Amsterdam is known as the City of Canals. I hope this nickname is not an exaggeration. In the capital of the Netherlands, there are many canals of various sizes. Looks like Venice! Hence Amsterdam is also known as the Venice of the North.
Amsterdam is located in the western Netherlands, in the province of North Holland to be precise. Interestingly, the provincial capital is not Amsterdam, but Haarlem.
Amsterdam is at a height of about 2 m below sea level. This city with an area of 219.32 square kilometers was built on a peatland area called Amestelle, which means watery area or river bank.
The city of Amsterdam is not a large landmass, but consists of small islands connected by more than 1,200 bridges. There are about 90 islets that make up the city of Amsterdam. The islands are separated by canals which are mostly navigable. The total length of all the canals that flow through Amsterdam is more than 100 km.
The name of the City of Amsterdam comes from the Amstel Dam, where the city was built. The city was built by damming the Amstel River to prevent flooding. On the land of this dam stood a small settlement which would later become a big city which is now known as Amsterdam.
Amsterdam was officially declared as the capital of the Netherlands based on the 1983 constitution. However, the center of government is not in Amsterdam, but in The Hague.
Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands. Most of the big corporate banks and corporations are based in this city. In fact, many international companies have offices in this city.
Apart from being a financial and business center, Amsterdam is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Tens of millions of tourists from various countries visit this beautiful city every year.
Amsterdam was once ranked second as the best city to live in, based on a survey conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit.
The most populous city in the Netherlands is also considered the most multicultural city in the world, with residents coming from various nations and countries.
The city of the Netherlands is indeed a friendly city for immigrants. The residents of this City of Culture are estimated to come from 180 different countries.