The Population of the Netherlands

Ij3 Y most Americans the Netherlands have been regarded as primarily agricultural and commercial in so far as the activities of the population are concerned. In our geographical literature concerning this area, much attention has been given to the agriculture of the polders and to such activities as dairying and horticulture, while from the point of view of commerce, central location, delta control, and the influence of the colonies have all been studied. Far less attention has been given to manufacturing, and it will surprise many to know that the Netherlands form one of the most highly industrialized nations in Europe. One of the important factors in bringing about the growth of industry as well as in causing intensification of agriculture and commercial expansion has been the necessity of providing employment for a rapidly expanding population. This problem of population increase has been the subject of serious study by leading men of the country and the widespread attention given to such matters as birth control, efforts to increase the land area by reclaiming the Zuyder Zee, and efforts at commercial and industrial expansion bear evidence to a general interest on the part of the public in its solution. A survey of the population problem of the Netherlands and the economic changes which, at least in part

Economic geography · Geography · Population · Sociology · demographic modeling and climate adaptation · Demography