The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world.

* "the Netherlands" and "Holland" are used to describe the same country?* one quarter of the Netherlands is below sea level?* the International Court of Justice is at the Peace Palace in The Hague?

The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with some islands in the Caribbean.