The Netherlands, often called Holland, is a country in Northwestern Europe. It's the biggest of the four countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Sharing borders with Germany and Belgium, it boasts a North Sea coastline. English is widely spoken, but the official language is Dutch, with West Frisian being secondary in Friesland. Interestingly, the Caribbean territories also consider Dutch, English, and Papiamento as official languages.
1900: Population Growth Begins
The population of the Netherlands stood at 5.1 million in 1900.
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1912: Establishment of the Dutch National Olympic Committee
In 1912, the Dutch National Olympic Committee was established.
1917: Universal Suffrage Introduced
The Netherlands granted universal suffrage in 1917, marking a pivotal moment in its democratic history.
1919: Women's Suffrage Granted
In 1919, the Netherlands granted women the right to vote, marking a significant step towards gender equality in the country.
1932: Completion of the Afsluitdijk
The Afsluitdijk, a major dam, was completed in 1932, separating the Zuiderzee from the North Sea. This project transformed the Zuiderzee into the IJsselmeer (a freshwater lake) and was a significant feat of Dutch hydraulic engineering.
December 1941: Declaration of War on Japan
The Dutch government-in-exile in London declared war on Japan in December 1941, following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
1944: Liberation of the Netherlands
The First Canadian Army played a crucial role in liberating much of the Netherlands from German occupation in 1944-1945.
August 1945: Indonesian Independence
Indonesia declared its independence from Dutch colonial rule in August 1945.
1948: Netherlands Abandons Neutrality, Signs Treaty of Brussels
Marking a departure from its history of neutrality, the Netherlands signed the Treaty of Brussels in 1948.
1949: Netherlands Becomes a Founding Member of NATO
The Netherlands played a crucial role in the formation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in 1949, solidifying its commitment to collective security.
1950: Population Doubles
By 1950, the population of the Netherlands had almost doubled to 10 million.
1952: European Coal and Steel Community
The Netherlands joined five other European countries to establish the European Coal and Steel Community in 1952, laying the groundwork for future European integration.
February 1953: North Sea Flood
The North Sea flood in February 1953 devastated the southwest Netherlands, causing the collapse of dikes and resulting in the deaths of over 1,800 people. This disaster prompted the Dutch government to launch the Delta Works, a massive flood protection program.
1953: Initiation of the Delta Works
Following the devastating North Sea flood of 1953, the Netherlands embarked on the Delta Works, an ambitious project to protect the country from future floods. This marked a turning point in Dutch water management strategies.
1954: Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands was signed in 1954, reforming the country's political structure and granting its colonies (Suriname, Curaçao, and the Netherlands Antilles) equal status within the Kingdom.
1956: Netherlands Debuts in Eurovision Song Contest
The Netherlands first participated in the Eurovision Song Contest in its inaugural edition in 1956.
1958: European Economic Community and European Atomic Energy Community
Building on the success of the European Coal and Steel Community, the Netherlands participated in the creation of the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1958.
1958: Commencement of the Delta Works Construction
Construction work on the Delta Works, a series of dams and storm surge barriers, began in 1958. This project represented a long-term investment in protecting the Netherlands from the ever-present threat of flooding.
1960: Muslim Population Growth Begins
The Muslim population in the Netherlands started to increase from 1960 onward, largely due to an influx of migrant workers.
1968: Jan Janssen Wins Tour de France
Jan Janssen won the Tour de France in 1968.
1973: Release of "Turkish Delight" ("Turks Fruit")
Dutch director Paul Verhoeven released his internationally acclaimed film "Turkish Delight" ("Turks Fruit") in 1973.
1974: Dutch National Football Team, World Cup Runner-Up
The Dutch national football team was runner-up in the World Cup of 1974.
1975: Surinamese Independence
Suriname gained independence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 1975.
1977: Premiere of "Soldier of Orange" ("Soldaat van Oranje")
Paul Verhoeven's war film "Soldier of Orange" ("Soldaat van Oranje") premiered in 1977, gaining international recognition.
1978: Dutch National Football Team, World Cup Runner-Up
The Dutch national football team was runner-up in the World Cup of 1978.
1979: Joop Zoetemelk Wins Vuelta a Espana
Joop Zoetemelk won the Vuelta a Espana in 1979.
1980: Joop Zoetemelk Wins Tour de France
Joop Zoetemelk won the Tour de France in 1980.
1980: Release of "Spetters"
The coming-of-age drama "Spetters", directed by Paul Verhoeven, was released in 1980.
1983: Debut of "The Fourth Man" ("De Vierde Man")
"The Fourth Man" ("De Vierde Man"), a psychological thriller directed by Paul Verhoeven, premiered in 1983.
1983: Transfer of Monarch's Military Command to Government
In 1983, a significant shift occurred in the Dutch military structure as the monarch's ceremonial role as commander-in-chief was transferred to the government.
1985: Joop Zoetemelk Wins UCI World Championship
Joop Zoetemelk won the UCI World Championship in 1985.
1987: Paul Verhoeven Directs "RoboCop"
Paul Verhoeven made his mark in Hollywood with the release of the science fiction action film "RoboCop" in 1987.
1988: Dutch National Football Team, European Championship Victory
The Dutch national football team won the European Championship of 1988.
1990: Release of "Total Recall"
Paul Verhoeven directed the science fiction action film "Total Recall", starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, released in 1990.
1990: Baseline for CO2 Emission Reductions
The year 1990 serves as the baseline for measuring reductions in CO2 emissions in the Netherlands.
1992: Premiere of "Basic Instinct"
The erotic thriller "Basic Instinct", directed by Paul Verhoeven, premiered in 1992, becoming a controversial and commercially successful film.
1993: Establishment of the European Union
The Maastricht Treaty came into effect in 1993, formally establishing the European Union (EU). The Netherlands, as a founding member of the EEC, became a member state of the EU.
1995: Dutch Women's National Volleyball Team, European Championship Victory
The volleyball national women's team won the European Championship in 1995.
1996: Recognition of Regional Languages
Limburgish was recognized as a regional language, while Yiddish and Romani were recognized as non-territorial languages in 1996.
1996: Suspension of Conscription and Transition to a Professional Army
The Netherlands suspended conscription in 1996, opting for a professional army.
1997: Completion of the Maeslantkering
The Maeslantkering, a key component of the Delta Works, was completed in 1997. This innovative storm surge barrier, designed to protect the Port of Rotterdam, is a testament to Dutch engineering prowess.
January 1999: Introduction of the Euro for Accounting Purposes
The Netherlands adopted the euro for accounting purposes on January 1, 1999, replacing its previous currency, the guilder.
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2000: Increased Religious Awareness
Since 2000, there has been a heightened awareness of religion in the Netherlands, particularly in light of concerns about Islamic extremism.
2000: Continued Population Growth
The population of the Netherlands continued to increase, reaching 15.9 million by 2000.
2001: Legalization of Same-Sex Marriage
The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage in 2001, reflecting its progressive stance on LGBTQ+ rights.
January 2002: Euro Coins and Banknotes Enter Circulation
Euro coins and banknotes were introduced in the Netherlands on January 1, 2002, marking the physical transition to the new currency.
2002: Establishment of Eastern Scheldt National Park
In 2002, the Eastern Scheldt was declared a national park, becoming the largest of its kind in the Netherlands, encompassing an area of 370 square kilometers.
2002: Introduction of the Euro
The Netherlands adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002, replacing the Dutch guilder.
2004: Murder of Theo van Gogh
Dutch film director Theo van Gogh was tragically murdered by Mohammed Bouyeri in Amsterdam in 2004, following the release of his controversial short film "Submission".
2004: Formation of Protestant Church in the Netherlands
The Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) was established in 2004 through the merger of the Dutch Reformed Church, the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands, and a smaller Lutheran Church.
2005: Netherlands Consistently Ranked Highly in Healthcare
Since the inception of the Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI) report in 2005, the Netherlands has consistently been ranked among the top three countries for its healthcare system.
2005: Economic Slowdown
The Dutch economy experienced a slowdown in 2005.
January 2006: Dual Healthcare Financing System Implemented
January 2006 marked the launch of a two-pronged healthcare financing system in the Netherlands, covering both long-term and short-term medical needs.
2006: Economic Recovery
In 2006, the Dutch economy rebounded at its fastest rate in six years, driven by export growth and strong investment.
2006: Spirituality and Belief in a Higher Power in 2006
A 2006 study revealed that 40% of respondents considered themselves spiritual and 36% believed in a higher power. However, these figures decreased to 31% and 28% respectively by 2015.
2007: Job Growth Peak
The Netherlands saw job growth reach a 10-year high in 2007.
2007: Dutch Women's National Volleyball Team, World Grand Prix Victory
The volleyball national women's team won the World Grand Prix in 2007.
2007: Betuweroute Freight Railway Connects Rotterdam to Germany
The year 2007 saw the completion of the Betuweroute, a dedicated freight rail line linking Rotterdam to Germany, enhancing cargo transport efficiency.
2007: Top Ranking in Child Well-being in Rich Countries
UNICEF ranked the Netherlands 1st in child well-being among wealthy nations in 2007.
2008: Renewable Energy Growth Begins
The Netherlands started to significantly increase its share of renewable energy sources in 2008.
2009: Dutch Healthcare System Excels in International Comparison
A 2009 study comparing healthcare systems ranked the Netherlands first, surpassing the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand.
2009: Breakdown of Healthcare Expenditure in the Netherlands
By 2009, state-controlled mandatory insurance covered 27% of all healthcare expenses in the Netherlands, with taxes contributing 14%, out-of-pocket payments 9%, supplementary health insurance 4%, and various other sources 4%.
2009: Average Height
In 2009, the average height of Dutch men was 1.81 meters, and the average height of Dutch women was 1.67 meters.
2010: Foreign-Born Population
In 2010, 11.1% of the Dutch population, or 1.8 million residents, were foreign-born.
2010: Dutch National Football Team, World Cup Runner-Up
The Dutch national football team was runner-up in the World Cup of 2010.
2010: Dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles
The Netherlands Antilles was dissolved in 2010. Referendums were held on each island to determine their future status.
2012: Agricultural Export Growth
The Netherlands' agricultural exports grew to €75.4 billion in 2012, highlighting the sector's significance.
2013: Netherlands and Denmark Top Bike-Friendly Rankings
In 2013, the European Cyclists' Federation recognized the Netherlands and Denmark as the most bike-friendly nations in Europe.
2013: Maintaining Top Ranking in Child Well-being
The Netherlands continued to hold the 1st position in UNICEF's ranking for child well-being in affluent countries in 2013.
December 2014: Atheism Surpasses Theism in the Netherlands
In December 2014, a survey revealed that for the first time, atheists outnumbered theists in the Netherlands, with 25% identifying as atheist compared to 17% as theist. The remaining population identified as agnostic (31%) or ietsistic (27%).
2014: Oxfam Ranks Dutch Food as Most Nutritious
In early 2014, Oxfam ranked the Netherlands as the country with the most nutritious, plentiful and healthy food.
2014: Agricultural Exports Peak
The Netherlands saw its agricultural exports reach €80.7 billion in 2014, solidifying its position as a leading agricultural exporter.
2015: Protestant-Catholic Distribution
A 2015 survey indicated that Protestants outnumbered Catholics in the Netherlands.
2015: Income Distribution
According to the Dutch Central Statistics Bureau, 28% of the Dutch population had a disposable income exceeding 45,000 euros in 2015.
2015: Endemol Merges with Shine Group
Endemol, a prominent Dutch television production company, merged with Shine Group in 2015, further expanding its global reach.
2015: Declining Church Attendance and Spirituality in the Netherlands
In 2015, a significant majority of the Dutch population (82%) reported rarely or never attending church, with 59% stating they had never been. Additionally, there was a notable decline in spirituality, with 31% identifying as spiritual compared to 40% in 2006.
November 2016: Foreign-Born Residents
As of November 21, 2016, 3.8 million residents in the Netherlands had at least one foreign-born parent.
2016: Royal Schiphol Group Airports Handle 70 Million Passengers
Airports managed by the Royal Schiphol Group, including Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, accommodated 70 million passengers in 2016.
2016: Netherlands Maintains Top Position in Healthcare Index
In 2016, the Netherlands continued its reign atop the Euro Health Consumer Index (EHCI), scoring 916 out of 1,000 points and outperforming 36 other European nations for the sixth consecutive year.
2016: Biocapacity Deficit
In 2016, the Netherlands had a biocapacity deficit of 4.0 global hectares per person, indicating a consumption exceeding its ecological resources.
2016: High Ranking in Global Enabling Trade Report
The Netherlands achieved the 2nd position in the Global Enabling Trade Report in 2016, demonstrating its strong performance in facilitating international trade.
January 2017: Submarine Service Opens to Women
Breaking barriers in the armed forces, the Netherlands opened its submarine service to women starting on January 1, 2017.
2017: Dutch Women's National Football Team, European Championship Victory
The Netherlands women's national football team won the European Championship of 2017.
2017: Tom Dumoulin Wins Giro d'Italia
Tom Dumoulin won the Giro d'Italia in 2017.
2017: Ranked Among the Most Competitive Economies Globally
In 2017, the Swiss International Institute for Management Development recognized the Netherlands as the fifth most competitive economy worldwide.
2018: High Carbon Emissions
The Netherlands had one of the highest per capita carbon dioxide emission rates in the European Union in 2018.
2018: High Ranking in Global Innovation Index
The Netherlands secured the 2nd position in the Global Innovation Index in 2018, highlighting its strong innovation capabilities.
2018: Fertility Rate
The fertility rate in the Netherlands was estimated at 1.78 children per woman in 2018.
2019: Climate Agreement and Renewable Energy Progress
By 2019, the Netherlands had doubled its renewable energy share, particularly in offshore wind and solar, and implemented a Climate Agreement with policies for a carbon-neutral economy.
2019: Netherlands Leads in Electric Vehicle Adoption
By 2019, the Netherlands had established itself as a front-runner in electric vehicle adoption within the European Union, boasting approximately 30% of all EV charging stations, due in part to government incentives and infrastructure investments.
2019: Continued Growth in Agricultural Exports
Dutch agricultural exports continued to climb, reaching €94.5 billion in 2019.
2019: Official Preference for "the Netherlands"
In 2019, the Dutch government announced its official preference for using "the Netherlands" instead of "Holland" when referring to the country. This decision aimed to promote inclusivity and accurate representation of all its provinces.
2019: Forest Landscape Integrity Index Assessment
In 2019, the Netherlands received a mean score of 0.6 out of 10 on the Forest Landscape Integrity Index, ranking 169th globally, indicating the country's low forest landscape integrity.
2019: Dutch Women's National Football Team, World Cup Runner-Up
The Netherlands women's national team was runner-up in 2019 World Cup.
2020: Endemol Shine Group Merges with Banijay
The media landscape shifted again in 2020 when Endemol Shine Group, formed from the previous merger, merged with Banijay, creating a television production powerhouse.
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2020: Life Expectancy
In 2020, life expectancy in the Netherlands was 84.3 years for newborn girls and 79.7 years for newborn boys.
2020: Schiphol Airport Processes 1.44 Million Tonnes of Cargo
In 2020, Schiphol Airport, a key freight hub, handled 1.44 million tonnes of cargo, underscoring its significance in global logistics.
2020: Religious Identification
In 2020, 55% of the Dutch population identified as non-religious, while Catholicism (19.8%), Protestantism (14.4%), Islam (5.2%), and other religions constituted the rest.
2021: Significant Reduction in CO2 Emissions Achieved
The Netherlands successfully reduced its CO2 emissions by 14% compared to 1990 levels in 2021.
2022: Port of Rotterdam Maintains Global Significance
As of 2022, the Port of Rotterdam held its position as the largest port in Europe and the tenth largest container port globally.
2022: Ethnic Composition
In 2022, the population of the Netherlands was 74.8% ethnically Dutch, with significant minorities including other Europeans, Turks, Moroccans, Indonesians, and Surinamese.
2022: Ranked Among Top Democratic Countries
The Economist's Democracy Index placed the Netherlands as the 9th most democratic country worldwide in 2022.
November 2023: Population Estimate
As of November 31, 2023, the Netherlands had an estimated population of 17,947,406.
November 2023: Victory for Party for Freedom in General Election
The right-wing populist Party for Freedom, led by Geert Wilders, emerged victorious in the November 2023 general election in the Netherlands, securing 37 seats out of 150.
2023: Number of Municipalities in the Netherlands
As of 2023, the Netherlands comprised 342 municipalities.
2023: Decline in Global Innovation Index Ranking
The Netherlands experienced a decline in its ranking in the Global Innovation Index, dropping to 7th in 2023 from its previous position of 2nd in 2018.
2023: High Ranking in Electoral Democracy Index
The Netherlands secured the 17th position globally in the V-Dem Democracy indices for electoral democracy in 2023.
July 2024: New Cabinet Inaugurated, Dick Schoof Succeeds Mark Rutte
A new cabinet was inaugurated in July 2024, marking the end of Mark Rutte's tenure as Prime Minister and the beginning of Dick Schoof's term.
July 2024: Dick Schoof Becomes Prime Minister
Dick Schoof assumed the role of Prime Minister of the Netherlands in July 2024, succeeding Mark Rutte, the longest-serving Prime Minister.
2030: Target Year for Further Emission Reduction
The Dutch government has set an ambitious goal to achieve a 49% reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to the 1990 baseline.