where is the netherlands

The Netherlands is a country located in northwestern Europe. It is bordered by the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east. The country is known for its low-lying topography, with significant areas below sea level, and it has a complex system of dikes and canals to manage water. The capital city is Amsterdam, and the seat of government is The Hague. The Netherlands is often informally called Holland, though this name technically refers only to two of its twelve provinces (North Holland and South Holland).