一群自行车停放在荷兰阿姆斯特丹的街道上。

am is the capital of the Netherlands. The city is situated between the IJ Bay to the north and the banks of the Amstel River to the southeast. Founded in the 13th century as a small fishing village, it is now the largest city in the country and a major international financial and cultural centre. It has a population of about 900,000 and its metropolitan area is home to approximately 1.5 million people. The historic city centre was largely built in the 17th century and is today one of the largest historic city centres in Europe. At that time, a series of semicircular canals were built around the existing old city centre. Later, the new streets were built, which were now lined with houses and warehouses in a typical Dutch style that is one of the most famous images of Amsterdam and the country. Although for most of its history (except between 1808-1810) it has been the official capital of the Netherlands, it has never been the seat of justice, government or the Dutch parliament, as all these bodies are located in the city of The Hague, which is therefore the country's main city in terms of politics and justice. Amsterdam is also not the capital of the province of North Holland, which has always been Haarlem.