Excellent connectivity
Its strategic location and trading history made the Netherlands acknowledge the importance of an excellent connectivity for international trade.
Examples of the excellent connectivity are the port of Rotterdam, Europes largest seaport, Schiphol Airport, with 250 destinations worldwide, and since decades rated as the best business airport in the world, and the outstanding IT infrastructure. The Netherlands is classified as one of the most "wired" countries in the world. According to a yearly report by OPTA (the Independent Post and Telecommunication Authority), the Netherlands holds the number one position in the world in broadband Internet connections. The Netherlands established its sixth millionth broadband connection in 2009. As a result, the Netherlands has taken the lead from Denmark regarding broadband penetration. There are 38.1 broadband connections for every 100 residents in the Netherlands, as a result, in part, from active encouragement by the government. The OECD average for countries with broadband is 22.8 connections per 100 residents.
The Dutch infrastructure is a solid and ideal base for businesses with high demands on connectivity (Amsterdam is directly connected to all major centres in Europe within just 2 hours by plane and/or train) and on an excellent IT infrastructure.
| Best European cities for business | ||
| ranking | city | country |
| 1 | London | UK |
| 2 | Parin | France |
| 3 | Frankfurt | Germany |
| 4 | Brussels | Belgium |
| 5 | Barcelona | Spain |
| 6 | Amsterdam | Netherlands |
| 7 | Berlin | Germany |
| 8 | Madrid | Spain |
| 9 | Munich | Germany |
| 10 | Düsseldorf | Germany |
| 11 | Milan | Italy |
| 13 | Zurich | Switzerland |
| 14 | Geneva | Switzerland |
| 20 | Dublin | Ireland |
| 22 | Vienna | Austria |
| 25 | Copenhagen | Denmark |
| Source: European cities monitor 2010 | ||
| Digital economy ranking | ||
| ranking | country | amount |
| 1 | Sweden | 8,49 |
| 2 | Denmark | 8,41 |
| 3 | United States | 8,41 |
| 4 | Finland | 8,36 |
| 5 | Netherlands | 8,36 |
| 6 | Norway | 8,24 |
| 7 | Hong Kong | 8,22 |
| 8 | Singapore | 8,22 |
| 9 | Australia | 8,21 |
| 10 | New Zealand | 8,07 |
| 11 | Canada | 8,05 |
| 12 | Taiwan | 7,99 |
| 13 | South Korea | 7,94 |
| 14 | United Kingdom | 7,89 |
| 15 | Austria | 7,88 |
| Source: Economist 2010 | ||