Netherlands Map and Flag

The Netherlands is slightly smaller than twice the size of New Jersey.  Its latitude is similar to that of Canadian provinces.  Approximately 83% of its more than 16 million people (July 2004 CIA estimate) are Dutch.  The population density is one of the highest in the world (1,067 per square mile.)

The religious composition is:  Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%, unaffiliated 40% (1998.)  

The Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999. (from CIA World Factbook)

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