Prior to 1579, Netherlands belonged to Spain, after which, the Dutch declared its independence. In the seventeenth century, Dutch became one of the major seafaring and economic powers. Netherlands maintained a neutral stand in World War I and intended to do so in World War II, but due to Germany’s attack, it aligned itself with the French and the British. Today, Netherlands has a flourishing economy. It is a co-founder of NATO and the EEC (now EU). It also participated in the introduction of the Euro in 1999.

Netherlands was home to many famous painters, philosophers and writers. The painters from Netherlands from the prosperous era of seventeenth century were referred to as the ‘Dutch Masters’. It was during the Dutch Golden Age that literature flourished in Netherlands. Windmills, tulips, wooden shoes and Delftware pottery are among the more popular items related to Netherlands.

The Dutch share their borders with Belgium and Germany and have the North Sea in the west. The highest point of Netherlands is Vaalserberg while the lowest point is Zuidplaspolder.