AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands (Holland). It is also the largest city, an important port, and financial centre of the country. The city is also famous as the birthplace of Spinoza, the famous philosopher.

It is a great trading city known especially for its diamond industry. The port here is situated at the mouth of the Amsel, on the Zuyder Zee, resting on 90 islands connected by over three hundred bridges, and the houses built on piles of wood driven into the marshy ground. This port city is a largely manufacturing place, as well as an emporium of trade, one special industry being the cutting of diamonds and jewels.