Amsterdam, the capital and largest city of the Netherlands, is one of Europe’s most vibrant and historically significant urban centers. The city is globally renowned for its picturesque canal network, often referred to as the "Venice of the North," which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Amsterdam’s canals, bridges, and 17th-century architecture give it a unique charm that attracts millions of visitors each year. Although it holds the status of capital, Amsterdam is unusual compared to other world capitals: the seat of government, parliament, ministries, the Supreme Court, embassies, and even the royal family are based in The Hague. Amsterdam itself only hosts consulates and honorary diplomatic missions, underscoring its role as more of a cultural and economic hub rather than the political center of the Netherlands. The city is home to two prestigious universities — the University of Amsterdam and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (Free University Amsterdam) — making it a thriving center for education and research. Its Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest in Europe, further strengthens Amsterdam’s role as a global gateway for travel and commerce. Amsterdam is also remarkable for its cultural diversity. Around 905,000 people live in the city proper, while the greater metropolitan region hosts about 2.2 million residents. People from 175 nationalities live in Amsterdam, making it one of the most multicultural cities in the world. This diversity is reflected in its neighborhoods, cuisines, festivals, and daily life.