The Kingdom of The Netherlands, is a country, situated in Western Europe by the North Sea. Population of Holland is more than 16.5 mln., mostly is the Dutch. Official language is Dutch language.

The country has become a multi- ethnic and multicultural society, and through its excellent system of education has motivated a population to communicate in at least two foreign languages of which English is the most predominant. Dutch people confess Christians religion (catholic or protestant).

The Netherlands - constitutional monarchy; the head of the state is the Queen Beatrix. The highest legislative organ of the country is bicameral parliament. Government (Minister- president and ministers) sits in The Hague. The capital is Amsterdam with 700 thousand inhabitants.

Holland is a small plain country with total area of 34 thousand square meters. The distance from the North to the South is approximately 400 km and from the West to the East - 300 km. 40% of the Dutch surface are located below sea level. The name Netherlands means - below lying earths.

The country enjoys a moderate sea climate. The average temperature in January is about 1-3 C, in July - 18-19 C.