The Hague

The Hague (Dutch: Den Haag), is the third-largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam and Rotterdam, with a population of nearly 500,000 and an area of approximately 100 km². The Hague is located in the west of the country, near the North Sea, and is the provincial capital of the province of South Holland.

The Hague is the largest Dutch city on the North Sea and comprises two distinct beach towns. The main beach resort Scheveningen, in the northwestern part of the city, is a popular destination for tourists and young people. With 10 million visitors a year it is the most popular beach town in the Benelux. Kijkduin, in the southwest, is The Hague's other beach resort. It is a lot smaller and attracts mainly local people.

The Hague is the actual seat of government, but not the official capital of the Netherlands, a role that belongs to Amsterdam. The Hague is the seat of the Eerste Kamer (first chamber) and the Tweede Kamer (second chamber), respectively the upper and lower houses forming the "Staten Generaal" (States General of the Dutch Parliament). The city is also the residence of the Royal Family. Beatrix, Queen of the Netherlands, lives and works in the Royal Palace in The Hague.

The Hague is also known as an international city with more than 80 international organizations, including a number of world-renowned courts and tribunals. In addition, all foreign embassies and government ministries are located in the city. For more information, visit www.denhaag.com.