Introduction 3

1. General information about the country. 5

1.1. Geographical position. 5

1.2. Political structure_ 6

1.3. History_ 6

1.4. People. 13

1.5. Religion and languages_ 13

2. Natural resources. 16

2.1 Nature and environment of the Netherlands. 16

2.2. Climate. 17

2.3. Relief. 18

2.4. Vegetable world. 20

2.5. Animal world. 20

2.6. National parks and reserves in Aruba (Netherlands). 20

3. Economic resources. 22

3.1. Transport. 22

3.2. Accommodation facilities (hotels). 23

3.3. Entertainment industry (clubs, parties). 23

3.4. Other entertainment (concerts, festivals). 24

4. Cultural and historical resources. 26

4.1. Monuments of secular architecture. 26

4.2. Socio-cultural heritage (holidays and traditions). 28

4.3. Special facilities for food. 29

5. Software tourism resources. 31

5.1. Events (holidays). 31

5.2. Thematic resources (parks, etc., etc.). 32

6. Tourist formalities. 33

6.1. Visa. 33

6.2. Currency. 33

6.3. Customs. 34

7. Cities are tourist centers. 35

8. Map of the Netherlands. 38

Conclusion. 39

Bibliographic list. 41

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” - “land without a solid foundation”. 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. There is little justification for bringing this name to the entire country. In all government 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 territory is home to 14.56 million people. The borders of the Netherlands with Belgium and Germany run along plains and are almost never connected with natural boundaries. Ethnic and linguistic differences in the border areas are equally not pronounced. There are Flemish people on both sides of the Dutch-Belgian border, and small groups of Dutch and Frisians in northwestern Germany. The maritime borders of the Netherlands lie along the North Sea shelf. This shallow water basin, rich in oil and gas reserves, is divided between Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands and Belgium based on equal distances from the nearest coastal points. 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 directly faces the North Sea, through which cargo and passenger ships sail between Europe and America. The central transport and geographical position of the Netherlands contributed to the development on its territory of such giant international industrial and transport complexes as Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

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

The set goal 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, unofficially, 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, this name has stuck in colloquial speech.

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 reaching 50 m above sea level. In the south, the territory is crossed by the rivers Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt, forming a single delta that provides maritime transport with access to the interior of Europe. 1

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

The name itself gives the most accurate idea of the location of this country (“neder” - lower, low, “landen” - earth). The Kingdom of the Netherlands stretches along the coast of the North Sea and borders on the east with Germany and on the south with Belgium.

The Netherlands has become famous throughout the world for its tulips, mills and cheese. The country generously offers its residents and tourists a huge number of museums, parks, historical attractions, 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 times 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 States General. In the provinces there are provincial states headed by commissioners.

The capital of the country is Amsterdam, the seat of parliament and government is the city of The Hague. Royal Family Day is considered to be April 30, the birthday of Beatrix's mother, Queen Juliana. 2

1.3. Story

The name Netherlands translates as lowland. 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 Old 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. Here lived mainly Celtic tribes, displaced by the Germans by the beginning of our era (Batavians, Frisians, Hamavians, Canninefates).

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. The Franks (in the south) and Saxons (in the east) settled in the Netherlands; the Frisians occupied the north. 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 imposed.

According to the Treaty of Verdun (843), the territory of the Netherlands became part of the possessions of Lothair I, according to the Treaty of Mersen (870) - into the East Frankish Kingdom. 4

In the X-XI centuries. A number of feudal estates were formed on the territory of the Netherlands (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 increasing. Already by the 13th century. a system of dams and dikes is being created, which made it possible to develop the low-lying areas of the country that were swampy or flooded during floods (the name of the country literally translated from Dutch means “lower land”).

The main economic rivals of this period were the bishopric of Utrecht and the counties of Holland and Geldern. As a result, Geldern achieved dominance.

In the second half of the 13th century. The process of centralization of the country begins. The importance of Holland increased (especially under Floris V, reigned 1256-1296) and the counts of the Gennegau dynasty Avenach (1299-1354). Holland and Gennegau are united, West Friesland (1287) and most of Zealand (1323) are added. The Avens competed with the Counts of Flanders Dampierres, allies of France, and oriented towards an alliance with England. This involved Holland in the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). 5

In the 14th century, in conditions of heightened social tension in Holland, Zeeland, and Geldern, regularly functioning class representation - the states - arose.

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 empire. With its collapse, the Netherlands found themselves subordinate to the Habsburgs (1482), who completed in the 16th century, under Charles V, the annexation of those regions that had previously remained independent (Utrecht, Geldernidr.).

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

In 1556, after the division of the empire of Charles V, the Netherlands found themselves under Spanish rule.

In 1566, the bourgeois revolution that began was closely intertwined with the war of liberation against Spanish rule 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, a 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.

The location of the Netherlands in temperate latitudes on the Atlantic lowlands of Europe determines the climatic characteristics of the country. Due to its small size and lack of significant elevations, climatic differences are weakly expressed. All year round, but especially in winter, cyclones from the Atlantic sweep over the country. The sky is often overcast, and cloudy, rapidly changing weather with thick fog is typical. On average there are only 35 clear days per year.

Due to the predominance of westerly winds blowing from the North Sea, the Netherlands usually experiences mild winters and cool summers. The average January temperature is 2° C. In winter there are short periods with negative temperatures, alternating with thaws. Snowfalls are very rare, and even in winter precipitation falls in the form of rain. Severe frosts occur in exceptional cases; Only with the invasion of cold air from the east does ice form on the lake. IJsselmeer and the lower Rhine. But if safe ice cover does form, the Dutch are happy to go ice skating along the canals. The average July temperature is +16-17 C. In summer, periods of cool weather alternate with hot days.

The average annual precipitation is 650-750 mm, with its maximum amount occurring in August-October.

The climatic conditions of the Netherlands favor the growth of forage grasses, as well as grain, industrial and fruit crops that produce high yields. Thanks to the long frost-free period, vegetables can be grown in open ground from early spring to late autumn.

The modern landscape of the Netherlands has evolved over many centuries; in the process of its formation, the features of the geological structure played an important role. The country lies within the North Sea Lowland, which also includes parts of Belgium, northern France, northwestern Germany, western Denmark and eastern England. These areas are experiencing subsidence, reaching its maximum extent in the Netherlands. This explains the prevalence of low altitudes in much of the country and the susceptibility to flooding. In addition, during the last continental glaciation, sand and pebble strata accumulated in the northeast and central part of the Netherlands, and low pressure moraine ridges formed in the marginal zone of the ice sheet.

Outside the glaciation area in the south of the Netherlands, the fast-moving rivers Rhine and Meuse deposited thick sand layers. At times, when sea levels dropped, these rivers developed deeper channels; At the same time, river terraces and low interfluves, characteristic of the southern provinces, were formed. At the end of the ice age, sand dunes formed on the country's coast, followed by vast shallow lagoons, which were gradually filled with alluvial and marine sediments; subsequently swamps appeared there.

Rivers, especially the Rhine (one of the largest rivers in Western Europe), are the main routes to countries and areas remote from the sea. Waterways pass through the country to the Ruhr - one of the largest industrial and coal-mining regions of Western Europe, to the hinterlands of France, Belgium, and Switzerland. Among all the ports of the Netherlands, Rotterdam stands out. This is a large and well-equipped port - one of the best ports in the world, the gateway to Europe.

Among the minerals is natural gas (explored reserves 2 billion m3, 1st place in Western Europe). Oil production is carried out on the Dutch part of the continental shelf. There is coal and clay.

The soil and vegetation cover of the Netherlands, despite the small size of the country, is quite diverse. In the north and east, derk-pale podzolic soils are common, developing on sandy deposits under heath and oak forests. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%. In many areas, the accumulation of humus has been artificially stimulated, and the natural soils there are actually buried under a dark-colored layer - a mixture of manure, turf, forest litter and sand. These soils occupy one of the first places in Europe in terms of their arable properties.

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In general, the climate is temperate, maritime, characterized by cool summers and fairly warm winters. The average temperature in July is 16--17 °C, in January - about 2 °C on the coast and a little colder inland. In winter, when anticyclones invade from Siberia, temperatures drop below 0 °C, snow falls, and canals and lakes become covered with ice. Average annual precipitation is 80 centimeters, but in the interior provinces it is slightly less.

The landscape of the Netherlands is quite bleak. This is a continuous plain consisting of polders, dissected by canals according to the canons of school geometry. Sometimes these are forests, in some places reminiscent of forest areas in central Russia. Sometimes these are meadows with black and white cows and sheep. And, of course, there are windmills, tulips and medieval cities. And almost all of the above is the result of human activity.

Holland has a lot of water. In addition to the sea (the coastline is 451 km), this is the general Western European flow. Three European rivers end in the Netherlands: the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt. The first flows from Germany, the other two from France through Belgium. This determines not only nature, but also economics and geopolitics. Rivers were primarily trade routes and strategic transport arteries. Due to this, acceleration in the development of the country was achieved in the Middle Ages.

Landscape

Most of the Netherlands is flat, and therefore the Dutch call any hill a mountain. Over the course of several centuries, much land has been reclaimed from the sea, and these places are now protected by dams. More than half of the country lies below sea level, and only in the southeastern province of Limburg can you see hills. On land, Holland borders Belgium and Germany, and its coastline is washed by the North Sea. The main river artery is the Rhine, which originates in the mountains of Germany and Switzerland.

The lowest point in Holland relative to sea level is 7 meters, and this is a world record. As for the highest point in the Netherlands, it is located in the east of the country, on the border with Germany. This is the Valserberg hill, and in its height it competes with the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai - both are at an altitude of 322 m above sea level.

Thanks to its location by the sea on the west and north coast of the Netherlands, it has a unique dune landscape. In the interior of the country we see forests interspersed with shifting sands, in the east there are peat bogs, and Limburg and the southern Netherlands are characterized by hilly landscapes with calcareous soils.

Netherlands tourism resource

Population

Settlement history

In the 1st century BC. e. part of the territory of Holland, inhabited by Germanic tribes, was conquered by Rome. In the Middle Ages, the Netherlands lands (Holland, Zealand, Friesland) were part of the historical Netherlands.

Since ancient times, people have settled on the fertile lands along them. Of course, with such a settlement there are not only advantages - there were also floods, and then, holding hands, people fought against the elements, protecting themselves, their homes and arable lands located below sea level. The construction of river dams began very early. To combat unexpected manifestations of unbridled elements, settlers built polders - drained areas of marshes, protected by dams from flooding by sea waters. In Dutch art, in which love for the national countryside is the most important artistic trend, many paintings are devoted to praising water and warning about its dangers.

In Roman times, vast swamps stretched along the entire coast of the Netherlands behind low sand dunes. In the middle of the 3rd century. AD the sea began to encroach on land in many places. People left the Western part of the country. Later, over the centuries, they repeatedly tried to return. In the 13th century. a new turbulent period began, which lasted about two hundred years. Vast areas of land turned into shallow waters. Entire areas of sand and clay went under water twice a day. The sea persistently took the land from people. The first to declare war on the destructive tides were the monks. On the sandbanks, which remained dry even during high tides, they began to build ring-shaped dams, at the foot of which the sea began to throw out new building material. Thus, new shallows appeared around the dams and they were also surrounded by an embankment.

The country's origins can be traced back to old, no longer used dams. Nowadays, roads are laid along them, which rise somewhat above the rest of the landscape. Near Colhorn, north of Alkmaar.

This is how the first “polders” arose. Polder is a Dutch word meaning a piece of land surrounded by dams that can be used to regulate the water level in the soil.

Sandy islands, washed up by the sea, grew together over time, and the mainland gradually grew larger.

The Netherlands is home to two indigenous groups - the Dutch and the Frisians - as well as a large number of immigrants. The ethnic composition of the population is as follows: 80.8% Dutch, 2.4% German, 2.4% Indonesian, 2.2% Turkish, 2.0% Surinamese, 1.9% Moroccan, 1.5% Indian, 0.8 % Antilians and Arubans, and 6.0% other ethnic groups. The population by religion is as follows: 26.6% Catholic, 16.8% Protestant, 5.8% Muslim, 0.6% Hindu, 1.6% other religions, and 42.7% no religion . The population of the Netherlands is the highest in the world: the average height of adult men is 1.83 meters, adult women - 1.70 meters.

Tolerance is a well-known quality inherent in the Dutch people. The Dutch do not like posturing and boasting. “Keep it simple and it will be extraordinary enough” is a frequently used phrase in the country. They are also very straightforward. For many foreigners, this trait is associated with a lack of tact, but the Dutch themselves understand straightforwardness as “honesty” and “openness”. The Dutch are also considered a tolerant people towards dissidents. They are used to talking to each other when the interlocutors do not agree. They are also used to being able to stand up for themselves and for their ideas and ideals.

Freedom is a great value for the Netherlands.

Holidays

The country's main holiday falls on April 30 - the Queen's Birthday. His story is like this. During the reign of Queen Juliana, the Dutch were accustomed to celebrating her birthday on April 30, and when her daughter Beatrix became queen, she decided not to change the date of the holiday. On this day, the country is transformed: portraits of the Queen are hung, national flags are waved, and music is played. It's especially festive in The Hague.

May 5 is the Day of the country's liberation from fascist occupation. The day before, May 4, is the Day of National Remembrance for the Victims of the Second World War. At 8 pm there is a minute of silence.

One of the most favorite holidays is the Flower Parade. The Dutch decorate everything they can think of with fresh flowers: houses and hedges, cars and buses, streets and squares. Again, hours-long processions - this time with various figures of fresh flowers in the form of a globe, animals, stars, heroes of folk tales and legends.

Of course, in Holland, as throughout Europe, they celebrate New Year and Christmas. And also St. Nicholas Day (December 19). On this day everyone receives gifts. About 40 million gifts are given throughout the country!

The Netherlands hosts many international festivals and carnivals throughout the year. The Amsterdam Carnival takes place in February. In March, Amsterdam hosts arts weeks, including exhibitions, concerts, plays and dances. The largest demonstration against racism is taking place in the country. Up to 100 thousand people take part in the annual march on March 21.

The Dutch Theater Festival takes place in June. The Reigård Festival takes place on June 21st, including concerts and folk balls. On August 15th, a large parade takes place in Martin Luther King Jr. Park. In September, the Flower Festival takes place in Holland. On this day, everything is decorated with flowers and people praise their beauty. In November, the country hosts the International Hemp Festival. Amsterdam Cannabis Festival

Amsterdam is famous not only for its museums and canals, but also for its coffee shops that offer a variety of marijuana varieties. The Cannabis Festival is held there every year from November 20-24. Over the course of five days, coffee shops compete in five categories: the best variety of marijuana, the best hashish, the best marijuana seeds and the best processed hemp product (for example, beer or cupcakes). The jury evaluates the appearance, smell and taste of the product, as well as the effect it produces. Anyone who is willing to pay 200 euros for the Cannabis Cup judge's pass can get into the jury. For those who plan to buy it in advance by ordering by phone or online, the cost of tickets will be slightly lower - 200 US dollars.

Ordinary visitors will be able to try hemp food from sandwiches to cheese and watch hemp fashion. You can purchase various marijuana smoking devices and souvenirs. These days, shops offer a large selection of jewelry, aromatic oils and hemp-based cosmetics, as well as clothing made from hemp fiber.

Tourist centers

Amsterdam

If someone called Amsterdam the Venice of the north, they would definitely be mistaken. Despite the abundance of canals in both cities, they are very different in spirit and atmosphere. For example, one cannot imagine Venetian schoolchildren skating tags!

Due to its marshy, flat lowlands, the city was carefully planned from the very beginning. From a bird's eye view it can be seen that it consists of large concentric semicircles.

Amsterdam is considered a city of pedestrians. The local automobile (!) society has developed routes especially for those who like to travel on their own, covering the most interesting places in the center.

But while walking and looking at the local beauty, try not to fall into the water! The average depth of the city canals is three meters, but local residents say that in fact the silt layer reduces it by a meter, and by another meter - bicycles thrown into the canals. Moreover, falling down there is not the most pleasant entertainment.

The surrounding area is mostly land reclaimed from water: drained lakes and parts of the seabed protected by dikes.

It is interesting to note that to this day Amsterdam remains a major port. But you won’t see the sea from it, because the city is built on the shores of Hey Bay. In addition, in 1876, the city itself seemed to “grow into” the bay: the Central Station was built on its three large artificial islands. Usually, an acquaintance with the city begins with this elegant red brick building, not only with a clock on the tower, but also with a wind direction indicator (after all, this is still a maritime power!). Next to the station is the North-South Dutch Coffee House.

Along the Damrak canal from the station you can get to the central part of Amsterdam. This is primarily the famous Dam Square, where you will see the royal palace. And in front of the palace there is a column in which capsules with earth are sealed from the places where the Dutch died during various wars.

You should also list the “standard tourist package” in Amsterdam. This sounds, of course, dry and official, but how, for example, can one understand Moscow without seeing Red Square, or in Paris without noticing the Louvre?

The Rijksmuseum is a treasure trove of Dutch art. This is where Rembrandt's Night Watch is located. On the contrary, on the same Museum Square, in the City Museum you can get an idea of contemporary art. Nearby is the Van Gogh Museum.

Another beautiful building in the city is the concert hall, where the most important events of the Amsterdam festivals take place. But the real center of street art can be considered Leiden Square, around which there are many cafes, small theaters and cabarets.

True entertainment for children will be the Maritime Museum and Madame Tussauds, the first of which she opened in Europe. Another interesting museum belongs to the Koster Diamonds company - they will tell you about diamond processing. Here in the store you can buy anything produced by this company. Watches with a diamond on a winding wheel are especially popular among tourists - after all, not everyone has money for a necklace!

As a rule, museums in Amsterdam, as throughout Holland, are closed on Mondays.

It is worth paying attention to the beauty of Amsterdam's churches and cathedrals; the Old Church especially stands out among them.

And just look at the quaint facades of city houses, at the barge houses on the banks of the canals, at the bridges over these canals... Just walk along it, breathe in the atmosphere of this fabulous city.

For those who want to explore Amsterdam on foot on their own, there are specially designed route maps. They vary in color:

red - gives a better idea of the city center; blue - passes from west to east and will take almost the whole day; green - a shortened version of the blue path;

gray - allows you to compare the medieval appearance of the city with modern architecture; on this path you can visit the Heineken Brewing Company Museum, and if you come there on your birthday, you will be treated to beer. You must prove your right to free beer by presenting your passport. You can also walk along Rokin Street, built on a drained part of Amstel; crimson - runs from Central Station through Waterloo Square, where one of the most popular markets is located; through Rembrandtplein, where you can sit on the lawn of a wonderful square, and also through the Coin Square, named after the Münt Tower, a medieval mint.

Not far from this square is the narrowest house in the city; Brown is a route starting in the Jardin quarter, often called the heart or soul of Amsterdam, going past Central Station and ending at Leiden Square. Through these walking tours, you'll notice one unique thing about Amsterdam: nowhere in the world is there a city with so many statues of women horsemen. And the equestrian monument to Queen Wilhelmina, due to lack of space on the street, was even placed on a pillar that widened upward!

The legendary Central Bank of Amsterdam stands on the banks of a canal, and is said to be invulnerable, because in the event of a robbery, its vaults are instantly flooded.

Amsterdam is a city of cyclists. If you decide to rent a car, make sure you get a couple of secure locks, because "borrowing" an unattended bicycle has become so commonplace that the police have simply stopped getting involved. Walking around the city, you will come across many abandoned old two-wheeled bicycles: sending them to a landfill is quite expensive for the average city dweller, so they are abandoned. Moreover, every month up to a thousand old cars are caught from the bottom of the canals!

Near Amsterdam there is one of the four airports in the Netherlands - Schiphol, which is 18 kilometers from the center.

Like almost everything in this country, it lies below sea level, at the bottom of the drained lake Haarlemmermeer. In terms of the number and variety of tax-free shops, it is second only to Dubai. Schiphol has its own aviation museum, casino and hotels. And if you want to leave the airport for just a few hours, any excursions can be booked to the left of the entrance to Schiphol Plaza.

You can get to the city in 20 - 45 minutes by taxi, it costs 50 - 60 francs or by train for 6 francs. And it will be faster - only 20 minutes. In addition, there are free buses to hotels near the airport.

By train you will get directly to Amsterdam Central Station, from where you can not only get to the outskirts of the city, different parts of the country and European capitals, but also immediately change to a metro train.

For long trips around the city, you can use the metro, which, by the way, was built not so long ago - in 1980. The main thing on the metro is to avoid rush hours. In Amsterdam, in addition to regular trams, there are also high-speed ones. A trip to them costs the same, but it is more convenient to get to the outskirts. Some outskirts can only be reached by bus. When going somewhere, be sure to find out how you will have to get out of there: it is not a fact that, having arrived at point “A” by tram, you will be able to leave it by the same type of transport. It is quite possible that the only way to leave there is by bus.

The whole city is divided into 3 zones, which determines the fare. The fee for traveling on a bus at night doubles for 1-2 zones, and one and a half times for 3 zones.

For those who like an extravagant method of transportation, we can offer a water taxi. True, this is an expensive pleasure. In general, along the canals you can take magnificent water excursions on small boats with a glass roof.

Evening is also a good time to walk around the city. Thanks to the illumination, the city begins to play with completely new colors at this time. But you can have fun not only by walking along the embankments and streets.

If you want to go to the theater in the evening, you have a very wide choice: there are fifty theaters in Amsterdam. In the summer, when the influx of tourists increases, the repertoire is replenished with plays in English. But not all performances will require you to know the language.

Music lovers are welcome in various cultural centers of the city. Classical music concerts are also given during the daytime (and often free of charge). And jazz and rock are played in different cafes and clubs.

As for discos, life there begins only after ten in the evening, and they close by four or five in the morning. In addition, for strawberry lovers there are numerous gay clubs and porn clubs. In Holland this is free.

There are plenty of cafes in Amsterdam where you can sit and chat over a cup of coffee or a drink of something stronger. There is even a typology of cafes. The so-called “browns”, so nicknamed not for the political leanings of the owners or visitors, but for the wooden walls darkened by tobacco smoke, are conducive to private conversation. “Grand Cafes,” on the contrary, are spacious and furnished with beautiful furniture, and light classical music plays in them. There are also theater cafes. But if you come across a cafe with a “koffieshop” sign, you need to remember that in these establishments you can not only try a flavored drink, but also legally buy soft drugs.

Amsterdam has a temperate maritime climate. In spring there is frequent rain, usually short showers. May is the most beautiful spring month. At this time, all the trees are covered with fresh greenery and delicate flowers. It is best to come from May to August, unless of course you want to take vivid photographs. This is usually the sunniest time of the year. In addition to this, June to September is the warmest time. Just like in Moscow, September in Amsterdam is famous for its annual “Indian summer”. In October - November it is stormy and the sky is overcast. The time from December to February is considered cold by Amsterdam standards - about 0. Humidity adds to the feeling of dankness. Therefore, from November to March, the influx of tourists in the city decreases and hotel prices decrease.

The Hague is primarily the residence of the Queen. The Estates General (i.e., parliament) and the government are also located here. Here, at the beginning of the century, the Peace Palace was built, in which the United Nations body, the International Court of Justice, has been operating since 1913.

The Hague is called the city of officials, diplomats and retirees.

Today, The Hague is the seat of the most important international organizations; it practically merges with the suburb of Scheveningen and faces the sea. This further enhances the unusual charm of the city, on the one hand modern, on the other hand, ancient and aristocratic, almost a garden city thanks to the abundance of public and private parks that adorn it. Getting to know The Hague leaves an unforgettable impression: from the diversity and richness of its historical monuments, characteristic secluded corners, from its attractions. The grandiose architectural ensemble of the ancient palace - the residence of the Stadthouder - has today been transformed into a series of picturesque squares in the city center. The Binnenhof (courtyard) is dominated by the façade of the Riedersaal, or Hall of the Knights, one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the city. The building, built in 1280 under Floris V, stands out for its majestic triangular facade, framed by cylindrical towers and cut through by simple, paired and round windows. The interior is a single hall with a wooden beamed ceiling. It is here that every year on the third Tuesday in September, called Princesday, the Queen solemnly opens a new session of Parliament by delivering a coronation speech. The Queen arrives here in a gilded carriage drawn by eight horses, accompanied by detachments of various branches of the army, "grooms" and foot soldiers in the liveries of the House of Orange. The ceremony is solemn and full of dignity, but at the same time very modest.

Gouda is a city of cheese and clay pipes. Gouda received city status already in the 13th century. under Floris V, killed by his vassals in 1296

Gouda cheese, with its characteristic orange color, is produced in heads weighing up to 40 kg. On Thursday mornings, a picturesque market unfolds, where, in contrast to the Alkmar market with its traditional porters, cheeses are delivered by branded cars of bright colors.

As for the production of clay pipes, there is even a De Morian Museum in Gouda with a collection of long white pipes that we are used to seeing on the canvases of Dutch artists. Among the many factories, there is one - Gudevachen, which produces “pipes with a secret”: they are snow-white when new, but darken over time from smoking, and some pattern appears on them, which the buyer did not even suspect.

There are 2 majestic monuments in Gouda: the State House - the town hall, built in 1447-1450. in the style of Flamboyant Gothic with polychrome clock tower, which is enlivened every half hour by moving figures symbolizing the rights granted to the city, and Sint Janskerk, or St. John's Church, built in the late Gothic style in 1485, but rebuilt in 1552 after a fire in terms of the basilica. Light enters the church through 70 magnificent Gothic stained glass windows - masterpieces of the brothers Dirk and Wouter Krabeth. The stained glass windows were made in two stages: when the church was Catholic and after the Reformation; the oldest 12 stained glass windows date back to 1555-1573. The 25th window depicts William the Silent, who liberated the city of Leiden. He gave the city a stained glass window for the 22nd window, and his eternal powerful rival Philip II of Spain, not wanting to be left behind, ordered 2 other stained glass windows, where he is presented with his wife Mary Tudor in the scene of the Last Supper.

Rotterdam

Rotterdam is the most important commercial and industrial center of the country, the largest port in the world. Together with its suburbs, it has more than 1 million inhabitants. Rotterdam is located on both banks of the Rhine. The port is connected to the North Sea by a deep-water canal and, thanks to its outpost of Hoek van Holland, is accessible to large ocean-going ships. Rotterdam's position at the entrance to the Rhine sea contributed not only to the economic growth of the city, but also to its transformation into a giant international transport hub, near which a network of satellite cities stretched for several tens of kilometers.

About 2/3 of the country's total import and export passes through the port.

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AUTONOMOUS NON-PROFIT EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION OF THE CENTRAL UNION OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION

"RUSSIAN UNIVERSITY OF COOPERATION"

KRASNODAR CO-OPERATIVE INSTITUTE (BRANCH)

ABSTRACT

on the topic: “Kingdom of the Netherlands, basic information”

Prepared by: Samovik Anastasia

Plan

1. Economic and geographical location

2. Natural conditions and resources

3. Characteristics of the population

4. Farm characteristics

5. Historical Features and Landmarks

1. Economicgeographical position

Holland is a small country. Almost all of it can be seen from an airplane window. It is smaller in area than the Moscow region. The Kingdom of the Netherlands occupies an area of 41.5 thousand square meters. km, 40% of which is below sea level. The state consists of the Western European part and the territory of the Antilles islands Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius. In Western Europe, the territory is washed by the North Sea (the length of the coastline is 451 km) and borders on Germany (577 km) and Belgium (450 km). Together with the islands of Aruba, Curacao and Sint Maarten, which have a special status, the Netherlands constitute the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Relations between members of the kingdom are regulated by the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, adopted in 1954.

The Netherlands is often referred to as "Holland", which is officially incorrect. South and North Holland are only 2 of the 12 provinces of the Netherlands. Historically, they were the two most developed provinces and the most famous outside the Netherlands, so in many languages the entire country was often called Holland. In Russian, this name became widespread after the visit of Peter I and his retinue to the Netherlands. For obvious reasons, the interests of the distinguished guests concerned only the most technically developed part of the country - Holland, and that was the only place they visited; When talking about the visit at home, quite often its purpose was called exactly that, without mentioning the name of the state as a whole.

In terms of area, the Netherlands (except for micro-states) is larger than only Albania, Belgium and Luxembourg. The length from West to East is approximately 200 kilometers, and from North to South 300 kilometers. It is noteworthy that the area of the Netherlands is not constant. Its wetlands are constantly being drained and new lands are being reclaimed from the sea. In 1950, the country's territory occupied 32.4 thousand, in 1980 - 37.5 thousand, today - 41.5 thousand square kilometers. And 16.35 million people live in such a small area (2010).

The name "Netherlands" in translation means "lower lands", but it is incorrect to translate it literally, since, for historical reasons, this term is usually used to refer to the territory roughly corresponding to today's Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg (Benelux). At the end of the Middle Ages, the region that was located in the lower reaches of the Rhine, Meuse, and Scheldt rivers along the North Sea coast began to be called the “Maritime Lowlands” or “Lowlands”.

The official capital of the state, according to the Dutch constitution, is Amsterdam, where the monarch takes the oath of allegiance to the Constitution. However, the actual capital is The Hague, where the parliament and government are located, as well as most foreign embassies. Other important cities: Rotterdam - the country's largest port and one of the world's largest ports, Utrecht - the center of the country's railway system and Eindhoven - the center of electronics and high technology. The Hague, Amsterdam, Utrecht and Rotterdam make up the Randstad metropolitan area, home to approximately 7.5 million people.

Holland is a unique country. Man, through enormous efforts, has conquered most of the land from the sea, step by step, and continues to conquer it, creating the so-called polders - drained areas of land. Making a polder is very difficult and takes a long time. An embankment fences off part of the sea, lake or swamp. Then the salt water is pumped out and the top layer of soil is removed. Instead, new land is brought in.

The Netherlands is located on the coast and adjacent West Frisian Islands of the North Sea, that is, in the most densely populated, industrially developed part of Western Europe, where European and intercontinental routes intersect.

2. Natural conditions and resources

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

Rotterdam has the largest port in Europe, with the rivers Meuse and Rhine providing excellent access to the hinterland, reaching upstream to Basel, Switzerland, and into France. The port's main activities are petrochemical industries and general cargo handling and transhipment. The harbor functions as an important transit point for bulk materials and between the European continent and overseas. From Rotterdam, goods are transported by ship, river barge, train or road.

The highly mechanized agricultural sector employs 4% of the workforce but provides large surpluses for the food processing industry and for export. The Dutch rank third worldwide in the value of agricultural exports, behind the United States and France, with exports earning $55 billion annually. A significant portion of Dutch agricultural exports are obtained from new cut plants, flowers, and bulbs, with the Netherlands exporting two-thirds of the world's total. The Netherlands also exports a quarter of the world's tomatoes, and one third of the world's exports of chilli peppers and cucumbers.

The Dutch economy is aimed at foreign markets. The share of exports in the Dutch economy is 51% and is the largest among European countries. Most exporters operate in wholesale trade, industry and transport. The main specialization of Dutch exporters is raw materials and high-intensity products (chemistry, food industry, agriculture and petroleum products).

economic geographical netherlands natural

3. Characteristics of the population

The population as of March 2012 is 16,733,727 people. In the list of countries by the number of inhabitants, the Netherlands ranks 60th. Compared to other European countries, the population of the Netherlands has grown quite rapidly over the past century and a half: 3 million inhabitants in 1850, 5 million in 1900 and 16 million in 2000. By comparison, the population of Belgium only roughly doubled in the same period: from 4.5 million inhabitants in 1850 to 10 million in 2000.

With a territory area of 41,530 km², according to 2011 data, the Netherlands has a population density of 405.7 people per km². Thus, the Netherlands is the 15th most densely populated country in the world. In terms of territory size and population, the kingdom can be compared with the Moscow region, including Moscow. Largely due to this, the Netherlands is one of the countries with the most developed transport and information infrastructure. 14.872 million people or 89.1% of the country's population use the Internet - the 27th figure in the world. In the Netherlands in 2002-2003 there was St. 10 million landlines and 12.5 million mobile phones. St. 250 radio stations and 21 television stations (as well as 26 repeaters)

The Netherlands is home to two indigenous groups - the Dutch and the Frisians - as well as a large number of immigrants. The ethnic composition of the population is as follows: 80.7% Dutch, 2.4% German, 2.4% Indonesian, 2.2% Turkish, 2% Surinamese, 2% Moroccan, 1.5% Indian, 0.8% Antilians and Arubans , and 6.0% other ethnic groups. The composition of the population by religion is as follows: 33% Protestants, 31.27% Catholics, 6% Muslims, 0.6% Hindus, 0.5% Buddhists, 2.2% profess other religions. The population of the Netherlands is the highest in the world: the average height of adult men is 1.83 meters, adult women are 1.70 meters.

The population's lifestyle is characterized by high tolerance for unusual behavior, which is often condemned even in neighboring European countries. Prostitution was fully legalized in 2000. The Dutch drug policy is distinguished by its pragmatism: despite the illegality of soft drugs, the sale and consumption of marijuana and hashish in specially designated places is not prosecuted. Abortion is possible in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Euthanasia was legalized in 2002, but requires strict medical supervision.

The number of educated people aged 15 to 65 years is 10,994,000 in 2011. In the Netherlands, compulsory free education is required for children and adolescents up to the age of 16. Children from 5 (and at the request of parents from 4) to 12 years old attend primary school. It is distinguished by a wide variety of educational programs. In secondary school, which is compulsory for every child between the ages of 12 and 16, there is more uniformity in the educational process. Higher education can be obtained at a college (hogescholen), university or Open University (evening or distance learning). There are 13 universities in the country (the oldest university in the Netherlands is Leiden, founded in 1575) and the Open University for adults. Higher education usually covers a six-year course of study.

4. Farm characteristics

The largest group in the structure of production in the Netherlands is formed by enterprises producing food products, drinks and tobacco products; they account for more than 28% of the country's total industrial turnover, 22% of turnover comes from chemical and petrochemical companies. The share of electrical engineering enterprises is 10%. Approximately 6% each falls on metallurgy, metalworking, transport engineering (production of aircraft, cars, ships) and the printing industry. A relatively small contribution to the total industrial turnover is made by enterprises producing building materials, rubber products, paper and cardboard, furniture, tools, textiles, clothing and footwear. The share of high-tech industries is 12.3% of total industrial production (for comparison: the same figure on average for the EU is 11.7%, in the USA - 10.5%, in Japan - 13.4%).

In the Netherlands, considerable attention is paid to the introduction of scientific achievements into industrial practice. Relatively recently, the government adopted a special program for the development of biotechnology. It provides for the stimulation of research in the field of biotechnology at universities, government support for the innovative activity of enterprises working in this area and the construction of biotechnological communication networks. State allocations are also allocated to finance the development of such priority areas as medical and information technologies, and the development of new structural materials.

The basic sector of the Dutch economy is energy. The country has highly developed energy-intensive industries in industry, as well as in agriculture (greenhouse complexes). The Dutch energy sector, in addition to electricity production, specializes in oil and natural gas production, crude oil refining and liquefied gas production.

The Netherlands annually produces over 80 billion cubic meters. m of natural gas, more than half of which is exported. For many years, gas exports carried out under government control have remained one of the main sources of funds for the state treasury - they provide 20% of all budget revenues. Holland's significant energy reserves in the form of natural gas reserves remain an important factor in ensuring the stability of the national economy.

Agriculture in the Netherlands is a highly intensive and significant sector of the economy, although it employed only about 1.0% of the country's population in 2005 and produced no more than 1.6% of GDP. In 2005, agricultural exports exceeded 17 billion euros (more than 6% of the country's commodity exports), about 80% of exports are consumed by EU countries (Germany - 25%, Great Britain - 12%). The structure of agricultural exports is dominated by vegetables and flowers (12 billion euros) and dairy products (5 billion euros).

Floriculture

Tulips have a special place in Holland. From the end of March to the end of May, the most fantastic flower exhibition takes place in Koenenhof Park. Plantations of bulbous flowers stretch along the entire Dutch coast from Katwijk to Den Helder. In April and May, this entire area is covered with a multi-colored carpet of more than 17,500 hectares.

The Netherlands is the world's largest exporter of cheese, and is primarily famous for its Gouda and Edam cheeses. Both varieties are made from cow's milk. The only difference is in the recipe. For Edam cheese, the milk must be skimmed by half. For Goudsky, whole milk is used. You will recognize Edam cheese by its round shape, while Gouda cheese has a flatter shape and looks like a wheel. The cheese market in Alkmaar is one of the most famous. It takes place every Friday morning from April to October.

Klompen

Klompen were originally the traditional footwear of commoners in the Netherlands. Only the rich could afford boots. To this day, more than 3.7 million pairs of klompen are produced in the country per year. They are no longer worn in cities, but people working on the land still use them. Klompen are warmer and drier than rubber boots. Previously, klompen were part of the traditional folk costume.

Mills

Entire collections of windmills can be seen in Dutch villages and cities. The windmill was invented in the mid-16th century, which could pump water to a higher level. This event was a breakthrough in man's struggle with the elements.

Fishing

Fishing continues to play an important role in the Dutch economy, although not to the same extent as before. In the early 1990s, there were approximately 1,100 fishing vessels with a total carrying capacity of 177 thousand tons. More than 320 thousand tons are caught annually, including 90 thousand tons of mackerel (mackerel) and approximately the same amount of haring (herring).

The Dutch marine fishery is divided by product and type of fishing vessel into:

* trawler fishing for herring, mackerel, cod, etc. in the central and northern North Sea and around the British Isles and Ireland;

* I fish for flounder (kosorot, sea flounder) with large tenders mainly in the central and southern parts of the North Sea;

* I catch shrimp with small tenders along the Danish, German and Dutch coasts;

* extraction of shellfish (mussels, oysters) by special vessels in the Wadden Sea and Ostersheld.

In recent years, due to the large increase in fishing capacity of many countries, there has been a significant reduction in the production of some types of fish, including herring, which is traditionally an important food product for the Dutch. It turned out to be necessary within the EU to conclude an agreement on permissible fishing limits. In addition to sea and coastal fisheries, the Netherlands also fishes in inland waters (mainly on Lake Ijselmeer).

5. Historicalfeatures and attractions

Leidseplein

Amsterdam's nightlife is centered here on the picturesque Leidseplein square. There are many clubs, theaters, cinemas, shops and art cafes here. Until the morning, street actors and musicians perform in the open air.

Van Gogh Museum

The largest collection of Van Gogh's works is collected in the Amsterdam Museum, built by the famous Dutch architect in the 20s of the last century. The building displays more than 200 paintings and drawings, as well as letters from that famous correspondence between the artist and his brother.

Rembrandt Museum

Currently, in the Rembrandt house-museum, the furnishings of those times have been restored: the kitchen, living rooms and the artist’s studio, and its collection, in addition to works by Rembrandt himself, is represented by paintings by his students and teacher Peter Lastman, and one of the halls is dedicated to the technique of engraving.

National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam

In the exhibition of the Netherlands Maritime Museum you can see: wooden models of ships, paintings and drawings, parts of ship equipment and many documents. A replica of an East India Company ship is moored next to the museum building.

Rijksmuseum

The main purpose of visiting the Rijksmuseum is, of course, to view paintings by famous artists such as Frans Hals, Jan Steen, Vermeer and Rembrandt. The culmination of the excursion will be a visit to the “Gallery of Fame”, where, silently surrounded by hundreds of tourists’ eyes, Rembrandt’s mesmerizing canvas “The Night Watch” rises above the frailty of the world.

Street red-light district

The Red Light Street is actually not a street at all, but a whole area, which the townspeople themselves affectionately call De Valletjes (“walls”) - once there were city fortifications here. Prostitutes chose this place back in the 14th century: it is located in the very center, and not far from the port.

Hermitage in Amsterdam

In 2004, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander and Director of the Hermitage Mikhail Piotrovsky opened a branch of the State Hermitage Museum. The museum's exposition is located on 4,000 square meters of exhibition space.

Amstelkring

In the center of the Red Light District, in the former home of citizen Jan Hartmann, a Catholic church has been preserved, nicknamed the Church of Our Beloved Lord in the Attic (Ons "Lieve Heer op Solder). The organ and interior have been carefully restored; on the lower floors there are paintings from the 17th and 18th centuries and church utensils.

Amsterdam Arena

The center of Dutch football life is the Amsterdam Arena. For example, PSV fans can argue with this statement, but you can’t argue against history. The best club in the country, the century-old Ajax, received a new home in 1996. The most interesting football matches of the domestic championship take place here.

Anne Frank House

Anne Frank was a Jewish girl who died in the Belsen camp shortly before the end of the war, who kept a diary describing life in shelter during the Nazi occupation of Amsterdam. In 1957, a foundation named after her opened a memorial museum in the very house where the Frank family hid from the Germans for two years.

Zoo in Amsterdam

In the east of Amsterdam is the oldest Dutch zoo, ArtisRoyalZoo, founded in 1838. The zoo houses more than 6 thousand species of animals from all over the world. Huge aquariums, a planetarium, a botanical garden, a geological museum and many other things can be found on the territory of the zoo.

Amsterdam Historical Museum

The museum is dedicated to the history of Amsterdam - a whole architectural complex with old courtyards and modern extensions. The exhibition includes ancient paintings, photographs, and objects of urban life.

Amsterdam canals

One of Amsterdam's distinctive features is its canals, which form four concentric semicircles encircling the Old Town. It is for them, as well as for more than 1,500 bridges and about 90, that the island of Amsterdam received its nickname “Venice of the North”.

Van Loon Museum

The exhibition of the Van Loon Museum is a collection of family portraits, a collection of Oriental and Dutch porcelain, as well as restored residential interiors with unique furniture from the 18th century.

Amsterdam Canal Museum

The museum is dedicated to the Canal Ring of Amsterdam. Interactive excursions are held here, where tourists are told the most interesting facts and events related to the 400-year history of the city's canals.

Madame Tussauds in Amsterdam

Madame Tussauds Amsterdam became the first branch of the world famous London wax museum. The official opening of the museum in Amsterdam took place in 1971, and in 1991 the museum moved to its current home on Dam Square - in the very heart of the city.

Dam Square

Dam Square is the central square of Amsterdam and one of the most famous and important places in the city. Dam Square takes its name from a dam built on the Amstel River in the 13th century and was formed from two squares - Middeldam and Platse.

Stedeleck Museum

The Dutch Stedelek Museum presents all famous movements of contemporary art. Here you can see paintings by such masters as Picasso, Cezanne, Matisse, Judd, De Kouning and Kounellis.

Netherlands mountains. Soils and flora of the Netherlands