The geography of the European Netherlands is unusual in that much of its land has been reclaimed from the sea and is below sea level, protected by dikes. It is a small country with a total area of and ranked 131st. With a population of 17.4 million and density of makes it the most densely populated country in Europe, and the 12th most densely populated country in the world, behind only three countries with a population over 16 million. Consequently, the Netherlands is highly urbanized.
Statistics
Geographic coordinates: The Dutch RD coordinate system is also in common use; see and . There is a west–east coordinate between 0 and 280 km, and a south–north coordinate between 300 and 620 km. The reference point is the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwentoren in Amersfoort, with RD coordinates and geographic coordinates approximately. Area:
total:
land:
water: Land boundaries:
total:
border countries:
Belgium
Germany
Coastline: Maritime claims:
territorial sea:
contiguous zone:
exclusive economic zone: with Climate:temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters, tropical Terrain: mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land ; some hills in southeast of the Netherlands in Europe. The land is unusually low and significant portions lie below mean sea level. Elevation extremes:
other: 74.04% Irrigated land : Total renewable water resources : Natural hazards: flooding by sea and rivers is a constant danger. The extensive system of dikes, dams, and sand dunes protect nearly one-half of the total area from being flooded during the heavy autumn storms from the north-west. Environment – current issues:water pollution in the form of heavy metals, organic compounds, and fertilisers such as nitrates and phosphates; air pollution from vehicles and refining activities; acid rain Environment – international agreements:
The country can be split into two areas: the low and flat lands in the west and north, and the higher lands with minor hills in the east and south. The former, including the reclaimed polders and river deltas, make up about half of its surface area and are less than above sea level, much of it actually below sea level. An extensive range of seawalls and coastal dunes protect the Netherlands from the sea, and levees and dikes along the rivers protect against river flooding. The rest of the country is mostly flat; only in the extreme south of the country does the land rise to any significant extent, in the foothills of the Ardennes mountains. This is where Vaalserberg is located, the highest point on the European part of the Netherlands at above sea level. The highest point of the entire country is Mount Scenery, which is located outside the European part of the Netherlands, on the island of Saba in the Caribbean. The Netherlands is located at mouths of three major European rivers. In November 2016, the Netherlands and Belgium agreed to cede small, uninhabited parcels of land to reflect a change in course of the river Meuse. The land swap is to take effect as of 2018.
