The European Union (EU) comprises more than 500 million people in 27 different member states. The EU generates an estimated share of 30% of the nominal Gross World Product / Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The EU law ensures the freedom of movement of people, goods, services and capital. This means common policies on trade, agriculture, fisheries, regional development and one common currency: the Euro.

The Schengen States is a group of 25 countries who have abolished all border control inbetween. Immigration to one of the European countries means access to all Schengen States.

The Netherlands / Holland is one of the EU’s most dynamic centres of trade and industry, and is one of the leading European nations in attracting direct foreign investment. The Dutch economy is one of the strongest economies in the world, and is the sixth biggest within the EU. The Dutch position in global competitiveness has strengthened, placing it among the world’s top ten. Companies like Philips, Unilever and Shell are all of Dutch origin.

The Higher education system in Holland enjoys a worldwide reputation for its high quality. Although Dutch is the national language, almost everbody in the Netherlands understand and speak English.

The Netherlands plays a key role as a main port and distribution center for companies worldwide. Rotterdam has the largest port in Europe and also the largest in the world until 2004, when this title was overtaken by Shanghai. Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is one of the Europe's major airports.

The Netherlands are located in Northwestern Europe, and bordered by the North Sea to the North and West, Belgium in the south, and Germany to the east. Located on the estuaries of rivers like the Rhine, Maas and Schelde, combined with its excellent transportation network, The Netherlands are often called “The Gateway to Europe”.