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New Zealand and the Netherlands share many linkages. Many Dutch people are aware that their compatriots were the first Europeans to sight New Zealand, in 1642, and that New Zealand was named after the southern Dutch province of Zeeland.
New Zealand, along with Australia and Canada, was a favourite destination for Dutch immigrants after WW2. These immigrants were mainly from agricultural backgrounds and settled across the length and breadth of New Zealand. These family linkages, combined with an ongoing strong Dutch interest in New Zealand culture and scenery were principal reasons why more than 26,000 tourists from the Netherlands visited New Zealand in the year to June 2008.
Trade between the Netherlands and New Zealand is moderate, but the Netherlands is the second largest European investor into New Zealand, reflecting its strong agricultural traditions and the presence in the Netherlands of some important multinationals (e.g. Shell, Unilever, and Rabobank). The Netherlands' strategic location within Europe, a population with strong language and entrepreneurial skills, quality infrastructure, and an open and outward looking economy combine to make it an attractive "Gateway to Europe" for New Zealand companies.top of page
Land Area 41,526 sq km
Population 16.6 million (2007)
Capital City Amsterdam (The Hague is the seat of government)
Language Dutch, Frisian
Political system Constitutional Monarchy
National government Centre Right - Centre Left coalition (from February 2007)
National legislature Bi-cameral parliament
Last election November 2006
Next election due 2011
Head of State Queen Beatrix (acceded to the throne in 1980)
Head of Government Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende (Christian Democratic Appeal [CDA])
GDP US$880.5 billion (2008 est.)
Real GDP growth 1.9% (2008 est.)
Exports
US$528.1 billion (2008 est.)
Imports US$473.8 billion (2008 est.)
Main exports Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
Current account balance US$53.8 billion (2008 est.)
Inflation 2.3 % (2008 est.)
Unemployment 2.8% (2008 est)
NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$467.4 million (year ended June 2008)
Main Exportsaluminium, sheep meat, apples, seeds
NZ Imports (CIF)NZ$364.3 million (year ended June 2008)
Main Imports trucks/vans, medicaments, food preparations (and in 2007 a one off $168 million naval vessel).
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to the Netherlands [external link].
