Government and State

The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy. Public administration in the Netherlands has four tiers: central government, the provinces, the municipalities and the water authorities. The government undertook to make the public sector smaller and more efficient. It is also seeking to alleviate the regulatory burden.

In the spotlight

Central government

Central government's mission is to work towards a just, enterprising and sustainable society.

Municipalities and cities

More than half of the population of the Netherlands lives in cities.