The Hague, Netherlands: American School of The Hague: 2020-2021 Fact Sheet
![Netherlands [Shutterstock]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Netherlands-2114x1406.jpg)
International Travel Information
What you need to know before you go: visas, Embassy & Consulate locations, vaccinations, etc.
International Travel Information: Learn MoreHighlights
August 20, 2020
July 27, 2020
April 28, 2020
U.S. Relationship
U.S.-Netherlands Relations
The U.S. partnership with the Netherlands dates to the American Revolution, which the Netherlands supported. The United States established diplomatic relations with the Netherlands in 1782; one of our oldest, continuous bilateral relationships. 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 share similar positions on many important issues and work together both bilaterally and multilaterally in such institutions as the United Nations (UN) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Bilateral Economic Relations
The United States and the Netherlands share a liberal economic outlook and firm commitment to free trade. The Netherlands is a member of the EU and has worked with the United States at the World Trade Organization (WTO) and in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 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 Netherlands. The Netherlands is a receptive market for U.S. exports and an important investment partner. The Netherlands is one of the largest investors in the United States, supporting an estimated 700,000 jobs, and the eighth largest importer of U.S. goods. The United States is the largest foreign investor in the Netherlands ($711 billion in 2018) and has its second largest bilateral trade surplus in the world with this country ($21 billion in 2019). 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.
![Netherlands Flag: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and blue; similar to the flag of Luxembourg, which uses a lighter blue and is longer; the colors were those of WILLIAM I, Prince of Orange, who led the Dutch Revolt against Spanish sovereignty in the latter half of the 16th century; originally the upper band was orange, but because it tended to fade to red over time, the red shade was eventually made the permanent color; the banner is perhaps the oldest tricolor in continuous use. [CIA World Fact Book]](https://2017-2021.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/nl-lgflag.gif){kind=small}