Geography
23 Sep 2010
Holland is situated in the west of Europe. Holland borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south and the North Sea to the north and west.
Cultural crossroad
This small country lies at the point where the German, British and French cultures meet. Once you have arrived in Holland, you’ll discover that many European capitals are within easy reach. Brussels is two hours by train, and a short flight from Amsterdam will take you to Paris, Madrid or Berlin.
The Dutch universities are an ideal starting point for study tours and exchanges in other European countries.
Landscape
What strikes people most when they first arrive in Holland is the landscape. The country is extremely flat. While there are some hilly areas in the southeast corner of the country, even these barely infringe on the broad, unbroken expanse of sky that is so characteristic of the Dutch landscape. Moreover, there is water everywhere, in the form of lakes, rivers and canals.
Holland's relatively small area of just over 41,000 square kilometres is home to a total of more than 16 million people.
Surface area
41,528 square kilometres, one quarter of which lies below sea level
Longest distance north-south
300 km
Longest distance east-west
200 km
Lowest altitude
6.76 metres below sea level (near Rotterdam)
Highest altitude
323 metres (near Maastricht)
Climate
Moderate maritime climate
Water conservation
Holland lies on a flat, low delta and a quarter of the land lies below sea level. Because of its precarious location, it has one of the best barrier dams in the world. Several Dutch companies are involved in water conservation and land reclamation projects throughout the world.
In the 17th century wind was the most important source of energy. Windmills were not only used to mill grain. They were also needed to pump water out of the polders to keep them dry, to power saws cutting timber for shipbuilding, and to operate the copper beaters’ hammers. Some mills were even used to produce paint.
Today just under 1,000 windmills survive. They are lovingly cared for as part of our Dutch heritage even though it’s now knowledge and innovation that drive our economy rather than the ever-turning sails of our windmills.
