Traditionally, the North-Western region of The Netherlands has been known as Holland. In the 17th century, Holland's merchant navy dominated the trade routes between the East and the West. The traders brought prosperity to Noord-Holland, making it attractive to scholars, artists and investors. This tradition is very much alive today.
FACTS AND FIGURES NOORD-HOLLAND
| Capital | Haarlem |
| Population | 2016 2.813.466 |
| Number of inhabitants p/km2 | 1.053 |
| Number of municipalities | 48 |
| Gross regional product | € 141.784 million |
| Total working population | 1.487.800 |
| Total number of companies | 302.690 |
| Sister state relationships | Province of Shanglong (PRC) |
THE PROVINCE OF NOORD-HOLLAND
A TRUE TASTE OF THE NETHERLANDS
The Province of Noord-Holland attracts millions of tourists each year. Traditional sights include the windmills, the tulip fields and the canals of Amsterdam. Returning visitors discover there is much more to explore and enjoy, not just in Amsterdam, but also in the many towns and villages across Noord-Holland, like Volendam.
Classical highlights for tourists are the Rijksmuseum with its 17th century masterpieces and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
But many visitors venture beyond the capital. They visit the delightful towns of Haarlem, Hoorn and Alkmaar -
to name but a few. Each of these towns has its own historic center and its own delights of art and architecture.
More and more tourists discover that the bicycles they find so handy in the city can also be used to explore
the countryside. Along most roads, separate bicycle lanes connect the towns and villages.
MOST ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY
in Western Europe for foreign companies to establish a business:
1. The Netherlands
2. Italy
3. France
4. United Kingdom
5. Germany
Source: Competitive Alternatives 2016 Edition, KPMG’s guide to international business co.
THE NETHERLANDS FACTS AND FIGURES
| Official name | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Form of government | Constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy |
| Head of State | King Willem-Alexander of Orange-Nassau |
| Capital | Amsterdam |
| Seat of government | The Hague |
| Administrative regions | Twelve, including the province of Noord-Holland |
| Currency | Euro |
| Location | Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, Belgium and Germany |
| Largest cities | Amsterdam (834,713) Rotterdam (623,625) The Hague (523,864) |
| Natural Resources | Natural gas, petroleum, peat, limestone, salt, sand and gravel, arable land |
| Population | 16,979,120 |
| Languages | Dutch (official) |
