Factbook
History of Netherlands — Timeline
Key dates in the history of Netherlands, from the Magna Factbook and the Universal Encyclopedia.
1581The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1581; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world.
1813After 18 years of French domination, the Netherlands regained its independence in 1813.
1830In 1830, Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom.
1999The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU) and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.
2010In 2010, the former Netherlands Antilles was dissolved and the three smallest islands -- Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba -- became special municipalities in the Netherlands administrative structure.
2018In 2018, the Sint Eustatius island council (governing body) was dissolved and replaced by a government commissioner to restore the integrity of public administration.
2019Languages: Dutch (official), Frisian (official in Fryslan province) Religions: Roman Catholic 20.1%, Protestant 14.8% (includes Dutch Reformed, Protestant Church of The Netherlands, Calvinist), Muslim 5%, other 5.9% (includes Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish), none 54.1% (2019 est.) Urban population: 93.2% of total population (2023).
2023Generation mix — fossil fuels: 46.8% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); nuclear: 3.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); solar: 17.2% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); wind: 24.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.); hydroelectricity: 0.1% of total insta Energy use: 185.536 million Btu/person (2023 est.).
2023Industries: agroindustries, metal and engineering products, electrical machinery and equipment, chemicals, petroleum, construction, microelectronics, fishing Agriculture: milk, sugar beets, potatoes, onions, pork, wheat, chicken, tomatoes, carrots/turnips, beef (2023) Electricity access: 100% (2022 est.).
2023Major urban areas: 1.174 million AMSTERDAM (capital), 1.018 million Rotterdam (2023) high-income, core EU- and eurozone-member economy; strong services, logistics, and tech sectors; strongly trade-oriented with heightened risks from global tensions; declining inflation aided by easing energy prices and wage growth; rising but manageable deficits and public debt; strong ratings for innovation, competitiveness, and business climate Inflation: 3.3% (2024 est.).
2025Military spending: 2.5% of GDP (2025 est.).
2025Population: 17.8 million (2025 estimate).
