Economic and geographical position of the Netherlands

This small state is located in the northwestern part of Europe, the official name of which is the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The borders of the state pass along conditional lines. In the north, the country is washed by the North Sea, the eastern border passes with Germany, and in the south and west, Belgium is a neighbor.

Remark 1

The area of ​​a country is not constant value, due to the fact that wetlands are regularly drained and new ones are reclaimed from the sea. For example, the area of ​​the country in 1950 was 32.4 thousand square meters. km, and today it is 41.5 thousand square meters. km.

This highly developed European state occupies an advantageous economic and geographical position and has extensive foreign policy ties.

Open access to the sea has long contributed to the development of shipping and trade with other countries. The most important Western European continental trade routes crossed within the country with sea routes, thanks to which the international industrial and transport complexes of Rotterdam and Amsterdam developed on the territory of the country.

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The estuary part of the Rhine, developed and densely populated, became the "sea gate" of Europe. This "distribution" Western European center is the most important transshipment point for oil and oil products, metals, cocoa, gas, etc.

The country's advanced transport system is based on its seaports and Schiphol International Airport.

The central place is given to water transport.

The road network is well developed. Of the 120,000 km, 2,100 km fall to the share of express roads, and 2,300 km to the share of highways. Bicycles are used for internal movement in the country.

Railway transport has a length of 3000 km.

In political and geographical terms, the country is far from the modern hot spots of the planet, and this indicates a certain security, both of the borders and the population.

The Netherlands is among the top ten developed European countries.

An important role in the country's economy is played by the export of capital, maritime transport and foreign trade.

The world foreign trade turnover of the Netherlands is more than 4%, and 60% of the national income is the share of exports.

The export items are:

• oil products,
• natural gas,
• cars and equipment,
• chemical industry goods,
• foodstuffs.

Imports are mainly vehicles, especially cars.

The main export partners are Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, USA, UK.

Import partners are China, Great Britain, France, Germany, Belgium, USA.

Remark 2

Thus, the economic and geographical position of the Netherlands is very favorable, the country has been able to benefit from the physical and geographical position without having large reserves of natural resources, and achieve a high level of economic development.

Natural conditions of the Netherlands

In the formation of the country's relief, the peculiarities of the geological structure played an important role.

Its modern landscape is represented by an almost ideal North Sea Plain, which experiences subsidence, which reaches its maximum scale in the Netherlands. This results in low elevations and frequent flooding.

In the northeast and in the center of the country, during continental glaciation, sand and pebble strata accumulated, and moraine ridges of small height formed along the edges of the glacier.

The rivers Meuse and Rhine in the south of the country deposited powerful sandy strata. As the sea level dropped, the rivers had to develop deeper channels, resulting in the formation of river terraces.

With the departure of the glacier, sand dunes and shallow lagoons remained on the coast, gradually filled with alluvial and marine sediments. In these places, swamps later arose.

Nowadays, more than half of the country's territory is all western and southwestern lands, located below sea level. The struggle with the sea began in the 13th century. The reclaimed land became productive arable land, called polders.

Natural protection against floods are fortified by dams, coastal ramparts.

In the east and southeast of the country there are areas of sandy coastal dunes and a chalk plateau in the extreme southeast - within which the highest point of the Netherlands - Mount Walserberg (321 m) is located.

The climate of the country, located on the coast, is temperate maritime. Reclaiming land from the sea, the Dutch dug canals, which, of course, left an imprint on the country's weather.

By European standards, the winter in the Netherlands is unusually wet and cool, with a temperature of 0 ... -2 degrees in January. Snow is rare here. Most often in winter, Atlantic cyclones pass here, bringing cloudy weather with frequent fogs.

Spring is also not particularly warm, but April is the season for tulips and the weather favors their growth.

From May to October, the air temperature during the day can be from 0 ... +30 degrees, and at night from +10 to +20 degrees.

The average July temperature is +16, +17 degrees. Summer cool weather alternates with hot days.

Precipitation averages 650-750 mm per year, and most of it falls in August-October. There are no pronounced climatic differences in the country, which is explained by the position in the temperate latitudes of the Atlantic lowland, a small area and low altitudes of the territory.

Natural resources of the Netherlands

Remark 3

The country is not wealthy mineral resources, but, nevertheless, in its bowels there are deposits of some minerals.

The main ones are hydrocarbons, salt, sand, gravel. The industry mainly works on imported mineral raw materials.

The soil cover is quite diverse - soddy-pale-podzolic soils were formed in the north and east of the country. The humus horizon of these soils is up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%. The accumulation of humus in the soil in a number of areas of the country was artificially stimulated, so the natural soils in these areas are under a dark-colored layer, which is a mixture of manure, turf, sand and forest litter. According to their arable properties, these soils are in one of the first places in Europe.

Alluvial-meadow soils were formed along the river valleys.

Forest vegetation covers 7.6% of the Netherlands. These are mainly oak, beech, ash groves.

Oak-birch forests grow on sandy hills and alternate with moorlands and marshes.

Pine forests and thickets of sea buckthorn grow on the dunes, and willow along the river banks.

The Netherlands is a country of tulips; more than 800 species of them are grown in greenhouses here. In addition to tulips, asters and hyacinths are grown.

The animal world is poor and is represented by a wild rabbit, squirrel, hare, roe deer, ferret, marten. Of the birds, about 180 species are known. There are a lot of fish in the North Sea - herring, cod, mackerel.

To preserve the flora and fauna, 8 reserves have been created in the country.

Page 1

In general, the climate is temperate, maritime, characterized by cool summers and fairly warm winters. average temperature July 16-17 °C, January - about 2 °C on the coast and a little colder inland. The absolute maximum air temperature (+38.6 ° C) was recorded on August 23, 1944 in Varnsveld, absolute minimum(−27.4 °C) was recorded on January 27, 1942 in Winterswijk. In winter, when anticyclones invade from Eastern Europe, the temperature drops below 0 °C, snow falls, and channels and lakes are covered with ice. Although the average annual rainfall is 650 to 750 mm, there is rarely a day without rain. Often there are fogs, sometimes snow falls in winter.

Land resources:

Agricultural land occupies about 65% of the country's territory. About 27% of agricultural land is occupied by arable land, 32% by pastures and up to 9% is covered by forests.

In the north and east, soddy-pale-podzolic soils developed on sandy deposits are common. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%.

forest resources

Forests cover 7.6% of the country's territory. Since almost the entire territory of the country is occupied by agricultural land, forests are almost not preserved. Rare plantings of oak, birch, pine, ash are carefully protected.

Minerals

The main resources of the Netherlands are natural gas, oil, salt, sand, gravel.

The main coal reserves are concentrated in the province of Limburg. Here, deposits of hard and brown coal were discovered. Oil and gas fields have been discovered in the middle part of the country, not far from the Zuider Zee.

There are also oil and gas fields within the North Sea shelf. Of the less important minerals mined in the Netherlands, peat and kaolin can be distinguished.

Water resources

The rivers are full-flowing, many of them are connected by canals and navigable; rarely freeze. Common delta of the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. Many small lakes are located in the northern and western parts of the country.

When transporting goods in the Netherlands, we use a complex system artificially created waterways of three main categories: the two ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam; canals connecting these ports with the North Sea, and canals connecting different parts of the country. Approximately 6,000 Dutch river vessels (the highest figure in the world) carry at least 2/3 of the total water freight of the EU countries.

To improve approaches from the North Sea to the two largest ports - Amsterdam and Rotterdam - at the end of the 19th century. two canals were built. The Nordsee Canal provides the shortest exit from Amsterdam to the North Sea. The wide and deep channel Nieuwe Waterweh, 27 km long, connects Rotterdam with the sea, breaking through the dune belt at Hoek van Holland.

Recreational resources

In the Netherlands, fortresses and many palaces and castles have been preserved.

The museums have unique collections of paintings. The Rixmuseum houses the largest collection of Flemish paintings in the world; the Van Gogh Museum has 800 paintings by the artist. Rich collections of paintings are in the museum Modern Art, the Rembrandt Museum, in The Hague Royal Art Gallery. Among architectural monuments in Amsterdam, the gates of St. Antonis Port are interesting, currently the Historical Museum, the Gothic Old Church, the North and East Churches, the Royal Palace.

Geography materials:

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Introduction

1. General information about the country.

1.2. Political structure

1.3. Story

1.4. People.

1.5. Religion and languages

2. Natural resources.

2.1 Nature and environment in the Netherlands.

2.2. Climate.

2.3. Relief.

2.4. Vegetable world.

2.5. Animal world.

2.6. National parks and reserves in Aruba (Netherlands).

3. Economic resources.

3.1. Transport.

3.2. Accommodation facilities (hotels).

3.3. Entertainment industry (clubs, parties).

3.4. Other entertainment (concerts, festivals).

4. Cultural - historical resources.

4.1. Monuments of secular architecture.

4.2. Socio-cultural heritage (holidays and traditions).

4.3. Special facilities for food.

5. Program tourism resources.

5.1. Events (holidays).

5.2. Thematic resources (parks, etc., etc.).

6. Tourist formalities.

6.1. Visa.

6.2. Currency.

6.3. Customs.

7. Cities - tourist centers.

8. Map of the Netherlands.

Conclusion.

Bibliographic list.

Introduction

In the west of the Central European Plain, at the confluence of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt into the North Sea, there is a small state of the Netherlands, also known as "Holland". These names are quite close in meaning: "Netherlands" - "low-lying country", "Holland" - "a land that does not have a solid foundation under it." The name "Holland" essentially refers only to the two western provinces (North and South Holland), which were the historical core of the state and still retain a leading role in its political, economic and cultural life. Bringing this name to the whole country is hardly justified. In all state documents, only the name "Netherlands" is accepted, which does not cause any discrepancies !!!

The Netherlands is famous for its abundance of inland waters. The area of ​​the country, including the area of ​​all rivers, lakes and canals, is 41.2 thousand square meters. km., and without water areas - 36.9 thousand sq. km. This small area is home to 14.56 million people. The borders of the Netherlands with Belgium and Germany run along the plains and are almost never connected with natural boundaries. Ethnic and linguistic differences in the border regions are equally not sharply expressed. On both sides of the Dutch-Belgian border live the Flemings, and in the north-west of Germany - small groups of Dutch and Frisians. The maritime borders of the Netherlands run along the shelf of the North Sea. This shallow basin rich in oil and gas is divided among Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium on the basis of equal distance from the nearest points on the coast. The Netherlands owns a significant area in the south and southwest of the shelf.
The Netherlands occupies an advantageous position at the crossroads of many European and intercontinental routes of communication. The country has direct access to the North Sea, which is used by cargo and passenger ships between Europe and America. The nodal transport and geographical position of the Netherlands contributed to the development on their territory of such giant international industrial and transport complexes as Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

The purpose of this work is to review the history, natural resources and tourism in the Netherlands.

The goal set led to the solution of the following tasks:

1. Consider general information about the country.

2. Consider the natural resources of the Netherlands.

3. Consider economic, cultural, historical and program tourism resources.

4. Consider travel formalities.

5. Consider the cities and tourist centers of the Netherlands.

6. Draw appropriate conclusions.

1. General information about the country.

1.1. Geographical position.

The Netherlands, or, informally, Holland, is a state in Western Europe, on the coast of the North Sea. Holland is only part of the country, now divided into two provinces. Despite this, in colloquial speech, this name has taken root.

The name of the country ("Low Lands") contains the main characteristic of its relief. About half of the territory (mainly in the western part) lies below sea level.

In the east, flat and gently undulating plains predominate; their height rarely reaches 50 m above sea level. In the south, the territory is crossed by the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt, forming a single delta, providing maritime transport with access to the hinterland of Europe. one

A strip of sand dunes stretches along the coast, then there are vast lowlands protected from flooding by dams and dams. In the sea, parallel to the shore, the West Frisian Islands stretch, representing an outer chain of dunes, partially flooded.

The name itself gives the most accurate idea of ​​the location of this country ("neder" - lower, low, "landen" - land). The Kingdom of the Netherlands stretches along the coast of the North Sea and borders Germany in the east and Belgium in the south.

The Netherlands is famous all over the world for tulips, windmills and cheese. The country generously offers its residents and tourists a huge number of museums, parks, historical sites, sandy beaches, canals, flower fields, restaurants and cafes for every taste.

The Netherlands is of particular interest to Russian tourists for its long-standing close historical and cultural ties with Russia, dating back to the time of Peter the Great, who literally fell in love with Holland, where he studied the art of shipbuilding.

1.2. Political structure

The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the king (queen). The monarch appoints ministers and judges, has the right to dissolve parliament, and commands the country's armed forces.
Legislative power is exercised by the monarch and parliament - the bicameral Estates General. In the provinces - provincial states, headed by commissioners.

The capital of the country is Amsterdam, the seat of parliament and government is the city of The Hague. The day of the royal family is April 30 - the birthday of Beatrix's mother, Queen Juliana. 2

1.3. Story

The name Netherlands is translated as low-lying land. It first appeared in the XIV-XV centuries. to designate the lands near the North Sea, today part of: Holland, Belgium and Northern France, in the lower reaches of the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. Holland (formerly one of the counties that occupied part of the modern territory of the Netherlands) - means "wooded country", from the ancient Frisian holt ("tree") and land ("country, land"). 3

The territory of the Netherlands was inhabited already in the Neolithic period. In the second half of the 1st millennium BC. e. mainly Celtic tribes lived here, driven out by the Germans by the beginning of our era (Batavs, Frisians, Hamavs, Kanninefats).

In the 1st century BC e. part of the territory of the Netherlands was conquered by the Romans, which accelerated the cultural development of local tribes.

In III-IV AD. e. Franks (in the south) and Saxons (in the east) settled in the Netherlands, the north was occupied by the Frisians. With the formation of the Frankish state (5th century), the territory of the Netherlands became part of it. Among the tribes inhabiting the territory of the Netherlands, feudal orders and Christianity were forcibly planted.

Under the Treaty of Verdun (843), the territory of the Netherlands became part of the possessions of Lothair I, under the Treaty of Mersen (870), it became part of the East Frankish kingdom. four

In the X-XI centuries. on the territory of the Netherlands, a number of feudal estates were formed (the counties of Holland, Geldernidr.), formally connected by vassal relations with the "Holy Roman Empire".

From the 12th century urban development begins. In the economy, along with handicraft production in the XIII - XIV centuries. the importance of fishing and shipping is growing. Already by the XIII century. a system of dams and dams is being created, which made it possible to develop the low-lying areas of the country that were swamped or flooded during floods (the name of the country in literal translation from Dutch means “lower land”).

The main economic rivals of this period were the Bishopric of Utrecht and the counties of Holland and Geldern. In the end, Geldern won the upper hand.

In the second half of the XIII century. begins the process of centralization of the country. The importance of Holland is growing (especially under Floris V, ruled 1256-1296) and the Counts of the Gennegau Avenach dynasty (1299-1354). Holland and Gennegau unite, West Frisia (1287) and most of Zeeland (1323) join. The Avenes competed with the counts of Flanders Dampiers - the allies of France, and focused on an alliance with England. This involved Holland in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). 5

In the 14th century, in the conditions of aggravated social tension in Holland, Zeeland, Geldern, a regularly operating estate representation arose - the states.

In 1433, weakened by internal strife, Holland, and then a number of other feudal principalities of the Netherlands, were captured by the Dukes of Burgundy and became part of their state. With its collapse, the Netherlands became subject to the Habsburgs (1482), who completed in the 16th century, under Charles V, the annexation of those areas that had previously remained independent (Utrecht, Geldernidr.).

In 1548, the Habsburgs included all the annexed territories in a complex of lands of 17 provinces, called the Netherlands.

In 1556, after the division of the empire of Charles V, the Netherlands came under the rule of Spain.

In 1566, the bourgeois revolution that began was closely intertwined with the war of liberation against Spanish domination and took place under the banner of Calvinism (named after Calvin, one of the leaders of the Reformation).

In 1572-1575. As a result of the uprising, the Spaniards were expelled from the territory of the Netherlands.

In 1579, the political union of the northern provinces - the Union of Utrecht - laid the legal basis for the existence of an independent republic in the north of the Netherlands. In the south, the anti-Spanish movement was defeated.

In 1609, the protracted struggle for independence ended with the so-called. The twelve-year truce, by which Spain was forced, was to recognize the independence of the republic. The Netherlands became the first country where a victorious bourgeois revolution took place and where the first bourgeois republic in history arose. 6

In the 17th century the rapid economic development of the country and the growth of trade leads to the fact that navigation and shipbuilding are of great importance. Merchant fleet of the United provinces in the middle of the XVII century. almost twice the fleets of England and France combined and played a paramount role in the trade of the XVII century. The Netherlands, pushing the Portuguese and Spaniards, are deploying colonial expansion in Southeast Asia (the Malay Archipelago, Malacca, Ceylon, Guiana, the Lesser Antilles, etc.).

In 1602, the East India Company was founded, which played a huge role in the exploitation of the colonies and the trade in goods delivered from there.

In 1621, the West India Company was founded. Amsterdam becomes the most important economic center of the country (trade and stock exchanges existed here, and a deposit bank was founded in 1609. 7

The supreme power in the Republic belonged to the States General (in which delegates from the states of 7 provinces sat) and the Council of State. Along with these republican institutions, such a relic of the feudal monarchy as the position of a provincial stathouder (governor) was preserved. The statholders of most of the provinces were the princes of the House of Orange, and they were entrusted with the command of the army.

In 1621, the war with Spain resumed, which was layered on the all-European Thirty Years' War (1618-1648).

In 1648, the independence of the Republic of the United Provinces was finally recognized by the Peace of Westphalia.

In 1650, the party of the big Dutch bourgeoisie, headed by Jan de Witt, managed to completely seize power in the country and abolish the position of stathouder.

In the 1650s England begins wars with the Netherlands for colonial, commercial and maritime dominance. The result of these wars was the weakening of the military and political power of the Netherlands, limiting their commercial and colonial expansion. This was also facilitated by the wars with France at the end of the 17th century, in which the Netherlands acted in coalitions with other European powers. eight

In 1672, in the midst of military failures and popular uprisings, the Orangemen restored the power of the stadtholder. Stathauder William III of Orange, who became King of England in 1689 and thus brought about the Anglo-Dutch Union (1689-1702), pursued a pro-English policy. Despite the fact that after his death the position of statholder was again abolished by the Estates General, in the 18th century. there has been a decline in the development of trade and industry in the Netherlands.

In the XVIII century. in the face of military defeats (1747-1748 - the war of the Austrian inheritance, 1780-1784 - a new war with Great Britain), the position of the stadtholder was restored (1747). They became William V (1766-1795). After Wilhelm V dragged the Netherlands into the First Anti-French Coalition in 1793, revolutionary France declared war on the Netherlands. The entry of French troops into the Netherlands in 1795 put an end to the Republic of the United Provinces. 9

In 1795-1813, during the period of French domination, the Batavian Republic, dependent on France, was first organized, and then (1806, after the proclamation of the French empire), the Kingdom of Holland was created, headed by Napoleon I's brother Louis Bonaparte. During these years, bourgeois reforms were carried out: the abolition of almost all feudal rights and obligations, the elimination of the guild system, the centralization of administration, the introduction of a unified tax system, a secular school, civil and criminal codes.

In 1814-1815, after the expulsion of the French. The Congress of Vienna forcibly united the Netherlands and Belgium into a single Kingdom of the Netherlands.

In 1830, Belgium seceded from the Netherlands as a result of a revolution.

In 1831-1833. in the war against Belgium, the Netherlands unsuccessfully tried to restore the previous position. Relations with independent Belgium were settled only in 1839.

In 1824, the Netherlands Trading Company was established, which received the exclusive right to export colonial goods (coffee, sugar, indigo, spices) from Indonesia.

In 1839 the first railway was built.

In 1848, a new constitution was adopted, which established the responsibility of the government to the States General, introduced direct elections to the lower house and the election of members of the upper house by the provincial states. At this time, the rapid growth of the industry continues.

In the 1860-80s. the state takes over the construction of railways, the Amsterdam-North Sea canal is being built, and the New Waterway Rotterdam-North Sea is being opened. Rotterdam is turning into the most important transit port, the sea gate for Germany.

In the 1870s - early XX century. as a result of the industrial revolution, the most important industries - shipbuilding, textile and food - are being modernized. Monopolies appear: the "Royal Oil Company for the exploitation of oil sources in the Netherlands India", which merged in 1907 with the English oil company "Shell" into the international concern "Royal Dutch-Shell"; firm "Philips" (production of electric lamps, etc.). Agriculture begins to focus on exports, a dairy and dairy industry is being created. During this time, exports increase by 14 times, imports by 9 times, and transit by 13 times. The length of the railways increased 3 times, foreign investments in the economy, for example, in 1907 reached a gigantic amount of three billion guilders. ten

In 1887, a new constitution was adopted, which liberalized the property electoral qualification.

At the beginning of the XX century. the first trade unions and associations of workers arise, fighting for their economic rights.

In the First World War, the Netherlands remained neutral, preferring to carry out industrial supplies to the warring countries. However, in 1916-1919. as a result of the blockade and hostilities, maritime traffic ceased, ties with Indonesia were interrupted, the cost of living in the Netherlands almost doubled, and cards were introduced for basic necessities. This period was marked by strikes of miners, textile workers, dock workers, sailors. In July 1917 Potato riot broke out in Amsterdam.

In the post-war period, in the conditions of a stabilized economic situation, new industries emerged (production of radio equipment, oil refining, etc.), the General Union for the Production of Artificial Silk (1927), the Anglo-Dutch margarine concern Unilever were formed, work began on draining the Zuider -See (1920). eleven

In the 1930s Against the backdrop of the global economic crisis, which also hit the Netherlands, exports and imports decreased by 2 times, the guilder was devalued by 20%.

With the outbreak of World War II, the government of the Netherlands declared neutrality, but on May 10, 1940, Nazi Germany attacked the Netherlands and on May 14 the country was forced to capitulate. Queen Wilhelmina and the government emigrated to Britain. In the occupied Netherlands, a Nazi government was introduced, headed by the Reichskommissar A. Seyss-Inquart.

In 1945, the Allied forces liberate the Netherlands.

In 1948, the unification of the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg into the Benelux customs union, which began in 1944, was completed.

After World War II, the collapse of the Dutch colonial empire began. In August 1945, Indonesia declared its independence. The Netherlands, with the support of the United States and England, tried to restore their dominance, but failed. In 1947, under the Lingajad Agreement, the Netherlands recognized the government of the Indonesian Republic. Created by the decision of the "Round Table" conference in 1949, the Netherlands-Indonesian Union was dissolved by Indonesia in 1954. By 1974, Surinam (Netherlands Guiana) and the Netherlands Antilles remained in the colonial possessions of the Netherlands. 12

In the postwar years, the Netherlands quickly reach the previous level of production, foreign trade is reoriented to Western European countries. The government pursues a protectionist policy towards the largest monopolies, encouraging their development: Unilever, Philips, Royal Dutch-Shell.

In 1949 the Netherlands joins NATO. Foreign military bases appear on the territory of the country.

In 1954 the Netherlands join NATO.

In 1958, the economic union of the Benelux countries was created.

In 1975, Netherlands Guinea became an independent state - the Republic of Suriname.

In 1980, after the abdication of Juliana, her daughter Beatrice became Queen of the Netherlands. fourteen

1.4. People.

About 15.5 million people live in the Netherlands. 80% of the population is concentrated in cities, most in the Randstad industrial area, which includes Amsterdam, Haarlem, Leiden, The Hague, Delft, Rotterdam and Utrecht. The population density in the Netherlands is one of the highest in Europe: it reaches 463 people per 1 sq. km. km. Ethnic groups: in addition to the Dutch, 600 thousand Frisians, 150 thousand Surinamese, 220 thousand Turks, 165 thousand Moroccans, 20 thousand Belgians, about 50 thousand British and Germans. The official language is Dutch (Dutch). fifteen

1.5. Religion and languages

Main religions: Catholicism, Protestantism.

The royal family and about 20% of the population of the Netherlands identify themselves as Protestants (Calvinists). More than 25% of the population, mostly living in the southeastern provinces of the Netherlands, belong to the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious differences have a spatial and geographical expression: in the south of the country mainly Catholics live, and in the southwest and northeast - Protestants. Officially, freedom of conscience was proclaimed in 1795, but in fact the Dutch Reformed Church remained an important political force throughout the 19th century. Religious strife still affects political parties, schools, trade unions, employers' unions and newspapers. Radio and television stations, sports associations and recreation clubs are organized on an ideological or religious basis. In the 20th century the number of mixed marriages between people of different faiths, contrary to expectations, has not increased, but decreased, and even acquaintances and spending time together often depend on religious beliefs.
A separate group is that part of the population that stands apart from religious associations (especially those who share socialist or liberal views). 16

The official language is Dutch, but approximately 90% of the population speaks Papiamento, a dialect that is a mixture of Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and English. More often referred to as Dutch, and historically - Flemish. It belongs to the Germanic language group. In the northern province of Friesland, the Frisian language is also widespread, very similar to Dutch. Spanish and English are widely used, especially in Willemstad.

In addition, in Holland, English, French and German are well understood. English is known to literally the entire population of the country.

1 Maksakovskiy V.P. Geographical picture of the world. - Yaroslavl: - 1995.

2 The whole world: countries, flags, coats of arms. - Minsk: Harvest, 1999.

3 Busygin A. V., "Netherlands", Thought, Moscow 1988.

4 Brief geographical guide "Countries and peoples". M.: - 1992

6 Scientific - popular geographic and ethnographic publication "Countries and peoples", M .: - 1992.

7 Maksakovskiy V.P. Geographical picture of the world. - Yaroslavl: - 1995.

8 Scientific - popular geographic and ethnographic publication "Countries and peoples", M .: - 1992.

9 Busygin A. V., "Netherlands", Thought, Moscow 1988.

10 Brief geographical guide "Countries and peoples", M .: - 1992

11 Great Soviet Encyclopedia.

12 Small Atlas of the World 1997

13 Busygin A.V. The conquering sea: about the Dutch and Holland. - M: Thought, 1990.

14 Great Soviet Encyclopedia.

15 The whole world: countries, flags, emblems. - Minsk: Harvest, 1999.

16 Brief geographical guide "Countries and peoples". M.: - 1992

2. Natural resources.

2.1 Nature and environment in the Netherlands.

The interest of the population of the Netherlands in nature and the environment began to manifest itself in the seventies. Environmental awareness received a strong impetus with the publication of the report of the Club of Rome under the heading "The Limits to Growth". It, in particular, predicted the depletion of oil and gas resources. This report has had a big impact on how we handle our energy needs today, how we treat the balance between human activity and the environment.

In a country as densely populated as the Netherlands, it is very important to protect special natural areas. Therefore, the state buys and manages especially valuable natural areas. In addition, it provides financial assistance to private entities for the acquisition and management of such zones. More and more farmers, individually and in groups, conclude agreements with the state. They assume responsibility for the protection of nature on their own land or on land administered by a nature protection organization. In 1990, by adopting an environmental management plan from the Ministry of Agriculture, Nature Management and Food Control, the state demonstrated its determination to return nature in the Netherlands to its rightful place. Of great importance here is the Basic Ecological Structure, a network of interconnected natural zones. This network of natural zones should provide guarantees for the existence of plants and animals in the future. The goal for 2018 is to achieve a total natural area of ​​700,000 hectares (NB: the total area of ​​the Netherlands is 41,528 km2). one

There are currently 19 diverse national parks in the Netherlands, from the water-rich Biesbosch to the sand dunes in the dunes of Loon and Drunen (Loonse en Drunense duinen). A special place among the national parks is occupied by one of the West Frisian Islands, Schiermonnikoog. The oldest national parks are Hoge Veluwe and Veluwezoom. 2

Due to the increase in population density, strong industrialization, the growth in the number of cars and the intensification of agriculture, including horticulture, environmental problems are more acute in the Netherlands than in other European countries. Most of these problems are solved by technical means, the use of which is at a higher level than the European Union (EU) average. Thanks to the environmental protection policy, the burden on the environment is either reduced (in terms of air, water and soil pollution) or stabilized (in terms of greenhouse effect and noise levels). Increasingly, we have to state that environmental pollution is not a problem of only one country. Large European rivers carry pollutants from other European countries in their waters, and air pollution does not stop at state borders. Certain problems associated with clean air even have a worldwide scope, such as ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect. Therefore, pan-European policy is playing an increasingly important role in solving large-scale environmental problems.

2.2. Climate.

The climate in the Netherlands is temperate maritime, with pleasant summers and mild winters. Guests of this country need to be aware of the possibility of short-term precipitation and do not forget to take an umbrella and a raincoat with you. Sometimes winter can bring you dry cold and sunshine, but such weather always alternates with rainy and foggy periods. In summer, sunny weather is not guaranteed, but it can be hot. The temperature depends on the location above sea level. 3

2.3. Relief.

Currently, more than half of the country's territory (33.9 thousand square kilometers) is located below sea level, including almost all western lands - from the province of Zeeland in the southwest to the province of Groningen in the northeast. The Dutch began to conquer most of them from the sea as early as the 13th century. and managed to turn into productive arable land. Areas of swamps and shallow waters were fenced off with dams, water was pumped out first with the help of windmills, and later with steam and electric pumps. The levels of the country's major rivers in their lower reaches are often located above the surrounding interfluves, composed of loose sediments, and coastal ramparts, which are strengthened by dams, are natural protection against floods. From a bird's eye view, the drained areas, called polders, are a complex mosaic with numerous ditches and channels dividing the fields and providing runoff. four

Since 1927, a major hydrotechnical project began in the Netherlands to drain the Zuider Zee. By 1932, the construction of the main dam, 29 km long, was completed, which crossed this bay in the section between the provinces of North Holland and Friesland. In the next five years, above this dam, a freshwater lake IJsselmeer was formed, which was planned to be drained. First of all, the Wieringermeer polder was created in the northwest, then the Urkerland in the northeast. In the same way, the territories of East and South Flevoland were drained. In the late 1980s, the drainage of Markervärd was completed. After the completion of the project, over 60% of the original area of ​​the IJsselmeer will be reclaimed from the sea. 5

Another project called "Delta", completed in 1986, was intended mainly to protect the outer parts of the Rhine and Meuse delta with numerous islands from floods. This project gained particular importance after the catastrophe of 1953, when coastal dikes were destroyed during a storm in the North Sea and most of the delta lowlands were flooded. In the course of the project, all branches of the delta were blocked by dams that connected the islands. The only exception was the branch of the Eastern Scheldt, along which the sea route to the port of Antwerp (Belgium) passes. Currently, the Netherlands is considering a project to build dams between the West Frisian Islands, which border the northern coast of the country. At the same time, the shallow Wadden Sea (Wadden Sea), which stretches between these islands and the mainland, will also be drained. 6

In the 1990s, the strategy of hydrotechnical and reclamation work, which had a thousand-year history, changed significantly. Now it is planned to turn about 240 thousand hectares, or about 1/10 of all agricultural land in the country, into forests, meadows and lakes in order to protect the environment. 7

A significant part of the territory of the Netherlands is located above sea level. These are sandy coastal dunes, flat and slightly hilly plains mainly in the east and south of the country, as well as a chalk plateau dissected by deep river valleys in the extreme southeast. Here is the highest point in the country, Mount Walserberg (321 m above sea level).

2.4. Vegetable world.

Fertile silty soils of marshes (polders) are developed in the coastal zone, and alluvial-meadow soils along the river valleys. More than 70% of the country is occupied by cultural landscapes (settlements, sown meadows, arable land, etc.). The abundance of berry bushes and flowering plants is characteristic. Oak-birch forests grow on sandy hills, alternating with moorlands and swamps. On the wastelands there are thickets of shrubs (gorse, juniper, broom).

Forests (of oak, beech, ash with an admixture of yew) are represented by separate groves and cover (together with planted forests and roadside forest belts) no more than 7% of the Netherlands. In sandy areas, heathers with shrubs are common, on the dunes - pine forests and thickets of sea buckthorn, along the banks of the branches of large rivers - willows. The Netherlands is called the "glass garden of Europe": more than 800 species of tulips, asters, hyacinths are grown in greenhouses here. eight

2.5. Animal world.

The fauna of the Netherlands is poor. Wild rabbits, squirrels, hare, marten, polecat, roe deer are widespread. There are about 180 species of birds in the country. In the delta of the Rhine and Meuse there are protected areas for the mass wintering of waterfowl (geese, geese, gulls, waders, etc.). The North Sea is rich in fish (herring, mackerel, cod). There are 8 reserves in the country. 9

2.6. National parks and reserves in Aruba (Netherlands).

Even on the map you can see that Aruba is a tiny island. But, nevertheless, here, on this piece of land, almost 20% of the territory is given over to a nature protection zone. The real gem of the island is the Arikok National Park, which occupies a huge area by local standards on the northern, windward coast, around the mountains of Arikok and Hamanota. A huge range of natural and historical attractions can be found in the park - Arawak petroglyphs in Fontaine Cave, Dutch colonial settlements in Masiduri, an old plantation building in Prince Valley and the ruins of gold mines in Miralamar. Along the slopes of Hamanota and Arikok stretches a whole network of beautiful hiking trails, going right through thickets of unusual plants, like quihi and divi-divi trees, and beautiful landscapes. The park is perhaps the most diverse animal community on the island. ten

The caves of Guadirikiri and the "Tunnel of Love" are hidden on the very outskirts of the Arikok park. The cave complex of Guadirikiri is famous for its two underground halls, where the sun's rays break through the holes in the roof, creating a completely surreal play of light and shadow. Stretching for more than 30 meters, the winding tunnels are home to several thousand completely harmless bats and, as legend has it, were once pirate secret bases. Khuliba Cave is also known as the "Tunnel of Love", getting its name from the shape of the entrance tunnel, which indeed resembles a stylized silhouette of a heart in cross section. eleven

1 Maksakovskiy V.P. Geographical picture of the world.. - Yaroslavl: - 1995.

2 V. A. Kvartalnov

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See also

Sources