Surface 41526 square km

Population 16,3 million people,

Capital Amsterdam

Official Language Dutch although English is widely spoken.

Currency Euro

Calling code +31

Useful Numbers

General emergency number (police – fire department – ambulance)  112
National number police, no emergency: 0900 8844
Road Patrol ANWB: 0800 0888

You can call these numbers from public telephones, international calling cards or from your mobile.

Holland is generally considered a very safe travel destination but it is worth paying attention in the larger cities to pick pockets.
Bicycle theft is a big problem within The Netherlands and particularly in Amsterdam so if you are approached with what seems like a bargain to good to be true then it probably is.
Although Cannabis is decriminalized in Holland it is a misconception that it is legal and therefore Smoking in Public i.e. walking down the street should be avoided and instead restricted to Cofeeshops.
When in Amsterdam do not be tempted to take photos of the prostitutes in the windows as your camera will come to an untimely end.