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Encyclopedia—NetherlandsEconomyThe Netherlands is heavily industrialized. The chief manufactures are textiles, electrical machinery, electronics, transport equipment, iron and steel, refined petroleum, ships, processed foods, plastics, and chemicals. Agriculture is specialized, mechanized, and efficient, and yields per acre are high. Dairy farming is also important and the country is known for its cheese industry. Cattle and poultry are raised. The major crops are truck-farm commodities, beets, and potatoes; relatively little grain is raised. Horticultural production (especially bulbs) and fishing are also important. The country's few natural resources include coal, natural gas, and petroleum. A considerable amount of the country's wealth is contributed annually by financial and transportation services. Amsterdam is one of the world's major financial centers, and Rotterdam is one of the world's busiest ports. The Dutch merchant marine is well developed, and tourism is a substantial industry. The Netherlands has a large foreign trade; the main exports are machinery, textiles, petroleum products, fruits and vegetables, and meat. The Netherlands belongs to the European Union and numerous regional and global economic organizations. Sections in this article: The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.
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