Netherlands

Despite having an extremely high GDP per capita ($63,515.60), placing it among the wealthiest nations globally, the Netherlands experienced negative GDP growth (-0.598%) in 2023. This indicates a technical economic contraction or recessionary pressures, a noteworthy challenge for such a high-income economy.

The Netherlands reported a significant inflation rate (3.838%) in 2023, yet maintained an exceptionally low unemployment rate (3.537%). This combination suggests a tight labor market potentially contributing to inflationary pressures, challenging policymakers aiming for price stability without sacrificing employment.

A staggering 95.322% of the population lives in urban areas, making the Netherlands one of the most highly urbanized countries globally. Given its small area (41,865 sq km), this density highlights intense pressure on infrastructure, housing, and land use planning, especially for agriculture and conservation.

The fertility rate stands at a very low 1.43 children per woman, significantly below the replacement level of 2.1. This indicates a long-term demographic challenge, likely leading to population aging and potential future labor shortages, despite the current positive population growth.