Netherlands Economy

The Netherlands’ economy is the 23rd largest in the world and could be described as open and prosperous, being extremely dependent on foreign trade. Unemployment and inflation are fairly low, whilst the country enjoys a sizable current account surplus.

The country has an important role as a European transportation hub and has built up a significant industry around this e.g. in Rotterdam which is one of the world's busiest ports. Other important industries include the food processing industry, the chemicals and petroleum refining industry and the electrical machinery industry. Agriculture and dairy farming also remain as major factors within the Netherlands economy; the country is famous for its cheese and meat production and beets, potatoes and tomatoes are important crops. Tourism and the financial sector contribute to the Netherlands’ wealth too; Amsterdam for example, is one of the world's major financial centres as well as attracting millions of tourists each year.

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