As a prosperous European nation with many world-class museums and galleries, beautiful landscapes and stunning waterscapes, and picturesque sceneries, the Netherlands is one of the world's favorite travel and vacation destinations.

Located in the Western Europe at mouths of three major European rivers - Rhine, Maas and Schelde, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany, the Netherlands has total land area of 33,889 square kilometers, slightly less than twice the size of New Jersey of the United States.

Based on July 2006 estimate, the Netherlands has 16,491,461 population, including Dutch 83% and other 17%. Dutch is the official national language in the Netherlands.

The Netherlands is a modern, industrialized nation with prosperous and open economy. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Dutch rank third worldwide in value of agricultural exports, behind the US and France.

The Netherlands successfully addressed the issue of public finances and stagnating job growth long before its European partners. This has helped cushion the economy from a slowdown in the euro area. Strong 3.8% GDP growth in 1998 was followed by an only slightly lower 3.4% expansion in 1999. The outlook remains favorable, with real GDP growth in 2000 projected at 3.25%, along with a small budget surplus. The Dutch were among the first 11 EU countries establishing the euro currency zone on 1 January 1999.

The Netherlands has highly developed and well maintained telephone system with extensive fixed-line fiber-optic network. Its cellular telephone system is one of the largest in Europe with five major network. In 2004, The Netherlands has about 10,806,328 Internet users.

Amsterdam, the Capital City of the Netherlands, is one of Europe's most exciting cities to visit. It has dozens of museums and galleries, including the Van Gogh Museum, 17th century historical buildings, world-class restaurants serving foods from all over the world, beautiful landscapes and stunning waterscapes.

There are many luxury hotels in Amsterdam. NH Barbizon Palace Hotel, Swissotel Amsterdam Hotel, are some of Amsterdam's luxury hotels with excellent services.

The Hague has been the political capital of the Netherlands Since the sixteenth century. It is also one of the world's favorite travel and vacation destinations with world-class museums, luxury hotels, excellent restaurants and exciting nightlife. Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, Prince William V Gallery, Panorama Mesdag, Mesdag Museum, Peace Palace, Gemeente Museum, Netherlands Congres Building, Parliament Building, Scheueningen Beach are some of The Hague's tourist attractions and sightseeing highlights.

There are many luxury hotels in The Hague, including the Atlantic Hotel, the Dorint Novotel Den Haag Hotel (Dorint Novotel The Hague Hotel), provide visitors with excellent services in this exciting and charming Holland's city.

From Dutch countryside to fishing villages, you can find a lot of picturesque sceneries in this charming and prosperous European nation.