The Netherlands is a beautiful and unique land, rich in history and culture. It is situated in Western Europe, bordering the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany. The country is a very flat land and it is located below sea level. The "Kingdom" of the Netherlands was formed in 1815, although there has been occupation there since the 1500's. Interestingly, the Netherlands was a founding member of NATO and what is now the EU. Food processing, petroleum refining as well as electrical and electronic machinery are some of the major industrial activities in the Netherlands. It has a dynamic agricultural sector and is well known for its plants and cut flowers. The port of Rotterdam, located in South Holland is the busiest in Europe, serving a vast hinterland which stretches into Germany and central Europe.

As you would imagine, tourism is big in the Netherlands. There are many outstanding art museums that hold cultural and global items of interest. In 2009, there is an event planned called the "Holland Art Cities," at which the top museums in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, the Hague, and Utrecht will join forces to create an unprecedented art spectacle. Visiting the many windmills is a very popular thing to do while in the Netherlands. If you are a nature lover, then you can enjoy the birds, dykes, windmills, tulips, and polders, as well as the national parks and nature reserves all over the country. While in the Netherlands, don't miss the well-known Dutch specialties like the raw herring, smoked eel, and pea soup, as well as a wide variety of cheeses such as Edam and Gouda.

The accommodations in the Netherlands (and particularly Amsterdam) are quite expensive, but are well worth the money however. There are plenty of lodging opportunities in the Netherlands and in Amsterdam alone. They welcome visitors and know how to treat them well. Transportation in the country is plentiful and includes automobiles, bikes, trains, busses, and taxis. The train can be used locally or take you to more than 150 European destinations. You can spend some time on the trains in the area, if you want to see some breathtaking scenery.

Amsterdam

Going to the Netherlands is not complete unless you pay a visit to Amsterdam, the capital. Besides the architectural beauty in Amsterdam, it is a haven for tourists, artists, and adventure lovers everywhere. The Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Rembrandt House are some of the pretty famous historic sites in Amsterdam. If you are looking for a hotspot, then try the Jimmy Woo. It is a hot club where ancient Hong-Kong mixes with modern design.

Flower lovers can enjoy the tulip field tour in the magnificent keukenhof gardens, where you won't believe the colorful display of the tulips. Don't miss the two hour evening cruise along the Amsterdam's romantic canals and enjoy unlimited wine with cheese and tasty nibbles. There is so much to do and see in Amsterdam, that it can be a vacation in and of itself.