More information about the Netherlands is available on the Netherlands Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-NETHERLANDS RELATIONS
The United States and the Netherlands established diplomatic relations in 1782 following the U.S. declaration of independence from Great Britain. The U.S. partnership with the Netherlands is one of its oldest continuous relationships and dates back to the American Revolution, which the Dutch supported. The excellent bilateral relations are based on close historical and cultural ties as well as a common dedication to individual freedom and human rights. The United States and the Netherlands often have similar positions on issues and work together both bilaterally and multilaterally in such institutions as the United Nations and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
The Dutch fought alongside the United States in the Korean War and the first Gulf War and have been active in global peacekeeping efforts in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The Netherlands played a leading role in the 1999 Kosovo air campaign. It has contributed to European Union (EU) peacekeeping forces in Bosnia. The Dutch also have supported and participated in NATO training efforts in Iraq, the EU and NATO police training efforts in Afghanistan, the 2011 NATO mission in Libya, and in both EU and NATO counter-piracy operations. The Dutch are participants in the “smart defense” initiative, including in the area of missile defense. The Netherlands supports counterterrorism efforts with leadership, personnel, and material. It is a party to all 12 UN counterterrorism conventions. The Dutch work closely with the United States and other countries on international programs against drug trafficking and organized crime.
U.S. Assistance to the Netherlands
The United States provides no development assistance to the Netherlands.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The Netherlands and the United States share a liberal economic outlook and firm commitment to free trade. The Netherlands is a member of the European Union and has worked within the EU as well as with the United States at the World Trade Organization and in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to advance the shared goal of a more open, market-led global economy. The United States attaches great value to its strong economic and commercial ties with the Dutch. With no significant trade or investment barriers, the Netherlands is a receptive market for U.S. exports and an important investment partner. The two countries are among each other's largest direct foreign investors. The Netherlands is the third-largest investor in the U.S. and the 7th-largest trading partner of the US, with more than 700.000 jobs in the U.S. related to trade and investment with the Netherlands. The Netherlands participates in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows nationals of participating countries to travel to the United States for certain business or tourism purposes for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
The Netherlands's Membership in International Organizations
The Netherlands and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization. The Netherlands also is an observer to the Organization of American States.
Bilateral Representation
There currently is no U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands; the U.S. Charge d'Affaires is Edwin R. Nolan. Other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
The Netherlands maintains an embassy in the United States at 4200 Linnean Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008; tel: 877-388-2443.
More information about the Netherlands is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Netherlands Country Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Netherlands Page
U.S. Embassy: Netherlands
History of U.S. Relations With the Netherlands
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information
