Facts about Amsterdam

Amsterdam is constructed on 11 million poles
And while we’re on the subject of Venice, it’s worth noting that Amsterdam, much like Venice, is constructed on poles. Most of the Netherlands is constructed only around a metre above sea level, on clay, and so Amsterdam is constructed on 11 million wooden poles to stop the buildings (and even the trees in the parks) from sinking into the ground.

Amsterdam Centraal is built on around 9000 poles, whereas the average house is constructed on around 10. Though the poles provide some support, many buildings are slightly sinking into the ground, meaning that they’re slightly wonky. The most famous of the wonky houses in Amsterdam are known as the ‘dancing houses’.

Amsterdam has lots of bridges
One of the most unusual facts about Amsterdam is that it has one of the highest number of bridges of anywhere in the world! Indeed, while Amsterdam is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’, the Dutch capital boasts well over 1200 bridges, which is triple that of Venice’s 400 or so river crossings.

Amsterdam is very international
Amsterdam is home to more nationalities than any other city in the World! For a population of under 1 million residents, the city is actually home to people of over 180 different nationalities. Furthermore, in a typical year, Amsterdam can see up to 20 million visitors!

The Stock exchange located in the city centre is the oldest in the World
The stock exchange in Amsterdam dates all the way back to 1602 when it was established by the Dutch East India Company (Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie, or “VOC”).

Amsterdam has only been the capital of the Netherlands since 1983
One of the most surprising facts about Amsterdam is that it’s only been the capital of the Netherlands since 1983. Prior to this, the capital of the country was The Hague, which is today synonymous with politics and of being home to the museum which houses the Girl with the Pearl Earring painting. The Dutch government and parliament remain in The Hague to this day.

The origins of the name Amsterdam
The name ‘Amsterdam’ derives from ‘Amstelredamme’, meaning ‘dam/ d**e over the river Amstel’. The name came about during the 13th-century when the now Dutch capital was a small fishing village on the River Amstel.

Amsterdam is 219.3 km²
Amsterdam is 219.3 km². This roughly translated into around 166 square miles.