Productivity and quality

 
GDP per capita in US dollars
Source: Here’s Holland compared, 2009

The Netherlands is one of the wealthiest nations in the European Union, and fares well in comparison with well developed economies outside the European Union, such as the economy of the Unites States. The high average income of the Dutch is the result of high labor productivity and a high level of labor participation.

GDP per hour (2008) in US dollars
Source: Here’s Holland compared, 2009

The working population of the Netherlands is highly educated, and a large percentage of adults speak more than one foreign language. This high standard of education combined with strong economic factors, such as the physical and knowledge infrastructure, enable employees to be highly productive. Labor productivity per hour is amongst the highest in Europe. The Netherlands has succeeded in linking this to a high level of labor participation.