro (€), which one is almost 1,48 US Dollar.
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.
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.
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 agro products, metal and engineering products, electric machinery and equipment, chemicals and oil products also have the aim of exportation.
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.
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.
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).
The Hague (ISU) – Kanako Murakami of Japan skated off with the gold medal at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships 2010. Agnes Zawadzki (USA) surged from eighth to snatch the silver medal and Russia’s Polina Agafonova claimed the bronze. All three medalists debuted at the ISU World Junior Figure Skating Championships.
The Hague (KNSB) – Russia’s Elena Ilinykh/Nikita Katsalapov danced to the gold medal in what was a high-level Ice Dance competition. Canadians Alexandra Paul/Mitchell Islam took the silver medal and Ksenia Monko/Kirill Khaliavin of Russia captured the bronze. All three couples debuted at the ISU World Junior Championships.
