The Netherlands colloquially often also Holland mentioned, are a kingdom to the North Sea border. Approximately a quarter of the country lies below the sea level and is protected with dykes.
Many world-famous painters were Dutchmen. The 17. century brought large artists out such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer or Jan Steen. Famous painters of later epochs were Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondriaan.
During the German occupation Anne Frank wrote her world-well-known diary in Amsterdam.