Introduction
Utrecht is part of the Randstad metropolis and located at the heart of the Netherlands. More than 2000 years old, it is the Netherland's fourth city in size, and the capital of the province of Utrecht. Utrecht has a charming historic city centre and a green hinterland with lakes, castles and parks. Utrecht is the national meeting place, at the intersection of national and international infrastructure.
Useful Facts
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Size: 99,32 km2
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Number of citizens: 275,362
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Languages: the official language is Dutch, 84% speak English well, one third of the Utrecht population know four languages
Utrecht is not only a beautiful historic place, famous for it's Dom Tower and the wharves along the canals in the inner city. It is also dynamic and a wonderful place to work and live: a university town, with a strong economy and a broad programme of cultural festivals and events.
Business guide for the Chinese
The Netherlands recently emerged as China's second largest trade partner within the EU. 15% of all foreign companies in the Netherlands are based in Utrecht. Utrecht is only 25 minutes from Schiphol International Airport by car.
The country’s main railway lines and an important intersection of motorways connect the city with all major cities. Utrecht also has an inland harbour, which is connected to the river Rhine. Utrecht is currently expanding to the west (the suburb Leidsche Rijn) and will reconstruct the railway station area and it surroundings. This offers business opportunities for everyone. Utrecht distinguishes itself from other big cities by virtue of its outstanding office locations, modern business venues, a highly qualified professional population and the lowest unemployment figure in the country.
Useful Economic Facts
- Key sectors: business and financial services, ICT, non-profit, creative, knowledge and medical sectors
- Employment(1-1-2005): 205,700
- Percentage of labour force with tertiary education(2004): 51%
- Number of companies based in Utrecht (2005): 15,640
- Number of tertiary students (2003): 60,000
- Main knowledge centre: Utrecht University (www.uu.nl)
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