Why is the NETHERLANDS so RICH? – How a small country became the world's second largest food exporter (video)
The Netherlands, a relatively small country in Northern Europe, has just over 17 million inhabitants. A striking feature of the Netherlands is that much of its territory is below sea level. This has led to impressive technical achievements to withstand the constant threat of flooding.
The Netherlands is known for its stability and prosperity and is one of the richest countries in the world. In 2017, the World Bank reported that the Netherlands had a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of US$48.000, which is higher than that of countries such as Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.
The video that accompanies this article asks some intriguing questions about the Dutch economy. First of all: what are the drivers behind the prosperity of the Netherlands? The country has an advanced, open economy and has played an important role in European trade and industry. Another important question is how the discovery of a large natural gas field in Groningen almost had a negative impact on the Dutch economic 'miracle'. This phenomenon, known as the 'Dutch Disease', led to an excessive focus on the gas industry, which ultimately affected other sectors of the economy.
Finally, the question is asked how the Netherlands, despite its modest size, became the second largest food exporter in the world. This success is due to innovative agricultural techniques, high-quality knowledge in the agro-industry and a strong focus on export. Dutch farmers and agricultural companies are known for their efficiency and sustainability, making the country a leader in food production and export. These aspects make the Netherlands a fascinating example of how a small country can have a significant impact on the global economy and food supply.
Video: The Netherlands: small in size, big in economic success
Watch the video here:
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But if we continue like this, we will quickly become relatively poor again.
Wallonia was also the rich side of Belgium until the 60s, but hardly anyone can remember a prosperous Wallonia anymore.
Currently, the Netherlands is even on the brink of the abyss, that this story is told in this time refers to the 60s to 90s and since then it has only gone downhill. Too many immigrants, too much EU and too much interference from the Rutte government in matters that are not of the people. Selling out of NL to e.g. the EU and the so-called replacement of the population due to the wave of immigration. It was endless with the Rutte government, then came the Corona pandemic that was completely forced down the throats of the people and various crises where the people and especially farmers, fishermen and horticulture have been put on edge. No, there is little real prosperity left of the country.
What Harm says here also applies to Belgium.
What is not mentioned in this beautiful promotional video is the influence of Flanders in the Netherlands.
Most have long forgotten that about 500 years ago, Amsterdam was made great by wealthy Flemish people who fled to the Netherlands from the Spanish.
And the East India Company is said to have been largely financed with Flemish capital.
The share of primary agriculture is 1.4% of GDP.
In the 17th century it was already possible to live in areas below sea level. The Dutch disease was the increase in the value of the guilder that was unfavorable for the other industry.
You may wonder whether having so much agriculture is so beneficial for a small and densely populated country. The disadvantages are known.
The Netherlands 2023 is not Wallonia. I don't see the similarity.
A large part is not food to eat but technology, patents, seeds for crops, etc
Like some other (Western) European nations, the source of prosperity lies in the plundering of overseas colonies and the slave trade at the expense of the local population. And money makes money, so at some point you as a country can adopt a completely different ethical attitude (fair trade, abolishing slavery, respecting basic human rights, etc.). But the collective prosperity once amassed still counts.
The source of prosperity lies in 2 things: natural conditions of a very nutrient-rich soil, a favorable location for trade and a North Sea rich in fish (herring!) + a disciplined society through the influence of religion and a good democracy (which we must cherish and continue to be maintained) with a decent and good separation of powers and a (relatively) fair distribution of prosperity.
There is no reason for doom-mongering, professions come and go over time (coachman, tanner, blacksmith) and now unfortunately it is fishermen and farmers who are having a more difficult time. But new jobs are taking their place and it is not without reason that the Netherlands is in the top 3 on almost all lists.