The geography of the European Netherlands is unusual in that much of its land has been reclaimed from the sea and is below sea level, protected by dikes.
It is a small country with a total area of 41,545 km2 (16,041 sq mi)[1] and ranked 131st. With a population of 17.4 million[2] and density of 521/km2 (1,350/sq mi) makes it the second most densely populated member of the European Union after Malta, and the 12th most densely populated country in the world, behind only three countries with a population over 16 million. Consequently, the Netherlands is highly urbanized.
| Continent | Europe |
| Region | Western Europe |
| Coordinates | 52°22′N 4°53′E |
| Area | Ranked 131st |
| Total | 41,545 km² (16,041 sq mi) |
| Land | 80.59% |
| Water | 19.41% |
| Coastline | 451 km (280 mi) |
| Borders | Total land borders: 1,027 km2 (397 sq mi) |
| Highest point | Vaalserberg, 322.7 m (1,059 ft) |
| Lowest point | Zuidplaspolder (Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel) -7 m (-23 ft) |
| Longest river | Rhine, 764 km (475 mi) |
| Largest lake | IJsselmeer, 1,100 km2 (420 sq mi) |
| Exclusive economic zone | 154,011 km2 (59,464 sq mi) |