The Netherlands

The Netherlands (Dutch name "Nederland", which means "low lands") is a relatively small, densely populated country with almost 17 million inhabitants. Many foreigners are more familiar with the name Holland, which is in fact the collective name for the two western provinces (North and South Holland). The country covers an area of about 40,000 km2 with a maximum width of about 200 km and a maximum length of about 300 km. With a dense railway system and fairly extensive bus services, all places of interest in the country can be reached easily and fast. The official language is Dutch (which has its regional dialects), but most people speak and understand English.

Eindhoven, the conference city, is located in the south-east part of the country, on 20 min. train distance from 's-Hertogenbosch, the medieval provincial capital, on 1.5 h. train distance from Amsterdam, the capital of the country, located next to Schiphol, the international airport, and on 1 h. train distance from Maastricht, our "Bourgondic" city in the far-south.

The Netherlands is a member of the European Community. Its official currency is the Euro, whose value is close to a US $. Small purchases have to be paid in cash money. Everywhere in the cities cash machines are located for money withdrawal by means of a Euro banking card. In Eindhoven a bank is located in the main railway station near the downtown (south) exit. In this bank it is possible to withdraw money by means of a credit card and to change foreign currency into Euros.

Currency and Banking

Electricity voltage

In The Netherlands the household electricity voltage amounts to 220 V.

Eindhoven

The city of Eindhoven is situated in the South-Eastern part of The Netherlands, within 50 km of both the German and Belgian borders. The Eindhoven region is internationally recognised as a centre for advanced technology. Knowledge and creativity characterize Eindhoven. You may observe this in the people that live here, the companies that are established here, and the atmosphere and culture of the city. Eindhoven is The Netherlands fifth largest city, and number one in terms of technology.

Eindhoven holds a strategic position as one of the foremost technology centers of Western Europe and has been the base for Philips Electronics Research and Development facilities for over a century. At the moment Philips is building a new research campus for 10,000 researchers in Eindhoven. Many other internationally operating companies have established development and production facilities in the Eindhoven area.

Eindhoven is a modern city with many cultural events and advanced sports facilities. The PSV soccer team has its domicile in Eindhoven. The Olympic Gold winner in swimming Pieter van den Hoogenband trains here in Eindhoven at the PSV complex. Eindhoven contains also some historical spots and one of the best national museums of contemporary arts with a very special architectural design.

The city of Eindhoven is located within quite close distance from picturesque historical cities like 's-Hertogenbosch (about 30 km north of Eindhoven), Maastricht (about 90 km south of Eindhoven) and Antwerp (about 80 km west of Eindhoven). Even, cities like Amsterdam (capital of The Netherlands), The Hague (governmental city with a historical center), Gouda (the "cheese" city with a historical center), Brussels (capital of the European Community), Gent and Brugge are within reaching distance by train or car and suited for one-(or more-)day(s) visits.

's-Hertogenbosch

's-Hertogenbosch (also known as Den Bosch) is an interesting old city, with parts of the downdown area dating back to 1200, and known for its Bourgondic life style. It is located at about 30 km distance north of Eindhoven and the travelling time by train from Eindhoven to 's-Hertogenbosch is about 20 min.