Geography of the Netherlands

Also known as the Netherlands geography, Netherlands geography

Overview of the geography of the Netherlands

Key facts

Continent: Europe
Region: Western Europe
Coordinates: 52°22′N 4°53′E / 52.367°N 4.883°E / 52.367; 4.883
Area: Ranked 131st
Total: 41,545 km (16,041 sq mi)
Land: 80.59%
Water: 19.41%
Coastline: 451 km (280 mi)
Borders: Total land borders :, 1,027 km (638 mi)
Highest point: Vaalserberg , 322.7 m (1,059 ft)
Lowest point: Zuidplaspolder ( Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel ) , −7 m (−23 ft)
Longest river: Rhine , 764 km (475 mi)

~10 min read

Article

Map of the Netherlands in Europe Relief map of the Netherlands in Europe The geography of the European Netherlands is unusual in that much of its land has been reclaimed from the sea and is below sea level, protected by dikes. It is a small country with a total area of 41,545 km (16,041 sq mi) and ranked 131st. With a population of 17.4 million and density of 521/km (1,350/sq mi) makes it the second most densely populated member of the European Union after Malta, and the 12th most densely populated country in the world, behind only three countries with a population over 16 million. Consequently, the Netherlands is highly urbanized, concentrated in the so-called Randstad which makes up 20% of the land area but almost half of the total population.

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