The Netherlands' Economy
The Netherlands at a Glance
An overview of the Netherlands, a country of about 18 million people with one of the world's most open economies, and its trading, farming and technology strengths.
The Netherlands is a small country of about 18 million people.
A trading nation
- Exports and imports are larger than its GDP.
- It’s a gateway to Europe for goods.
Strengths
- Logistics: Rotterdam port and Schiphol airport.
- Agriculture: the world’s second largest farm exporter by value.
- Technology: ASML and Philips.
- Finance and multinational headquarters.
Low-lying
About a quarter of the country lies below sea level, protected by dikes.
High income
It is among the world’s richest countries per person.
The gateway
A container from Shanghai arrives in Rotterdam and is trucked to a German factory within a day.
Thinking small countries can't be big traders
The Netherlands is a trading giant.
Key takeaways
- The Netherlands has about 18 million people.
- Trade is larger than GDP.
- It's a top farm exporter.
- Much land lies below sea level.
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