The Netherlands
Kingdom of the Netherlands
Population
17.8M
GDP
$1.09T
Capital
Amsterdam
Government
Unitary parliamentary consti...
At a Glance
Human Development
0.9
HDI (0-1)
Democracy
9.0
EIU (0-10)
Press Freedom
—
RSF score
Corruption
—
TI CPI (0-100)
Innovation
—
GII score
Happiness
—
WHR (0-10)
The Netherlands is a founding member of the UN, NATO, and the EU, and hosts the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the International Criminal Court (ICC), and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague. This makes the country the de facto world capital of international justice.
As a major trading nation with the largest port in Europe (Rotterdam) and a historically maritime economy, the Netherlands champions free trade, open markets, and the rules-based international order. It is one of the largest agricultural exporters globally despite its small size.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes Caribbean territories (Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and the BES islands), giving it a presence in the Americas and interests in Caribbean security and development.
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As the Netherlands, position yourself as the guardian of international law and justice. The Hague's status as the legal capital of the world is your most distinctive asset. Champion the ICJ, ICC, and chemical weapons conventions.
Coordinate with Benelux partners (Belgium, Luxembourg) and the wider EU, while maintaining a strong transatlantic orientation. The Netherlands often aligns with the Nordic countries and Germany on fiscal and governance issues within the EU.
Lead on international criminal justice, free trade, water management and climate adaptation, and fiscal responsibility. Be prepared to take firm stances on accountability (MH17, chemical weapons use) even when politically uncomfortable. Your maritime and trading heritage supports strong positions on freedom of navigation and open seas.
Foreign Policy
The Netherlands pursues an Atlanticist foreign policy firmly anchored in NATO and the EU. It advocates for free trade, fiscal discipline within the eurozone, human rights, and international rule of law. The country is a strong supporter of the ICC and international criminal justice.
Key priorities include European security (the Netherlands is a significant NATO contributor), transatlantic trade, managing migration, and water management expertise as a form of diplomacy. The Netherlands has also been at the forefront of holding Russia accountable for the downing of MH17 and has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine.