Introduction

The Netherlands in Numbers is based on a series of questions about the Netherlands, past and present. The answers are provided in the form of 35 infographics. This web publication accompanies the printed booklet with the same title, and delves deeper into each question by providing more text, charts and analysis.

Interesting facts about the Netherlands

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) has a myriad of data on our country. This publication showcases a tiny selection of that in a colourful and accessible way. The infographics provide the answers to 35 different questions, accompanied by analysis, graphs and maps. Readers wanting more detail can find this by following the links for more figures.

125 years of reliable statistics

Statistics Netherlands (CBS) is the ultimate independent source of reliable, socially relevant statistical data and information. This year marks our 125th anniversary. The figures that we provide are accessible to everyone and always up to date. They provide valuable insights into our society, enabling evidence-based decision-making and facilitating progress.

Population statistics are a good example. The way in which we count the number of people living in our country has evolved hand in hand with CBS as an institution. In 1899, we were still counting the 5 million people who lived in our country by hand, knocking on doors. Now, in 2024, this process is fully automated and our ten-year census is based on existing digital data sources.

This is a wonderful example of how statistics have moved with the times. We expect to count the Netherlands’ 18‑millionth resident in 2024.

CBS has been compiling annual figures and yearbooks for quite some time already. The first ‘Statistical Pocket Yearbook’ was published in 1924 and was mainly designed to provide policymakers with statistics about the Netherlands. But in the internet age, a printed book containing figures only was no longer relevant. Since 2020, we have published ‘The Netherlands in Numbers’, consisting entirely of infographics, each of which provides the answer to a particular question. Next to each infographic there is a QR code that links to the web publication with more information, graphs and tables on that subject.

This year marks 125 years since CBS was first established, and the 2024 edition of of ‘The Netherlands in Numbers’ therefore includes a number of special timelines. These show very clearly how long CBS has been producing reliable, unbiased statistics for the Netherlands. That is something we are truly proud of.

More information

The CBS website presents news items on the latest figures almost every day. It also features dossiers and dashboards on themes like the economy and society, and of course more information about CBS as an organisation. The figures can all be found on StatLine. And for more infographics, animations and videos, you can also follow CBS on X.

We hope you will enjoy this fourth edition of ‘The Netherlands in Numbers’!

The questions

1. 1.How fast is our population growing?
2. 2.How many people provide informal care?
3. 3.How many people attend concerts and performances?
4. 4.How often do people eat meat with their main meal?
5. 5.How much debt does the Netherlands have?
6. 6.How many people live alone?
7. 7.How old are motorcyclists and their motorbikes?
8. 8.How many girls are suspected of crimes?
9. 9.How much energy is consumed in the Netherlands?
10. 10.How much land is used for organic farming?
11. 11.What type of work do most people do?
12. 12.How many people are irritated by dog waste in their neighbourhood?
13. 13.Where do we go on holiday the most often?
14. 14.What kind of vegetables do we grow in our greenhouses?
15. 15.How many people apply for asylum in the Netherlands?
16. 16.How many people use cannabis?
17. 17.How big is the Dutch economy?
18. 18.How often do workers go on strike?
19. 19.How many people experience flight shame?
20. 20.How far is the nearest hospital or outpatient clinic?
21. 21.How many guests stayed at Dutch campsites?
22. 22.How many people have good oral health?
23. 23.What is the level of education in the Netherlands?
24. 24.What volume of greenhouse gases do we emit?
25. 25.How are our snakes and lizards doing?
26. 26.How many fast food restaurants are there in the Netherlands?
27. 27.What are the major religions?
28. 28.How many pesticides are sold?
29. 29.How many students passed their final exams and what did they do next?
30. 30.How many people aged between 67 and 89 are still working?
31. 31.Could people move house within the next two years if they wanted to?
32. 32.What are our biggest export products?
33. 33.How many people are economically independent?
34. 34.How much money is made in the illegal economy?
35. 35.How does Statistics Netherlands handle your privacy?