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|pop=17,150,000 (2020)

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:''For the impact on left-wing policies on the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, see [[European migrant crisis]]''

:''For the impact of left-wing policies on the Netherlands and the rest of Europe, see [[European migrant crisis]]''

The '''Netherlands''' (Dutch: ''Nederland''), also known informally as ''Holland'' or ''The Low Countries'', is a country in northwestern Europe. It is the primary component of [[the Kingdom of the Netherlands]], which also includes the [[Caribbean]] countries of [[Aruba]], [[Curaçao]] and [[Sint Maarten]]. It is bordered by [[Belgium]] to the south and [[Germany]] to the east, while facing the [[North Sea]] to the north and west. [[Amsterdam]] is the official capital, while [[The Hague]] is the actual seat of government.  

The '''Netherlands''' (Dutch: ''Nederland''), also known informally as ''Holland'' or ''The Low Countries'', is a country in northwestern Europe. It is the primary component of [[the Kingdom of the Netherlands]], which also includes the [[Caribbean]] countries of [[Aruba]], [[Curaçao]] and [[Sint Maarten]]. It is bordered by [[Belgium]] to the south and [[Germany]] to the east, while facing the [[North Sea]] to the north and west. [[Amsterdam]] is the official capital, while [[The Hague]] is the actual seat of government.  

The Netherlands is famous for being a small, low-lying, and densely populated country. Its total area is 16,160 square miles: only 12,900 (82%) of that land, the rest water, and its total population in 2020 was 17.3 million. With aquatic areas excluded, the country has a population density of 1,341/mi², the fifth-highest in the world and the second-highest in the [[European Union]], of which it is a leading member. The land area of the Netherlands would be much smaller if not for a complex process of land reclamation that dates back to the Middle Ages; more than a fourth of the land today is in fact below sea level, protected by a complex of dikes and drainage systems. The very name "Netherlands" almost directly translates as "Low Countries," in reference to its elevation.

The Netherlands is famous for being a small, low-lying, and densely populated country. Its total area is 16,160 square miles: only 12,900 (82%) of that is land, the rest is water, and its total population in 2020 was 17.3 million. With aquatic areas excluded, the country has a population density of 1,341/mi², the fifth-highest in the world and the second-highest in the [[European Union]], of which it is a leading member. The land area of the Netherlands would be much smaller if not for a complex process of land reclamation that dates back to the Middle Ages; more than a fourth of the land today is in fact below sea level, protected by a complex of dikes and drainage systems. The very name "Netherlands" almost directly translates as "Low Countries," in reference to its elevation.

Since 1848, the country has been a [[constitutional monarchy]] with a unitary system of government. Of its twelve provinces, the most important historically are North-Holland and South-Holland, which contain the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, and [[Rotterdam]]. Because of their disproportionate influence, the country is often referred to as "Holland". The official language is [[Dutch]] and the people are referred to in English as Dutchmen or collectively as the Dutch.

Since 1848, the country has been a [[constitutional monarchy]] with a unitary system of government. Of its twelve provinces, the most important historically are North-Holland and South-Holland, which contain the cities of Amsterdam, The Hague, and [[Rotterdam]]. Because of their disproportionate influence, the country is often referred to as "Holland". The official language is [[Dutch]] and the people are referred to in English as Dutchmen or collectively as the Dutch.

The major ethnic groups in the Netherlands are [[Dutch]] 79%, Turks 2%, Surinamese 2%, Moroccans 2%.

The major ethnic groups in the Netherlands are: [[Dutch]] 79%, Turks 2%, Surinamese 2%, Moroccans 2%.

The Netherlands has long been notorious for its left-leaning social policies, having in the recent past legalized prostitution, [[euthanasia]], [[gay "marriage"]], and the recreational use of many harmful drugs. Although a traditional adherence to pro-free-market policies has given the country one of the world's highest per-capita incomes, this has been endangered by a leftward drift in economic matters as well, as the ongoing persecution of [[Dutch farmers]] demonstrates. In certain respects, the country should be thought of as a [[technocracy]] rather than a parliamentary democracy.

The Netherlands has long been notorious for its left-leaning social policies, having in the recent past legalized prostitution, [[euthanasia]], [[gay "marriage"]], and the recreational use of many harmful drugs. Although a traditional adherence to pro-free-market policies has given the country one of the world's highest per-capita incomes, this has been endangered by a leftward drift in economic matters as well, as the ongoing persecution of [[Dutch farmers]] demonstrates. In certain respects, the country should be thought of as a [[technocracy]] rather than a parliamentary democracy.

See [[History of the Netherlands]]

See [[History of the Netherlands]]

In 1672 while the country was at [[war]] with [[France]] and [[England]], an angry mob [[lynch]]ed the [[prime minister]] Johan de Witt, and ate his remains.<ref>https://allthatsinteresting.com/johan-de-witt</ref>

In 1672, while the country was at [[war]] with [[France]] and [[England]], an angry mob [[lynch]]ed the [[prime minister]] Johan de Witt, and ate his remains.<ref>https://allthatsinteresting.com/johan-de-witt</ref>

==Dike system==

==Dike system==

The term "Netherlands" means "low country": about a quarter of the land area, containing more than half of the population, is actually below sea level, and would flood if the sea were not held back by a system of [[dike]]s. The Dutch have a saying that "God created the earth, but the Dutch made Holland".

The term "Netherlands" means "low country": about a quarter of the land area, containing more than half of the population, is actually below sea level, and would flood if the sea were not held back by a system of [[dike]]s. The Dutch have a saying that "God created the earth, but the Dutch made Holland".

A major breach of the dikes occurred in 1953, killing 1800 people.  To avoid a repeat of the disaster the Dutch began construction of the "Delta Project" to protect the country from future inundations. Begun in 1953 and completed in 2002 the Delta Project is considered a modern wonder of civil engineering.  After [[Hurricane Katrina]], a delegation of American engineers was invited by the Dutch government to see how the project works and how its technology can be applied in the United States for low-lying cities like [[New Orleans]]. Intentional flooding of the countryside has also been used to halt invading armies, dating back to the 80 years war.

A major breach of the dikes occurred in 1953, killing 1800 people.  To avoid a repeat of the disaster the Dutch began construction of the "Delta Project" to protect the country from future inundations. Begun in 1953 and completed in 2002 the Delta Project is considered a modern wonder of civil engineering.  After [[Hurricane Katrina]], a delegation of American engineers was invited by the Dutch government to see how the project works and how its technology can be applied in the United States for low-lying cities like [[New Orleans]]. Intentional flooding of the countryside has also been used to halt invading armies, dating back to the 80 years' war.

   

   

==Major cities==

==Major cities==

[[Amsterdam]], named for the Amstel river, is the largest city, and the capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is ringed by an extensive system of concentric canals. The seat of government, however, is located for historical reasons in [[The Hague]] (''Den Haag'').

[[Amsterdam]], named for the Amstel river, is the largest city, and the capital of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is ringed by an extensive system of concentric canals. The seat of government, however, is located for historical reasons in [[The Hague]] (''Den Haag'').

   

   

[[Eindhoven]], a city of the southern province of Brabant, is the location of the giant electronics corporation, '''Philips''' (full name: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.), with annual revenue equivalent to about $40 billion. (The U.S. corporation [[General Electric]] has revenues of about $150 billion, but much of it is from non-electronics businesses). The Eindhoven area is known for its high concentration of high-tech industires, which include '''ASML''', the world primary producer of lithography system for the production of semiconductors, and '''Océ''', a leading producer of printers and copiers.

[[Eindhoven]], a city of the southern province of Brabant, is the location of the giant electronics corporation, '''Philips''' (full name: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.), with annual revenue equivalent to about $40 billion. (The U.S. corporation [[General Electric]] has revenues of about $150 billion, but much of it is from non-electronics businesses). The Eindhoven area is known for its high concentration of high-tech industries, which include '''ASML''', the world's primary producer of lithography systems for the production of semiconductors, and '''Océ''', a leading producer of printers and copiers.

[[Groningen]] is home to many branches of ''KPN'', the former state company of Post, Telegraphy and Telephony. It had its headquarters in Groningen when it was still state run, and move to [[The Hague]] since. ''KPN'' stands for ''Koninklijke PTT Nederland'', or ''Royal PTT Netherlands''. Groningen is also home to ''Gasunie'' (Gasunion), a public-private partnership that exploits the natural gas reseves in the province of Groningen and the adjoint [[North Sea]].

[[Groningen]] is home to many branches of ''KPN'', the former state company of Post, Telegraphy and Telephony. It had its headquarters in Groningen when it was still state run, and moved to [[The Hague]] since. ''KPN'' stands for ''Koninklijke PTT Nederland'', or ''Royal PTT Netherlands''. Groningen is also home to ''Gasunie'' (Gasunion), a public-private partnership that exploits the natural gas reserves in the province of Groningen and the adjacent [[North Sea]].

[[File:Jongkind A Windmill near Delft 1857.jpg|thumb|left|[[Johan Barthold Jongkind]], A Windmill near Delft, 1857.]]

[[File:Jongkind A Windmill near Delft 1857.jpg|thumb|left|[[Johan Barthold Jongkind]], A Windmill near Delft, 1857.]]

[[Arnhem]] is a city in Gelderland, lying on the north bank of the Lower Rhine river. It was the scene of a major battle during [[Operation Market Garden]] in September 1944, when British and allied paratroop forces captured its strategic road bridge before being overwhelmed by German forces in the area.

[[Arnhem]] is a city in Gelderland, lying on the north bank of the Lower Rhine river. It was the scene of a major battle during [[Operation Market Garden]] in September 1944, when British and allied paratroop forces captured its strategic road bridge before being overwhelmed by German forces in the area.

[[Leeuwarden]] ([[Frisian]]: ''Ljouwert'') is the capital of the northern province of Friesland; it was also the home town of the spy [[Mata Hari]] and the artist [[M.C. Escher]].

[[Leeuwarden]] ([[Frisian]]: ''Ljouwert'') is the capital of the northern province of Friesland; it was also the hometown of the spy [[Mata Hari]] and the artist [[M.C. Escher]].

It has a population of 92,000.

It has a population of 92,000.

*Natural resources: Land, farms, forests, oil.

*Natural resources: Land, farms, forests, oil.

On July 6, 2022 Dutch police fired on [[Dutch farmers]] protesting environmental regulations attempting to shut down family farms.<ref>https://www.politico.eu/article/police-fire-dutch-farmer-protest-nitrogen-emission-cut/</ref>

On July 6, 2022, Dutch police fired on [[Dutch farmers]] protesting environmental regulations attempting to shut down family farms.<ref>https://www.politico.eu/article/police-fire-dutch-farmer-protest-nitrogen-emission-cut/</ref>

==Provinces==

==Provinces==

North Brabant is often referred to as ''Brabant'', as there is no ''south Brabant'' in the Netherlands.  

North Brabant is often referred to as ''Brabant'', as there is no ''south Brabant'' in the Netherlands.  

The southern part of the former ''duchy of Brabant'' (including the important cities of [[Antwerp]] and [[Leuven]]) now belongs to Belgium. While [[Eindhoven]] is the biggest city in North Brabant, its capital is [['s-Hertogenbosch]].

The southern part of the former ''duchy of Brabant'' (including the important cities of [[Antwerp]] and [[Leuven]]) now belongs to Belgium. While [[Eindhoven]] is the biggest city in North Brabant, its capital is [['s-Hertogenbosch]].

==Business==

==Business==

The Netherlands is the home of the Anglo-Dutch oil company [[Royal Dutch Shell]] . Other well known Dutch or partly Dutch multinationals are [[Unilever]], a company owning many household brands, ''ING Group'', a banking group, ''Ahold'', an international chain of supermarkets, ''Reed Elsevier'', a publishing house, ''Nielsen Company'', owner of the [[Yellow Pages]], and ''Randstad Holding'', a company providing [[human resource services]]. The famous ''Dutch East India Company'', which dominated trade in with South-East Asia in the 17th century, is regarded as the first multinational in history.

The Netherlands is the home of the Anglo-Dutch oil company [[Royal Dutch Shell]] . Other well-known Dutch or partly Dutch multinationals are [[Unilever]], a company owning many household brands, ''ING Group'', a banking group, ''Ahold'', an international chain of supermarkets, ''Reed Elsevier'', a publishing house, ''Nielsen Company'', owner of the [[Yellow Pages]], and ''Randstad Holding'', a company providing [[human resource services]]. The famous ''Dutch East India Company'', which dominated trade with South-East Asia in the 17th century, is regarded as the first multinational in history.

The Netherlands has long been famous for its production of flowers, and also for a related economic event, the "[[tulip mania]]" of 1636-1637. [[Tulip]]s were traded on stock exchanges, and bid up to fantastic prices by people who understood that the prices were crazy but hoped to sell at a profit to even crazier investors. Many people mortgaged their homes for a single tulip bulb and in one case an entire brewery was exchanged for a few bulbs. As with all [[economic bubble]]s, when bidding began to lag people tried to sell and the bubble burst with disastrous consequences. Since then the Dutch have been renowned for their carefulness with money and have established a significant presence in the banking and financial sectors.

The Netherlands has long been famous for its production of flowers, and also for a related economic event, the "[[tulip mania]]" of 1636-1637. [[Tulip]]s were traded on stock exchanges, and bid up to fantastic prices by people who understood that the prices were crazy but hoped to sell at a profit to even crazier investors. Many people mortgaged their homes for a single tulip bulb and in one case an entire brewery was exchanged for a few bulbs. As with all [[economic bubble]]s, when bidding began to lag people tried to sell and the bubble burst with disastrous consequences. Since then the Dutch have been renowned for their carefulness with money and have established a significant presence in the banking and financial sectors.

==King's Day==

==King's Day==

April 27 is King's Day - the national holiday to mark the official birthday of the monarch. King's Day is the one day of the year when ordinary Netherlanders are permitted to sell goods on the streets without a license. Consequently, the whole country is turned into a gigantic flea market (garage sale). The primary effect of this is that people buy goods they do not want or need, solely in order to sell them the following year. In an act of patriotism, most of the populace wear orange colored clothing (the national color) to identify with the Royal House Of Orange-Nassau.

April 27 is King's Day - the national holiday to mark the official birthday of the monarch. King's Day is the one day of the year when ordinary Netherlanders are permitted to sell goods on the streets without a license. Consequently, the whole country is turned into a gigantic flea market (garage sale). The primary effect of this is that people buy goods they do not want or need, solely in order to sell them the following year. In an act of patriotism, most of the populace wear orange-colored clothing (the national color) to identify with the Royal House Of Orange-Nassau.

Those not involved with selling their surplus belongings celebrate the national holiday at outdoors parties in the cities or with fine weather, spend the free day on a terrace of a pub, or cycle in the national ''Fietsen op Dijken'' tour around the nation's dikes.

Those not involved with selling their surplus belongings celebrate the national holiday at outdoor parties in the cities or, with fine weather, spend the free day on a terrace of a pub, or cycle in the national ''Fietsen op Dijken'' tour around the nation's dikes.

==Anne Frank==

==Anne Frank==

[[Anne Frank]] was a famous Jewish girl who hid from Nazis in the house of friends in Amsterdam. She wrote a diary which was later published and became a best seller. Her family left Germany in 1933 because of the Nazis, but the Nazis caught up with her and sent her to Belsen death camp where she died before end of war in 1945. Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam is now a popular tourist attraction.

[[Anne Frank]] was a famous Jewish girl who hid from the Nazis in the house of friends in Amsterdam. She wrote a diary which was later published and became a bestseller. Her family left Germany in 1933 because of the Nazis, but the Nazis caught up with her and sent her to Belsen death camp, where she died before the end of the war in 1945. Anne Frank's house in Amsterdam is now a popular tourist attraction.

==The Netherlands in the Holocaust==

==The Netherlands in the Holocaust==

The Netherlands in the [[Holocaust]] is widely documented that approximately 75% of Dutch Jews perished during the Holocaust. The Dutch Queen's consort Bertrand, who married Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in 1937, was an early member of the [[Nazi Party]] (NSDAP)<ref>https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/10/04/huisarchivaris-van-de-oranjes-voor-mij-is-wilhelmina-door-de-mand-gevallen-door-hoe-ze-haar-hofhouding-behandelde-a4176195</ref> as well as the brown shirts or [[Sturmabteilung]] (SA), and served as an officer in the [[Schutzstaffel]] (SS). While the Dutch government and much of the public initially opposed the Nazi occupation, the Dutch police and civil service eventually collaborated with the German occupying forces' persecution of Jews.  

It is widely documented in the [[Holocaust]] that approximately 75% of Dutch Jews perished during the Holocaust. The Dutch Queen's consort Bertrand, who married Queen Juliana of the Netherlands in 1937, was an early member of the [[Nazi Party]] (NSDAP)<ref>https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2023/10/04/huisarchivaris-van-de-oranjes-voor-mij-is-wilhelmina-door-de-mand-gevallen-door-hoe-ze-haar-hofhouding-behandelde-a4176195</ref> as well as the brown shirts or [[Sturmabteilung]] (SA), and served as an officer in the [[Schutzstaffel]] (SS). While the Dutch government and much of the public initially opposed the Nazi occupation, the Dutch police and civil service eventually collaborated with the German occupying forces' persecution of Jews.  

A significant act of resistance was the February Strike of 1941 in Amsterdam, organized by the [[Communist Party]] in protest of the first mass arrests and deportation of Jews to [[concentration camp]]s. The strike was [[violent]]ly suppressed by the Nazis, who subsequently imposed stricter measures and replaced Dutch officials in key positions to solidify their control and ensure the efficient implementation of anti-Jewish policies.  

A significant act of resistance was the February Strike of 1941 in Amsterdam, organized by the [[Communist Party]] in protest of the first mass arrests and deportation of Jews to [[concentration camp]]s. The strike was [[violent]]ly suppressed by the Nazis, who subsequently imposed stricter measures and replaced Dutch officials in key positions to solidify their control and ensure the efficient implementation of anti-Jewish policies.  

Factors contributing to the high death toll in the Netherlands include:

Factors contributing to the high death toll in the Netherlands include:

The pogrom was planned ahead of a soccer match between Makabi and a local team.

The pogrom was planned ahead of a soccer match between Makabi and a local team.

'In coordinated Jihad; Jews run over, stabbed, thrown in canal.'

'In coordinated Jihad: Jews run over, stabbed, thrown in canal.'

Hamas affiliated PGNL send messages to gather.

Hamas-affiliated PGNL sent messages to gather.

Amsterdam Arabic speakers on Jews: :"beat him to kill".

Amsterdam Arabic speakers on Jews: "beat him to kill".

Israeli-Druze soccer fan spoke in Arabic & saved Jewish friends.

Israeli-Druze soccer fan spoke in Arabic & saved Jewish friends.

At the beginning of the recording, chants of "Allah Akbar" are heard before the attack by the Israelis, followed by cursing and attacking.

At the beginning of the recording, chants of "Allah Akbar" are heard before the attack by the Israelis, followed by cursing and attacking.

Many shouted pro "[[palestine]]" slogans but as Dutch authorities said, this was no protest.  

Many shouted pro "[[palestine]]" slogans, but as Dutch authorities said, this was no protest.  

In fact, Arab - Muslims attacking Jews globally actually confirms the core of the "conflict" in the [[Middle East]] since 1913, as what it is, at the root: Arab [[racism]], Islamic bigotry.

In fact, Arab-Muslims attacking Jews globally actually confirm the core of the "conflict" in the [[Middle East]] since 1913, as what it is, at the root: Arab [[racism]], Islamic bigotry.

It was denounced in that country, all over. Including the [[US]] & [[Canada| Canadian]] governments. The Dutch King said, we failed to protect the Jews again. Referring to [[WW2]]).

It was denounced in that country, all over. Including the [[US]] & [[Canada| Canadian]] governments. The Dutch King said, we failed to protect the Jews again. Referring to [[WW2]].

The timing of being ahead of the [[kristallnacht]] anniversary was also brought up.

The timing of being ahead of the [[kristallnacht]] anniversary was also brought up.

[[File:UNRWA teacher Ayman Nejmeh PGNL and 2024 Arab-Islamic Amsterdam pogrom.jpg|thumb|UNRWA teacher Ayman Nejmeh PGNL and 2024 Arab-Islamic Amsterdam pogrom]]

[[File:UNRWA teacher Ayman Nejmeh PGNL and 2024 Arab-Islamic Amsterdam pogrom.jpg|thumb|UNRWA teacher Ayman Nejmeh PGNL and 2024 Arab-Islamic Amsterdam pogrom]]

Apparently former [[UNRWA]] teacher, Ayman Nejmeh, helped organize Islamo-Arab Amsterdam pogrom by [[PGNL]] - Hamas-affiliated network in the Netherlands.

Apparently, former [[UNRWA]] teacher Ayman Nejmeh helped organize Islamo-Arab Amsterdam pogrom by [[PGNL]] - Hamas-affiliated network in the Netherlands.

"Moderate" [[Palestinian Authority]]'s official gloatibg over the Arab Islamic hate crimes casting the racist Arabs as the "world."

"Moderate" [[Palestinian Authority]]'s official gloating over the Arab Islamic hate crimes casting the racist Arabs as the "world."

Days later, Anti-Semitic Arab-Islamic riots resume in Amsterdam.

Days later, Anti-Semitic Arab-Islamic riots resumed in Amsterdam.

Footage: Moment Amsterdam tram goes up in flames after yob hurls firework inside following 'Jew hunt'.

Footage: Moment Amsterdam tram goes up in flames after a yob hurls a firework inside following 'Jew hunt'.

[[File:Windmill.jpg|right|thumbnail|400px|Painting of a windmill in Holland]]

[[File:Windmill.jpg|right|thumbnail|400px|Painting of a windmill in Holland]]

[[Same-sex marriage]] has been recognized by the Dutch government since 2001.<ref>[http://marriage.about.com/cs/samesexmarriage/a/samesex.htm About.com]</ref> Furthermore, legal [[prostitution]], [[euthanasia]], [[abortion]] and its drug policy (see above) make The Netherlands the most liberal country in the world by most standards. Christianity was once the dominant factor in Dutch society and politics, but since the 1970s plays a secondary role in society, with only 15% of the population being [[Protestant]] (2015) and just under 24% are [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholics]]. There is a rising [[Muslim]] population (5%) which has caused social strains. An overall decline in religion can be seen as of 2004. These days The Netherlands are considered one of the least churchgoing countries in Europe. However the Dutch does have its own bible belt which is still very conservative.

[[Same-sex marriage]] has been recognized by the Dutch government since 2001.<ref>[http://marriage.about.com/cs/samesexmarriage/a/samesex.htm About.com]</ref> Furthermore, legal [[prostitution]], [[euthanasia]], [[abortion]] and its drug policy (see above) make The Netherlands the most liberal country in the world by most standards. Christianity was once the dominant factor in Dutch society and politics, but since the 1970s it plays a secondary role in society, with only 15% of the population being [[Protestant]] (2015) and just under 24% being [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholics]]. There is a rising [[Muslim]] population (5%) which has caused social strains. An overall decline in religion can be seen as of 2004. These days The Netherlands are considered one of the least churchgoing countries in Europe. However the Dutch do have its own bible belt which is still very conservative.

===Drug policies===

===Drug policies===

The Dutch policy regarding soft drugs (and previously prostitution) is called "gedoogbeleid" (condonement policy). This means that although certain behavior is officially prohibited by law, a condonement clause prevents law enforcement agencies from prosecuting this behavior. This clause is, legally speaking, not a law and can be reverted much easier than a regular law.  

The Dutch policy regarding soft drugs (and previously prostitution) is called "gedoogbeleid" (condonement policy). This means that although certain behavior is officially prohibited by law, a condonement clause prevents law enforcement agencies from prosecuting this behavior. This clause is, legally speaking, not a law and can be reverted much easier than a regular law.  

The main reason for this policy is to try to split the market for "soft drugs" from the one for "hard drugs", this to avoid that users "upgrade" from soft to "hard drugs" (the latter are still illegal). So in short, the law tries to prevent citizen's exposure to hard drugs by providing a legal context in which to purchase cannabis. The policy also allows the police to focus on the war on hard drugs and criminal trade, and avoid the exhaustive bureaucratic costs associated with low-profile possession busts. In fact, most major cities in the world have similar non-prosecution policies, but the Dutch one is the only nationwide one.

The main reason for this policy is to try to split the market for "soft drugs" from the one for "hard drugs", this to avoid that users "upgrade" from soft to "hard drugs" (the latter are still illegal). So in short, the law tries to prevent citizens' exposure to hard drugs by providing a legal context in which to purchase cannabis. The policy also allows the police to focus on the war on hard drugs and criminal trade, and avoid the exhaustive bureaucratic costs associated with low-profile possession busts. In fact, most major cities in the world have similar non-prosecution policies, but the Dutch one is the only nationwide one.

Growing marijuana and hashish for commercial purposes is still officially illegal (it is legal to own up to four plants per household), causing coffee shop owners to rely on illegal homegrown products.  Only two state run companies are exempted from this rule in order to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes. Leftist movements have stated that the government should make its mind up: "either make growing marijuana and hashish legal, or ban soft drugs altogether".

Growing marijuana and hashish for commercial purposes is still officially illegal (it is legal to own up to four plants per household), causing coffee shop owners to rely on illegal homegrown products.  Only two state-run companies are exempted from this rule in order to grow marijuana for medicinal purposes. Leftist movements have stated that the government should make up its mind: "either make growing marijuana and hashish legal, or ban soft drugs altogether".

Some argue that the legal status of soft drugs has had no significant adverse effects on Dutch society.{{who}} This is probably due to the fact that it has become a more or less socially accepted drug like alcohol and tobacco, removing the need for dealers and effectively terminating cannabis' status as an anti-establishment symbol, and in effect diminishing its' popularity somewhat amongst youth. Some disagree:

Some argue that the legal status of soft drugs has had no significant adverse effects on Dutch society.{{who}} This is probably due to the fact that it has become a more or less socially accepted drug, like alcohol and tobacco, removing the need for dealers and effectively terminating cannabis' status as an anti-establishment symbol, and in effect diminishing its popularity somewhat amongst youth. Some disagree:

* {{marijuana-passive-Dutch}}

* {{marijuana-passive-Dutch}}