General information

The Netherlands always played an important role in the European economy. Fishery, bankings, agriculture and navigation were and are to today the most important branches of the Dutch economy. Until the end of the forties the trade the Netherlands on the colony of Indonesia concentrated. After its independence perforce a reorientation took place on the European market.

To the comparison with the German economy still a few numbers for the current restaurant situation of the Netherlands (Germany):

GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (gross domestic product): 381.820 millions US-$ (2.134.205 millions US-$) gros domestic product/head: 24,321 US-$ (26,011 US-$) GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, portion of the agriculture: 3.1 per cent (1,1) GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, portion of the industry: 26.9 per cent (54,8) GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, portion of the services: 70 per cent (44,1)

Growth is restrained and comparable in the Netherlands with Germany. Thus there was 2003 a growth of -0,1% and in the year 2004 of 1,7%.

Meaning of the individual ranges

Agriculture

The proportional portion of the agriculture of the GROS DOMESTIC PRODUCT is relatively small, yet it is an important factor of the Netherlands economy. Due to the small surface of Holland the agriculture is very intensive. Mass animal husbandry and Monokulturen are the prevailing forms. By this intensification the maximum yield can be obtained with as small an expenditure as possible. The disadvantage is the high load of the environment by this restaurant economics. High groundwater load and are the Folgen.In of agricultural regard are the Netherlands an exporter. The food exports exceed the imported goods (main grain and fruits) clearly. The most important product is Schweinefleisch. The Netherlands are one the largest your of Schweinefleisch.Die agriculturally used surface in the Netherlands divide themselves into the following ranges: Fifty per cent are pastureland, on forty per cent grow useful plants and approx. 10 per cent for cut flowers, a typical product of Holland, are used.

Forestry and fishery

While the fishery still a high value in the Dutch economy does not have is forestry practically available - for lack of forests.

Mining industry and energy

The Netherlands are actually a country lacking in raw materials, with an exception: Natural gas. Of it it possesses enormous occurrences and could, after their discovery in the 50's, which stop coal production. In the 90's the wind energy in the energy sector became ever more important.

Industry

The industrielle production won in the Netherlands only after the Second World War at meaning. The heavy industry never attained the important position, which took it in the neighboring countries in the Netherlands. After 1945 the producing trade grew rapidly, particularly in the area of chemistry - and electronic industry. Further important sectors were food and beverages, tobacco goods, building materials, ships, refined oil, rubber and plastic goods and products of printering. By the favorable supply of raw materials from the colonies the Netherlands had an advantage opposite other countries.

Banking

The banking is an important part of the Netherlands economy. Above all Amsterdam is an international financial center.

Tourism

The Netherlands are an attractive trip goal. Main attractions are the windmills, the fields of flowers and the cities, particularly like are Amsterdam. Each year visit over three million tourist the Netherlands.

Infrastructure

The Netherlands have a well developed road system. That applies also to the railway system, which is surface covering present. Above all however for the navigation the Netherlands are very favorable. Thus the country is first of all because of several large (Rhine or Waal, Maas, Lek, Schelde) in addition and has a well developed duct system, which will drive on from larger ships can. With the transportation of passengers the bicycle, fiets, plays still mentioned an important role. The flat country benefits this circumstance naturally.

Foreign trade

Principal trade partner of the Netherlands is Germany, with which approx. 25% of the trade are carried on. In addition, the other European Union states and the USA are important trade partners.

The Netherlands export mainly food, machines, chemical products and natural gas. Are imported fruit and grain, oil and vehicles. The Netherlands have an easily positive commercial balance sheet, i.e. the export exceeds the value of the imported products.

Articles in category "Economics of the Netherlands"

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