The Hague

Joust on the Hofvijver, by Dutch School of the 17th century

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Beest Street in The Hague

Den Haag - Stadhuis 1900

Den Haag Skyscrapers 5

DenHaag-plaats-OpenTopo

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Haagse wijken

The Hague' (Dutch: Den Haag or s-Gravenhage) is the capital city of the province of South Holland in the Netherlands. It is also the seat of the government of the Netherlands, home to the Eerste Kamer (Senate) and the Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives), which together form the States General of the Netherlands. Additionally, The Hague hosts the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, making it one of the major cities hosting the United Nations.

History

The Hague's history dates back to the 13th century when it was developed around the Binnenhof, a castle that was the residence of the Counts of Holland. The city became the political center of the Dutch Republic in the 16th century and has maintained its status as the political heart of the Netherlands to this day.

Geography

Located in the western part of the Netherlands, The Hague is the third-largest city in the country, after Amsterdam and Rotterdam. It is situated on the coast of the North Sea and is known for its seaside resorts like Scheveningen, one of the most popular beach towns in the Netherlands.

Government and Politics

As the seat of the Dutch government, The Hague is the venue for political debates and decision-making processes. The city does not have the official status of the capital of the Netherlands, a role constitutionally assigned to Amsterdam, but it hosts the Dutch monarch, government ministries, and embassies.

Culture

The Hague has a rich cultural scene, with numerous museums, art galleries, and theaters. The Mauritshuis, for example, houses a prestigious collection of Dutch and Flemish paintings, including works by Vermeer, Rembrandt, and Jan Steen. The city is also known for the Kunstmuseum Den Haag, which focuses on modern art and design.

Economy

The Hague's economy is characterized by a high concentration of jobs in the public and legal services sectors, owing to the presence of the Dutch government and several international legal institutions. However, the city also fosters a growing business sector, with a focus on information technology and telecommunications.

Education

The city is home to several higher education institutions, including The Hague University of Applied Sciences and Leiden University's campus in The Hague, which offers a variety of international studies programs.

Transport

The Hague has an extensive public transport network, including trams, buses, and trains, connecting it to major Dutch cities and beyond. The city's infrastructure also supports cycling, with numerous bike paths and bike-sharing programs.

Tourism

Tourism in The Hague is buoyed by its historical sites, cultural institutions, and seaside resorts. The Peace Palace, which houses the International Court of Justice, is among the city's most visited landmarks.

See Also

• List of cities in the Netherlands
• Politics of the Netherlands
• Dutch Golden Age