The Netherlands is a country.
The Netherlands , ( [ ˈnɛðərləndz ] Nederland [ ˈneːdərˌlɑnt ] ; Nederlân ) also known informally as Holland , is the main constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands . With a population density of 412 people per km2 -- 507 ( January 2017 ) if water is excluded -- the Netherlands is classified as a very densely populated country . The Netherlands has a long history of social tolerance and is generally regarded as a liberal country , having legalised abortion , prostitution and euthanasia , while maintaining a progressive drugs policy .