Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, situated in the north-west of the country. The city is connected to the North Sea via the Amstel and IJ rivers.
In the 14th century Amsterdam received its city rights and became the major trading city in the Netherlands. In the 16th century the capital of the Netherlands entered a golden era followed by a period of strong growth. The Industrial Revolution showed Amsterdam the way to new jobs and increased prosperity.
Useful facts:
- Size: 2,190 km2
- Number of citizens: 1,500,000
- Languages: the official language is Dutch, but most people speak fluent English.
Amsterdam has one of the largest historic centres in Europe, famous for the network of semi-circular canals that criss-cross the city, some lovingly restored buildings and numerous cultural activities.
The economic strength of Amsterdam is a direct result of its economic diversity. For centuries the city has been successfully combining trade with industry, financial services and the communications sector. These days, it is one of the leading world cities in the ICT sector.
- Labour force: 1.1 million
- Key sectors: shipbuilding, sugar refining, chemicals, car assembly and machine building
- Main knowledge centres: the Amsterdam Chamber of Commerce and the Amsterdam Convention Bureau
Centrally located within the European Union, Amsterdam is one of Europe’s main commercial centres for business investment. A high number of multinationals have their European headquarters in the city.
The services sector employs most of Amsterdam’s workers.
Fast-growing markets are the telecommunication sector and commercial services sectors. Financial services is a particularly lucrative sector because the city is the main financial centre of the Netherlands.
Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ second largest port. It is linked to the North Sea and to other European countries by a network of railways, highways, and canals. The North Sea Canal is navigable by ocean-going vessels. The Amsterdam-Rhine Canal connects Amsterdam to the Rhine, a major shipping artery of Europe. The Schiphol Airport outside Amsterdam is one of Europe's busiest airports, and it continues to be expanded.
- Business events: the Amsterdam Convention Bureau helps businessmen plan their conventions, congresses and trade fairs.
- Policy of subsidies: the City Council of Amsterdam actively supports all companies that wish to set up a new business in the city.
- Port: Port of Amsterdam
- Airport: Schiphol Airport
For more information, contact:
business@NHOZ.com
