Economics
The central feature of the Dutch economic system is an age-old tradition of negotiation and discussion. This tradition lives on in close and regular contacts between trade unions, employers' organisations and government. The Dutch economy is also open and internationally oriented. For centuries, international trade has been a key element of the Dutch economic system, and it still is the main engine of economic growth in Holland. In fact, Holland is one of the world's ten leading exporting nations. Rotterdam has the largest port in Europe and until 2004, when it was overtaken by Shanghai, also the largest in the world. Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport is one of Europe's major airports.
Around half of all imported goods come from EU countries and three quarters of Dutch exports remain within the Union. The Netherlands' most important trading partners are their neighbours, Germany, Belgium, the UK and France.
The Dutch economy benefits from a number of strong sectors such as the service industry, food products, flowers and the creative sector. The Netherlands is also a source of specialised expertise in the environmental, energy and water sectors.
Like other EU countries, the Netherlands are experiencing a shift from a production-based to a service-oriented economy. More than 80% of Dutch economic activity is now service-based.