The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a country located in northwestern Europe. Its name, “Netherlands,” translates to “low-lying country,” reflecting its unique geographical characteristics. The country is renowned for its distinctive landscape, marked by extensive lakes, rivers, and canals. Out of its 12 provinces, two still bear the name Holland: Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch, and its capital city is Amsterdam, while its seat of government is The Hague. With a estimated population of 17,975,000 in 2023, the Netherlands is a small yet vibrant nation. Its rich history is entwined with its remarkable feats in water management, as vast areas of its land have been reclaimed from the sea or drained and made into polders. The country’s flat terrain and windmills, including the famous network at Kinderdijk-Elshout, are iconic symbols of the Netherlands. Furthermore, the kingdom includes former colonies in the Lesser Antilles: Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten. Overall, the Netherlands combines a wealth of natural beauty, impressive engineering accomplishments, and a dynamic cultural heritage that makes it a fascinating country to explore.