Famed for its liberal social policies, its maritime and trading traditions, its battle to hold back the sea and the robust communication of its natives, the Netherlands consistently ranks as one of the top places in the world in which to live and do business. The standard of living is high and, according to statistics from UNICEF, Dutch children are the happiest children in the developed world.

Act normal

To the newcomer, Dutch society might seem open and informal, but some complex social rules are at play. Ostentatious behaviour is generally frowned upon and egalitarianism is publicly observed. Dutch people “would like to be as normal as possible” according to Martijn de Rooij, author of 'The Dutch I Presume?'.  The Dutch saying 'Doe maar gewoon dan doe je al gek genoeg' (just act normal, that’s crazy enough) is an anthem against eccentricity.

No Dutch city has yet reached a million inhabitants and each retains a unique character and architectural style. The Dutch capital Amsterdam is something else entirely.  In terms of atmosphere and attitude, Amsterdam and the Netherlands could be two different countries.

Amsterdam's inner canals are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 2010, UNESCO added Amsterdam’s inner canals to its list of  World Heritage Sites. This decision will not only add more prestige to the city’s image but it will also help to preserve some of its most important buildings.  April 2011 saw the opening of Amsterdam's canal museum Het Grachtenhuis, which uses various media to tell the fascinating story of how the ring of canals was developed.

International residents tread a well-worn path to the Lowlands. Of the 16 728 091 living in the Netherlands in January 2012, 3 427 019 (source statline.cbs.nl) have a foreign background. This multi-ethnic characteristic of the Dutch population has historic roots stretching back several hundred years. The most rapid changes in population demographics have come about in the last 40 years.

Minority coalition

Traditionally, the Dutch government is a coalition of two or more parties, but now, for the first time ever, the Netherlands has a minority coalition. Prime Minister centre-right liberal leader Mark Rutte  formed a government with ministers of his liberal VVD party and the Christian Democrat CDA . The government is also supported by the anti-Muslim politician Geert Wilders' Freedom Party, PVV. This nationalistic party, although known for its right-wing focus, places equal weight on socialist themes.

Coalition collapses

Rutte and his ministers quit on 23 April after his minority government and its far-right ally failed to agree on a plan to slash the budget to steer the eurozone's fifth-largest economy back below the EU deficit ceiling of three percent, from last year's 4.7 percent.  Elections to choose a new Dutch government will be held on September 12.

Queen's day

Queen's Day (Koninginnedag) is celebrated throughout the Netherlands on 30 April; Queen Beatrix's birthday is actually on 31 January and the April date is in honour of her late mother, Queen Juliana's birthday.

Oranjegekte (Orange madness) takes over as people wear orange shirts, hats, dresses and wigs to celebrate while enjoying the country's annual free market (vrijmarkt) which is the one time when people can set up 'shop' on the sidewalk without a trading licence.

Country facts and figures

Population: 16,728,091 (January 2012) 

Density: 488/km² (the highest in Europe)

Administration: The constitution dates mostly from 1848. Parliament consists of an upper chamber (eerste kamer) of 75 members elected by provincial councils and a lower chamber (tweede kamer) containing 150 members elected by proportional representation. The cabinet is the executive body and its constituents can't be a member of the cabinet and parliament at the same time.

Monarchy: The House of Oranje-Nassau has governed the Netherlands since 1815. Queen Beatrix (born 1938) came to the throne in 1980.

Landscape: A fifth of the Netherlands is reclaimed from the sea; a quarter is below sea level. There are 20 national parks and even a few ‘hills’ (highpoint 322 metres) in Limburg.

Agricultural facts: The Dutch cow is a revered milk machine (35 litres a day). A quarter of the world's tomatoes are of Dutch origin.

Media and culture: The Netherlands has the highest museum density in the world (almost 1000). Big Brother is a Dutch (John de Mol) invention.

Design: Dutch icons of style are housed in the Design Academy Eindhoven and the Rietveld Academy in Amsterdam. Dutch design is admired for its minimalist, quirky and often humorous qualities.

Expatica

Photo credits: Dutch flag by Gastev;  Queen Beatrix by Pasqualito (Flickr.com)