Amsterdam information

(ɑmstərˡdɑm) is the capital of the Netherlands. The name is a derivative from Amstel dam,, pointing to the city's origin: a dam in the river Amstel. The city is known for its historic port, the Rijksmuseum, the red-light district (de Wallen), the liberal coffeeshops, and the canals which have led to Amsterdam being termed the "Venice of the North". During the Dutch Golden Age, Amsterdam was one of the most important ports in the world, with innovative developments in trade, and became the leading centre for finance and diamonds.
The city, founded in the late 12th century as a small fishing village, has grown to become the largest city in the Netherlands with a population of 743,104 inhabitants, spread over at least 172 nationalities.
The metropolitan area with Amsterdam at its center has a population of 2,2 million inhabitants and is part of the conurbation Randstad, with a population of 6,659,300 inhabitants. (...) more....

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