Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, located in the province of North Holland in the west of the country. Its name is derived from Amstellerdam, indicative of the city’s origin: a dam in the Amstel River. Settled as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the Dutch Golden Age, a result of its innovative developments in trade.

During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and diamonds. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were formed. The city is the financial and cultural capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and 7 of the world’s top 500 companies, including Philips and ING, are based in the city.

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, the oldest stock exchange in the world, is located in the city centre.

Main sights

Historic canals, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, Hermitage Amsterdam, Anne Frank House, Red-light district

Map: Amsterdam
Map: Amsterdam