Introduction 3

1. General information about 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 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. Social 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 Flemings on both sides of the Dutch-Belgian border, and small groups of Dutch and Frisians in northwestern Germany. Maritime boundaries The Netherlands pass 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. Nodal transport geographical position The Netherlands contributed to the development on its territory of such gigantic international industrial and transport complexes as Rotterdam and Amsterdam.

The purpose of this work is to review the history natural resources and tourism 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, in colloquial speech the name stuck.

The name of the country ("Low Lands") contains main characteristic 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 inland areas 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. During the day royal family April 30 is considered to be 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 included in: 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 Netherlands was conquered by the Romans, which accelerated cultural development 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 education Frankish state(V 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. on the territory of the Netherlands a number of fiefs(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 low-lying areas of the country that were swampy or flooded during floods (the name of the country in literal translation means "lower land" in Dutch).

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 toward an alliance with England. This involved Holland in 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 closely intertwined with liberation war 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.

Kingdom of the Netherlands

1. History.

Inhabited by Celtic tribes, the territory of the modern Netherlands was captured by the Romans in the 1st century BC. e. After the invasion of the barbarians in the 4th–5th centuries. ethnic groups were settled as follows: the Saxons - in the east, the Frisians - on the coast and the Franks - in the south of the country. Christianity came to the country during the reign of Charlemagne. After the collapse of the empire, Holland in 843 found itself part of Lorraine. In the 14th century, the Dutch lands went to Burgundy when the Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Bold, married Margaret, Countess of Flanders. At the end of the 15th century, Holland passed into the possession of the House of Habsburg, and then into France. Since the French king Philip the Fair was married to the heir to the Spanish throne, Holland came under Spanish rule in 1516. King Charles V of Spain abdicated the throne in favor of Philip II, who imposed a brutal rule on the country. In 1579, supporters of the Protestant Church formed a federation of seven republics - the Union of Utrech, which declared independence in 1581. In 1648, Spain ceded North Brabant and Flanders to the Netherlands. In the 17th century, the Netherlands became a powerful power, whose interests soon collided with the interests of the British Empire. In 1794, the Netherlands was occupied by France, which created the Batavian Republic on the territory of the country, and in 1806 formed the Kingdom of Holland, ruled by Napoleon Bonaparte's brother Louis. In 1814, according to decisions Vienna Congress, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed, which, in addition to the united provinces, included Belgium and Luxembourg. As a result of the revolution in 1830, Catholic Belgium separated from the Kingdom and declared independence. During the period between the two world wars, the Netherlands experienced rapid economic growth. Occupied by Germany in 1940, Holland was liberated in 1945. In 1949, the Netherlands signed a customs union agreement with Belgium and Luxembourg (Benelux).

2. EGP and PGP.

2.1. The area of ​​the land.

S=41,548 km 2 (S land =33,930 km 2)

There are possessions of the Netherlands (overseas provinces) in the North. America (West Indies) - the Netherlands Antilles, the island of Aruba and the southern part of the island of Saint Martin.

2.2. Assessment of borders and neighbors (whether they are favorable or not for foreign economic relations).

The Netherlands is an economically highly developed capitalist country with extensive foreign economic relations. The country's advantageous geographical position at the intersection of the most important Western European continental trade routes (within the Netherlands - the lower reaches of the Rhine, Scheldt and Meuse) with maritime ones has long contributed to the development of shipping and trade, which have become the main traditional sectors of the economy of the Netherlands.

2.3. Political system.

The government system is a constitutional monarchy.

Legislative power is exercised by the monarch and parliament (States General), which consists of 2 chambers - the First and Second. The first chamber (75 deputies) is elected by the provincial states on the basis of proportional representation, for a term of four years. The second chamber (150 deputies) is elected by the population for four years. The First Chamber was elected on May 29, 1995, the Second on May 6, 1998, the Prime Minister (since August 1994 - V. Kok - leader of the Labor Party). The government is a coalition (parties: Christian Democratic Appeal (CDC); Labor Party (PT); Democrats-66 (D-66); People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (PPSD), Green Left).

There are more than 70 parties registered in the country, 9 of which are in parliament: PT - founded in 1946, on the basis of the Social Democratic Party, part of the socialists; “D-66” - founded in 1966 - left-liberal party; "Green Left" - an association of left-wing parties (founded in 1989 as a bloc of communist parties - the pacifist socialist party, the radical political party, the Evangelical People's Party; the final unification took place in 1991); Christian Democratic Party - created in 1976, initially as a bloc of 3 clerical parties: the anti-revolutionary party, the Catholic People's Party and the Christian Historical Union, the final unification into a single party occurred in 1980.

Parliamentary elections took place in May 1998. The majority of votes in the Second Chamber was received by the PT (45 seats), the remaining seats are distributed as follows (the results of the previous elections are in brackets): CDA –29 (34), NPSD –38 (31), “D-66” –14 (24), “Green Left” -11 (5), RPF - Reformist Political Organization (Calvinist) -3 (3), RPS - Reformist Political Union -2 (2), GRP - State Reformist Party -3 (2). In the First Chamber: NDPS –23, HDP –19, PT –14, “D-66” –7, “Green Left” –4.

2.4. ATD form.

The state consists of 12 provinces (provincial states are elected to the First Chamber of Parliament):

Friesland, North Brabant, Limburg, Zealand, Groningen, etc.

The capital is Amsterdam, but the country's government is located in The Hague.

2.5. Membership in international organizations.

Holland is a member of the following international organizations:

EU; IMF; INTERPOL; NATO; UN; UNESCO;

AFBR; AzDB; BIS; COCOM; CSCE; EBRD; EEC; ECLAC; EIB; ESA; ESCAP; FAO; GATT; IAEA; IBRD; ICAO; ICFTU; MAR; IEA; IFAD; MFC; ILO; IMO; INTPLSAT; IOC; ISO; ITU; OECD; UNCTAD; UNHCR; UNIDO; UPS; CGT; WES; WHO; WIPO; WMO; WTO.

3. Natural conditions and resources.

3.1. Characteristics of climate, relief, coastline, inland waters.

About 25% of the territory is below sea level and is protected by a system of dams and other hydraulic structures, the total length of which is 3 thousand km. In the southwest of the Netherlands, the ambitious Delta hydrotechnical project was implemented to protect against floods. Almost all branches of the Rhine and Meuse were blocked with reinforced concrete dams, along which roads were laid connecting the southwestern regions with the center of the country. Through locks, river waters are periodically discharged into the North Sea, and

significant areas of shallow bays, in particular the Zuider Zee. There are many lakes to the northeast and southwest of the Zuider Zee. To the east of the strip of marches, the terrain rises, gradually turning into a hilly plain - gesta, 20 - 30 meters above sea level, consisting of clayey-sandy moraine and fluvioglacial deposits. In the extreme southeast of the country are the foothills of the Ardennes (height 150–200 meters, highest 321 meters), composed mainly of limestone, marls, clays and sands and dissected by deep river valleys and ravines.

Temperate, marine. The average January temperature is +2°, +3°. However, in winter, sometimes as a result of the invasion of cold air masses from the east, frosty weather sets in when rivers, lakes and canals freeze. Summer is warm: the average July temperature is +18°, +19°. Precipitation is 650–700 mm per year, the maximum occurs in autumn. It rains for 30 days a year. Fogs are frequent.

Coastline:

The shores are predominantly flat, strongly indented in the north by deeply protruding shallow bays of Zuider See, Luvers See, Dollart, and in the south by funnel-shaped mouths of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers. Dunes stretch along the seashore (the height of some of them reaches 60 meters); Along a significant stretch of the coast, dams and dikes have been built to protect low-lying areas from sea invasion.

3.2. Natural resources for industrial development (fuel, ore, water, forest), their placement and extraction.

Deposits of peat, table salt, kaolin.

There is a deposit on the territory of the country natural gas and oil.

Natural gas reserves amount to 2,500 billion cubic meters. m. (4th place in the world).

Oil reserves - 97 million tons.

3.3. Natural conditions and resources for agricultural development (agroclimatic resources).

Vegetable world.

Today, the broadleaf forests that covered much of the Netherlands in past centuries are best preserved on royal estates, national parks and nature reserves. On the slopes of the valleys there are oak, hornbeam, beech, mixed with ash, white poplar, elm, and in damper places - alder. Characterized by an abundance of berry bushes and flowering plants. Oak and birch forests grow on sandy hills, alternating with heather heaths and swamps. On the heathland there are thickets of shrubs (gorse, juniper, broom).

Animal world

The fauna of the Netherlands is greatly impoverished: mainly those species of animals that live in damp meadows, reservoirs and canals have been preserved. Of the 180 species of birds found in this country, approximately 40% live in or near bodies of water. Hundreds of thousands of waterfowl reach the Netherlands during their winter migrations. In the north of the country, on the shallows of the Vashtovo Sea, separating the West Frisian Islands from the mainland, white-fronted geese, short-billed geese, barnacle geese, and a lot of gulls and waders spend the winter. Is this where the southernmost eider population is located? Closer to the seashore, large curlews, grassworts, and turukhtans appear. In the wet meadows a lot of waterfowl geese and changelings gather, and to a lesser extent - lesser white-fronted geese, black and red-breasted geese. Reed thickets along the tributaries attract greylag geese, as well as teal, pintails, curlews, and snipe for wintering. Breeding species include Reed Harrier, Short-eared Owl, Rail, Crake, Whiskered Tit and Bittern. Seals live off the northern coast of the Netherlands, the fishing of which is limited and in some areas prohibited. The fauna of indigenous forests is characterized by wood mouse, squirrel, rabbit, roe deer, as well as representatives of the mustelid family. The moorland is home to black grouse and great cork, and the coastal dunes are home to wild rabbits.

4. Population.

4.1. Number.

Q=15.453 million people (1995), Q=15.65 million people (1997).

4.2. Placement and density.

Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht are united into one large agglomeration - the Dutch conurbation (Randstad), the share of the urban population (urbanization) = 88%. Average population density - r = 372 people/km 2

4.3. Demographic situation.

The country belongs to the first type of population reproduction, which is characterized by relatively low fertility and relatively low mortality.

Fertility: 12.42‰; mortality: 8.48 ‰;

Natural increase: 12.42–8.48=3.94 (‰).

Average life expectancy: men - 75 years, women - 81 years (1995).

4.4. National composition.

Holland - one - nation state, the vast majority are Dutch (96% of the population). Other ethnic groups: Frisians, Moroccans, Turks, Surinamese.

4.5. Religious composition.

Catholicism is professed by 34% of the population, Protestants - 25%, Islam - 3%.

Roman Catholic areas - Northern provinces. Brabant, Limburg; Protestant - the provinces of Zealand and Gröngengen.

4.6. Official language.

Official language - Dutch (Germanic) language group, Indo-European family), Frisian (400 thousand people speak it) and English are also common.

4.8. National traditions, holidays, cuisine, lifestyle.

On October 3, Liberation Day is celebrated (the end of the 80-year war), where the main treat is bread and herring.

The celebration of St. Nicholas Day takes place throughout the country, and at the beginning of the day, St. Nicholas enters the country from the north on horseback and travels around everything settlements by visiting churches, schools and hospitals. Communities prepare gifts for children for this day.

Speed ​​skating enjoys great success in the country; almost every community has its own skating rink. Dutch runners and speed skaters often take prizes at championships and Olympics.

The Netherlands are a friendly and hospitable, reserved and calm people; they are characterized by a modest and moderate lifestyle, and the isolation of the inhabitants of Minburg is manifested in the construction of closed, peasant courtyards. The towns and villages of the Netherlands have a peculiar look - steep

roofs covered with red tiles, narrow facades; Every city has preserved historical sights and architectural monuments. Amsterdam is home to 365 channels and the center of the European youth scene.
	Canal in Amsterdam
	Rotterdam is a European Manhattan with “Dutch Art Nouveau” architecture. The Hague is a city of bicycles. Utrecht is a city of arts. The Netherlands is the only country in the world where the consumption of (soft) drugs is officially permitted; their sale in so-called “coffee shops” is carried out under police supervision.
Dutch Parliament in The Hague

This generates an annual turnover of US$400 million and helps combat illegal drug addiction.

The Netherlands made a great contribution to the development of navigation, the improvement of maps and instruments (V. Barents, V. Janszoon, A. Tasman, O von North, V.K. Schouten, etc.). Such famous scientists as H. Huygens, A. Leeuwenhoek, R. de Graaf, T.I. worked in the field of natural sciences, medicine and agriculture. Stieltjes, J.H. Van't Hoff, W. Einthoven and others. Erasmus of Rotterdam, Benedict Spinoza, Uriel Acosta, and Rene Descartes made a significant contribution to the development of philosophy. In literature: Erasmus of Rotterdam, Multatuli (pseudonym of E.D. Dekker), S. Westdijk, Toin de Vries. In the music of the Netherlands, they became famous in the 16th century for the melodic playing of bells (carillon), singing schools at cathedrals, the Dutch school of counterpoint, which influenced the development of European music, as well as the high level of organ art; the founder of national music was the great composer and organist J.P. Sweelink. In the 19th century, a national royal school of music was founded in The Hague. Currently, concerts, performances, and competitions are held everywhere.

5. Characteristics of the farm.

5.1. Characteristics of the industry.

5.1.1. Leading industries (production volumes).

The Netherlands is a highly developed industrial and agricultural country. The main industries are shipbuilding, ferrous and non-ferrous metalworking, chemical, electrical, textile, and food. Industry and the service sector provide 65% of the gross social product.

Three areas are distinguished by production volume: petrochemicals (25%), food industry(27) and mechanical engineering (12.4). The share of high-tech industries is 12.5 of the country’s total industrial production (on average for EU countries - 11.7%, USA - 10.5%, Japan - 13.4%). The Netherlands is a highly productive industrial country with intensive, highly productive agriculture, one of the ten most prosperous Western countries. Concerns such as RoalDatch-Shell (petrochemicals), Unilever (household chemicals, food products), Philips (electrical engineering and radio electronics), AKZO (chemistry), Estel Hoogowens (metallurgy) are world famous. ). The first three are among the 30 largest concerns in the world. The export of capital plays an important role international trade and maritime transport.

The most developed industries are oil refining (7th place in the world), ferrous metallurgy, electronic and radio engineering, chemical (7th place in the world), food, textile industry, mechanical engineering (shipbuilding, automotive industry, etc.), 60% of industrial production goes to export. 28% of the independent population is employed in industry and construction, 67% in the service sector, and 5% in agriculture and fishing.

Production volumes (1996):

cast iron - 4.4 million tons, steel - 5.7 million tons, rolled products - 2.8 million tons, passenger cars - 11 thousand units, fertilizers - 2 million tons (4th place in Europe), electricity generated - 68 billion kWh, oil produced - 3.5 million tons, natural gas - 83 billion cubic meters. m.

Only 20% is covered by domestic resources, the rest is imported from Great Britain, Iran, Libya, Nigeria, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and the CIS. In the country's energy balance, gas accounts for 51.8%, oil and oil products - 37.8%, coal - 7.4%, nuclear energy - 1.6%, other sources - 1.4%.

5.1.2. Large industrial centers.

The port of Rotterdam is one of the largest in the world in terms of cargo turnover. Branches of transnational concerns of the food, oil, electrical engineering industries, and an international chemical company are located in Rotterdam.

5.1.3. Branches of specialization in the world economy.

About 50% of products are exported.

The symbols of Holland have always been: Tulips, windmills, wooden shoes, heads of cheese (Edam and Gouda varieties), clay pipes, skates.

Exports of Dutch textile products amounted to 7.2 billion gula in 1997. The main markets are Germany and Belgium. There has been rapid growth in sales to the UK. Textile exports to non-EU countries increased by 20%. Imports of textile products amounted to 11.8 billion in 1997. hum (in 1996 - 10.4 billion gu.). The largest increase in supplies was recorded from the countries of Central Europe, North Africa and Turkey. It exports to Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland (31 billion cubic meters). By exporting gas, the Netherlands covers the cost of importing other types of fuel. Revenues from gas sales account for 20% of total budget revenues; about 60% of all electricity in the country is produced using natural gas. Coal is imported into the country (10.2 million tons), electricity is imported (8.5% of total consumption).

The Netherlands makes a significant contribution to Europe's energy supply. Consumers of Dutch gas are Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland (45.9 billion cubic meters). Large oil refining facilities of Shell, Esso, British Petroleum, Texaco, and Total are located in Holland.

5.2. Characteristics of agriculture.

5.2.1. Leading industries (production volumes).

Agriculture in the Netherlands is highly productive, with a strong export focus (the third largest exporter of agricultural products in the world after the USA and France - 60% of production or 24% of the value of Dutch exports). In terms of growth rates in agricultural production, the Netherlands ranks first among developed countries. Products produced per hectare of agricultural land are 3 times more valuable than the average for the EEC countries. 50% of the country's territory is allocated for agricultural land. One person working in agriculture produces on average 2.3 times more products than in the EEC countries and 1.5 times more than in the USA. The basis of agricultural production is livestock farming, which accounts for 66% of production. Meat production is 2.32 million tons, milk yield is 11.2 million tons. Large livestock cattle is 4.9 million, pigs - 13.9 million. The Netherlands ranks first in the world in terms of greenhouse area (10 thousand hectares). In terms of average yield of main crops and livestock productivity, the Netherlands is one of the first places (winter wheat - 76.6 centners, spring - 64 centners, rye - 46 centners, barley - 52 centners, oats - 50 centners, peas - 39 centners, beans - 36 centners, potatoes - 450 centners, sugar beets - 620 centners per hectare, average milk yield per cow - 6000 kg, with fat content - 4.3%). The wheat harvest is more than 1 million tons. (the share of winter wheat in the total harvest is 94%), potatoes - 7.5 million tons.

The Netherlands ranks 10th in the world in dairy production and is the world's largest exporter of cheese (55% of the country's milk production is processed into cheese).

Highly productive production plays an important role in the economy. Agriculture(The Netherlands is called a great little agricultural country). About 70% of production comes from livestock farming. Fisheries and seafood production are developed. To preserve the environment, large farms are divided into smaller ones in order to reduce the amount of herbicides and other chemicals used. The country occupies one of the first places in the world in terms of greenhouse area, production of meat, poultry, eggs, milk, butter (20% of world exports), and cheese. The main agricultural crops are potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, barley, oats. Over 2 billion are grown annually. tulip bulbs and other flowers. Problem #1 is the absolute efficiency of agriculture.

5.2.2. Agricultural areas.

Arable lands occupy 26% of the territory ( fertile soils one of the most important natural resources of the country), meadows, pastures - 32%.

5.3. Characteristics of the infrastructure complex (non-production sphere).

It is mandatory in the country free education from 7 to 15 years. For admission to high school students study optionally for 2 years foreign language and then take competitive exams. Higher education represented by 6 state universities, Protestant and Catholic, as well as other universities. The Royal Library in The Hague has 2 thousand incunabula.

5.3.1. Transport.

The total length of railways is 2,757 km (1,991 km are electrified). The Netherlands has a wide network of roads, with a total length of 104,831 km (of which 92,251 km are paved). Total length waterways 6,340 km. Main Ports: Amsterdam, Rotterdam The Netherlands has an advanced transport system based on the seaports of Rotterdam (the largest container port in the world) and Amsterdam, as well as Schiphol International Airport (the fastest growing airport in Europe), and a dedicated distribution infrastructure. In 1996, Dutch transport companies transported about 300 million tons of cargo. Inland shipping routes (5 thousand km or 20% of inland shipping routes in Western Europe) serve 6 thousand Dutch ships with a total displacement of about 5 million tons. The Dutch fleet is inland waters is the largest in Western Europe; its share in international transport is 65% of the Netherlands' cargo turnover. The length of the country's highways is 114 thousand km. The vehicle fleet is 6 million units. (5.4 million - passenger cars). 55–60 million passengers are transported by road each year. Railways have a length of 2828 km. Every year, more than 200 million passengers and 20 million tons of cargo are transported by rail.

5.3.2. Tourism.

Tourism services employ 260 thousand jobs.

Attractions:

Museums in the Netherlands have unique collections of paintings. The Riksmuseum houses the largest collection of Flemish paintings in the world; the Van Gogh Museum contains 800 paintings by the artist. Rich collections of paintings are in the museum Contemporary Art, Rembrandt Museum, Royal Art Gallery of The Hague. Among architectural monuments in Amsterdam there are interesting: the St. Anthony-Poort gate (XV-XVII centuries), currently the Historical Museum, the Gothic Old Church (XV-XVI centuries), the Northern and Eastern Churches (XVII century), the Royal Palace (XVII century) .

The tulip has long been a symbol of prosperity; in 1637, three bulbs of the Semper August variety were sold for 30 thousand guilders (the cost of a house on the banks of a canal in the center of Amsterdam). Now in Keppenhof, from April to May, the tulip exhibition attracts up to 850 thousand visitors. An interesting skating marathon (200 km) in Elfstedentoht (held only 14 times this century), when 16 thousand participants, starting and finishing in the city of Leeuwarden, run along a ring covering more than 100 towns and villages.

6. Final part.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a highly developed country with a complex of developed agriculture and industry, as well as a culture with long, deep roots.

This country's contribution to world development very big:

– shipbuilding, known throughout the world (it was in Holland that Peter I went to learn how to build ships);

– world-famous varieties of cheese and tulips;

– many famous names in painting, such as Rembrandt.

Almost all areas of human activity are successfully developing in this country. Holland is considered a fairly prosperous country, with good conditions for people's lives. One of the reasons for this is the favorable geographical location (access to the sea, location at the intersection of important trade and communication routes), which contributed to the development of the country.

However, this country's prosperity does not come easily. The Netherlands has to literally “conquer” living space from the sea by draining more and more areas of land. Holland is also poor in mineral resources.

The achieved well-being was created by the joint creative work of generations of its inhabitants.

Bibliography:

1. “Countries of the World.” Directory. Edited by I.S. Ivanova. 1999 Publisher: M. Republic".

2. “Countries of the World.” Encyclopedic reference book. Edited by Semenitsky. 1999 Minsk. Publishers: “Mirinda”, “Radiola-plus”.

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. Very coldy happen 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, maximum amount falls 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 important role played features geological structure. 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 largest rivers 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. The absolute maximum air temperature (+38.6 °C) was recorded on August 23, 1944 in Varnsveld, the absolute minimum (−27.4 °C) was recorded on January 27, 1942 in Winterswijk. In winter, when anticyclones invade from Eastern Europe, the temperature falls below 0 °C, snow falls, and canals and lakes become covered with ice. Although the average annual rainfall ranges from 650 to 750 mm, rarely does a day go by without rain. There is often fog, and snow sometimes falls in winter.

Land resources:

Agricultural lands occupy about 65% of the country's territory. About 27% of agricultural land is occupied by arable land, 32% by pasture and up to 9% is covered by forests.

In the north and east, derk-pale podzolic soils developed on sandy deposits are common. These soils are characterized by a humus horizon up to 20 cm thick with a humus content of more than 5%.

Forest resources

Forests cover 7.6% of the country's territory. Since almost the entire territory of the country is occupied by agricultural land, almost no forests have been preserved. Rare plantings of oak, birch, pine, and ash are carefully protected.

Minerals

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

The main coal reserves are concentrated in the province of Limburg. Deposits of hard and brown coal were discovered here. Oil and gas deposits have been discovered in the middle part of the country, near the Zuider Zee Bay.

There are also oil and gas deposits within the North Sea shelf. Less important minerals mined in the Netherlands include peat and kaolin.

Water resources

The rivers are deep, many of them are connected by canals and are navigable; rarely freeze. The common delta of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt rivers. Many small lakes are located in the northern and western parts of the country.

The transport of goods in the Netherlands uses a complex system of artificially created waterways of three main categories: the two ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam; canals connecting these ports with the North Sea, and canals connecting different parts of the country. Approximately 6 thousand Dutch river vessels (this figure is the highest in the world) transport at least 2/3 of all water freight in EU countries.

To improve the approaches from the North Sea to the two largest ports - Amsterdam and Rotterdam - back in the late 19th century. two canals were built. The Noordsee Canal provides the shortest route from Amsterdam to the North Sea. The wide and deep 27 km long Nieuwe Waterweg channel connects Rotterdam to the sea, breaking through the dune belt at Hoek van Holland.

Recreational resources

The Netherlands has preserved fortresses and many palaces and castles.

The museums contain unique collections of paintings. The Riksmuseum houses the largest collection of Flemish paintings in the world; the Van Gogh Museum contains 800 paintings by the artist. Rich collections of paintings are in the Museum of Modern Art, the Rembrandt Museum, and the Royal Art Gallery of The Hague. Among the architectural monuments in Amsterdam, the most interesting are the St. Anthony's Port gate, currently the Historical Museum, the Gothic Old Church, the North and East Churches, and the Royal Palace.

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Oil discovered in the Schonebeek area in the north-east of the country in 1963, as well as in the area between Rotterdam and The Hague.

Natural gas- the country's most important energy source. In 1959, a gas field of the same name was discovered near Slochteren in the province of Groningen (northern coast). This deposit, which is confined to the Groningen arch, is unique; it is estimated to have the third largest reserves in the world. Productive Lower Permian sandstones (Slochtern member) up to 240 m deep. 2800-2975 m, covered by salt-bearing strata at the top. Perm. The deposits are stratified, tectonically screened in places. Initial production reserves are 1.87 billion m. Gas contains 14% nitrogen, 1% carbon dioxide.

Other natural gas deposits have been discovered at the bottom of the North Sea. In 1996, total natural gas reserves in the Netherlands were estimated at 1.8 trillion. cube m., in 1998-99 (see table) remained at the same level.

See also

Sources