AfricaAsia NorthAsia South and SoutheastAustraliaEuropeAustriaBelgiumBulgariaCyprusCzechDenmarkEstoniaEuropean UnionFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyLatviaLithuaniaMaltaNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSlovakiaSloveniaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUKLatin AmericaMiddle EastNorth AmericaPacific
Start writing the country or territory name in the box. Typing more letters narrows the search. Click "go" or hit "Enter" to go to the information paper on the country or territory.
(We don't have information papers on all countries and territories.)
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. In 2003, celebrations were held to commemorate the 400th birthday of Abel Tasman. 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 38,000 people from the Netherlands visited New Zealand in the year to May 2008. A working holiday scheme that benefits young people from New Zealand and the Netherlands has been in place since 1998 and as of 1 July 2005 there is no cap on the number of working holiday scheme visas for people from the Netherlands.
New Zealand and the Netherlands share similar viewpoints on many international issues and often cooperate closely in multilateral forums. The fact that in many international meetings the Netherlands delegation is seated immediately alongside New Zealand also helps!
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.
In addition to the working holiday scheme, New Zealand and the Netherlands signed a reciprocal Social Security Agreement in October 1990, which came into effect in 1992. An Air Services Agreement was concluded in 1999.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$768.4 billion (2007 est.)
Real GDP growth 2.4% (2007 est.)
Exports US$463.5 billion (2007 est.)
Imports US$400.8 billion (2007 est.)
Main exports Machinery and transport equipment, chemicals, fuels, foodstuffs
Current account balance US$59.5 billion (2007 est.)
Inflation 1.7 % (2007 est.)
Unemployment 3.9%
NZ Exports (FOB) NZ$400.8 million
Main Exports sheep meat, apples, aluminium, seeds
NZ Imports (CIF) NZ$517.3 million
Main Imports trucks/vans, medicaments, food preparations (and in 2007 a one off $168 million naval vessel).
(year ended December 2007)
top of page
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to the Netherlands [external link].
