Geography of the Netherlands
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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 km2 (16,041 sq mi)[1] and ranked 131st. With a population of 17.4 million[2] and density of 521/km2 (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.
This article is about the portion of the Netherlands located in Europe. For the geography of the special municipalities of the Netherlands in the Caribbean, see Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius. For the geography of the rest of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, see Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Quick Facts Continent, Region ...
Continent | Europe |
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Region | Western Europe |
Coordinates | 52°22′N 4°53′E |
Area | Ranked 131st |
• Total | 41,545 km2 (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) |
Largest lake | IJsselmeer 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi) |
Exclusive economic zone | 154,011 km2 (59,464 sq mi) |
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