Colonial empires are territories settled by a state and governed by that state. Modern colonial empires emerged in 15th century between Portugal and Spain. Competition between European Christians and Ottoman Muslims drove imperialism. Classical colonies were politically independent from their originating states
Dutch is the predominant language spoken by nearly all Dutch people. Dutch is official in multiple Caribbean countries and Belgium. West Frisian is co-official in Noord-Holland province. English is official in BES Islands and Curaçao. Papiamento is official in Bonaire and native in Curaçao and Aruba
Approximately 16 million Dutch people live in the Netherlands. Dutch is spoken by around 29 million people worldwide. Dutch has six main dialects, including Hollandic and Dutch Low Saxon
Vasco da Gama established first direct trade link with India in 1498. Portuguese established trading center at Quilon in 1502. Dutch established trading posts along Indian coast until defeated in 1795. Dutch lost Ceylon to Britain at Congress of Vienna
Netherlands covers 41,545 km² with 17.4 million inhabitants. Second most densely populated EU member after Malta. Highest point is Mount Scenery on Saba at 887 meters
The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands with over half a million inhabitants. Located on the west coast facing the North Sea, it serves as the country's administrative center. The city is divided into eight districts, with Scheveningen being the main tourist destination