Water in the Netherlands

Water in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a country that historically is associated with water management. For survival, the Dutch had to be inventive and developed a highly sophisticated manner to live with water. The high population density (465 persons/ square kilometre) combined with an economy largely related to transport, navigation and ports, results in pressure on space and environment that has to be managed carefully. To do this, the Dutch plan by involving relevant stakeholders, and design sustainable engineering and ‘smart’ infrastructure for complex settings.

Some facts & figures related to water in the Netherlands
  • Population of the Netherlands: 16 million.
  • Population density: 465 people/km2 on average.
  • Major urban district: 'Randstad', which includes Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Hague.
  • Highest point: 322m above average at the Vaalserberg .
  • Lowest point: 6.74m below average, Nieuwerkerk aan de IJssel
  • Proportion of the country’s GDP generated below sea level: 70%.
  • Rainfall: 880 mm/year
  • Evaporation: 500 mm/year.
  • Primary flood defences: 3,500 km in total, consisting of 1,430 km of river dikes, 1,017 km dikes around lakes, and 430 km dikes and 260 km dunes for coastal defense.

 Sources: Water in the Netherlands 2004-2005 and Riool in Cijfers 2005 – 2006