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• Overview
  • Economy—overview: The Netherlands is a prosperous and open economy depending heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-02, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average. CIA Factbook.
    
  • Cultural Profile
    Most people you meet will be able to speak English if not other languages as well.  Start off your relationship well by having the courtesy to ask if the person speaks English, don't just assume it. 
    It’s prohibited to smoke in public areas, not as strictly enforced as in the USA.
    Be prepared to shake hands more often, not just the first time you meet someone in the store (shop) or maybe every morning at work. Sorry the grunt won't cut it!
    In The Netherlands there are no Sunday papers. Not at all. The extra magazines, appendixes etc. come on Saturday and sometimes  a part of it on Friday.  There are no tabloids like in the UK.                                                                                                                    When invited home by friends or colleagues take a bunch of flowers. There are many flower shops and flowers are not expensive. When you know people a bit better, if suitable, you could also bring a bottle of wine or spirit (liquor).
    Tourist Information Offices are called  VVV, which stands for Vereniging voor Vreemdelingen Verkeer. They have also a big I for Information clearly visible on the building and shields. Most towns have a map posted as you enter.
         
    
• Government
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs Links to Embassies worldwide

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• Business
• Culture
  • Official Tourist Office
  • Travel.org tour information
  • Visit Holland

  • Expatica.com is a “must read” for the English-speaking expatriate community.  The site features local and international news, community activities and services relevant to expatriates in the Netherlands, Belgium and soon Germany.

  • More on culture from the People Going Global Dutch Desk

  • Amsterdam Hotels Guide All Amsterdam hotels listed by star category with detailed information

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• Radio/TV

  • Radio Netherlands
• Newspapers
  • De Telegraaf
  • Eindhovens Dagblad
  • NRC Handelsblad
  • De Volkskrant

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• General
• Books
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