The Netherlands, located
on the coast of the North Sea are part of the great plain of northern and western Europe.The Netherlands has maximum dimensions of 190 by 160 mi (360 by 257 km) and is low and flat
with the exception of Limburg in the southeast,
where some hills rise up to 322 m (1056 ft).About half the country's area is below sea level
, making the famous Dutch dikes a requisite for efficient land use.
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The Netherlands is located in northwestern Europe with borders on the North Sea, Belgium, and Germany. In addition to tulips and windmills, the country is famous for its dikes -- about one-fifth of the land in the Netherlands is below sea level and the extensive dike system keeps flooding at bay. The Hague, one of the largest cities in the Netherlands, is host to the International Criminal Court and several other international courts and tribunals. Leading industries include shipping, fishing, trade and banking. Notable Dutch artists include Vincent van Gogh and M.C. Escher.
Climate
The Netherlands boasts a moderate maritime climate. Summers are relatively cool, with average summer highs around 23 degrees C in August and average winter lows around 0 degrees C in February. Rain can be expected on about half of the days in any given month, and snowfall occurs about 25 days each winter.
Culture
Although Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands, most Dutch citizens speak English. The Dutch are well-known for having an open society that encourages innovation and embraces multiple cultures. In addition, the Netherlands has a very low crime rate.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is relatively low in the Netherlands, compared to many western European and North American countries. Students will also find a warm welcome and discounts in many restaurants, theaters, and museums. In addition, the Netherlands is extremely bicycle-friendly and many students will find they have no need to
use the public transportation.