Netherlands

According to ALLCITYCODES.COM, the Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, each of which has its own distinct area code. The area codes range from 01 to 99 and cover all of the Netherlands’ provinces. For example, North Holland is assigned the area code 01 and South Holland is assigned the area code 02. The Dutch government is responsible for assigning and maintaining all area codes for the Netherlands. All landline numbers in the Netherlands are 10 digits long, with the first two digits representing the province’s respective area code. Mobile phone numbers in the Netherlands are 11 digits long, with the first three digits representing the service provider’s respective network code. In addition to assigning landline and mobile phone numbers, Dutch government also assigns special three-digit codes for various services such as emergency services, public utilities, government agencies, etc. For example, 112 is reserved for emergency services while 800 is reserved for public utilities such as electricity and water supply companies. Similarly, 900 is used by government agencies while 800 is used by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). These special codes can be used nationwide regardless of a person’s location or province within the Netherlands. The politics of Netherlands is a multi-party system. The Netherlands has three major political parties: the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), the Labour Party (PvdA) and the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD). Other parties that have representation in parliament are the GreenLeft, Democrats 66, the Socialist Party, Christian Union and GroenLinks. Coalition governments are formed with two or more of these parties, depending on the results of general elections. The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy, with a constitutional monarchy as its head of state. Currently, King Willem-Alexander holds this position. The government is headed by Prime Minister Mark Rutte. He is responsible for all policy decisions and must maintain majority support in Parliament to remain in office. PETSINCLUDE: Features public policy of Netherlands.