Netherlands
Its highly successful economy has a long trading tradition, and Rotterdam is Europe's largest port.
Economic Strengths
Highly skilled, educated, multilingual workforce. Food processing, chemicals, electronics. Sophisticated infrastructure. Stable industrial relations. Low inflation and unemployment.
Economic Weaknesses
Costly welfare system, resulting in high taxes and social insurance premiums; one-third of national income spent on social security. Ageing population. High labour costs.
| Population | 16,400,313 |
| Capital city | Amsterdam |
| Currency | Euro |
| World GNP Ranking | 20 |
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| Inflation | 2.3% |
Source: Central Intelligence Agency; The World Factbook, March 2009