The Netherlands and water are closely connected. We are a water-rich nation, with a large part of the country lying at or below sea level.
Water has traditionally been both our friend and our enemy. Our friend, because the Netherlands' location by the sea has always been a source of trade and therefore prosperity. An enemy, because that same sea sometimes suddenly reclaimed a large part of the land. Our dikes, polders, the Delta Works, and the IJsselmeer are testament to our connection with water.