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Rotterdam is one of the most dynamic cities in the Netherlands. Located in the province of South Holland, the city is a hub of modern architecture, world-class museums, and a bustling nightlife. It is home to the largest port in Europe, Port of Rotterdam, which gives it an important position in international trade. Unlike many European cities, Rotterdam boasts a skyline filled with innovative architectural designs, as the city was largely rebuilt after World War II. The city is famous for landmarks like the Erasmus Bridge, Euromast, and the Cube Houses.
The Netherlands conducts a census every ten years, with the last one held in 2011. According to this data, Rotterdam had a population of 618,467. The city is known for its cultural diversity, with over 170 nationalities represented. In Rotterdam, a significant portion of the population is of non-Dutch origin, with the largest groups being of Surinamese, Turkish, and Moroccan descent. In terms of religion, Rotterdam is quite diverse, with a large number of residents identifying as Muslim, followed by Christians, and a significant number of people not affiliated with any religion. Rotterdam is a multilingual city, with many residents speaking languages such as Dutch, English, Turkish, and Arabic. One unique feature of Rotterdam is its architecture. After the city was heavily bombed in World War II, it was rebuilt with a focus on modern design, resulting in a cityscape filled with innovative structures.
The city of Rotterdam is governed by a mayor and a city council. The mayor is appointed by the monarch for a term of six years, while the council members are elected by the residents in local elections held every four years. The mayor is responsible for general city affairs, public order, and safety, while the city council is responsible for decision-making and overseeing the work of the mayor. Additionally, the city is divided into districts, each with its own district committee appointed by the city council.
Rotterdam's economy is heavily influenced by the Port of Rotterdam, the largest port in Europe, handling millions of containers every year. The city is a major logistic and economic center, with a focus on cargo shipping, trade, and industry. Additionally, Rotterdam has a thriving service sector, with a focus on information and communication technology, life sciences, and clean tech. The city's GDP is over €170 billion, accounting for more than 20% of the total GDP of the Netherlands.
Rotterdam has a well-developed infrastructure, with a focus on sustainability and innovation. The city is home to the largest port in Europe, which is constantly being updated and improved to keep up with technological advancements and environmental considerations. The city’s infrastructure also includes extensive public transport networks, well-maintained roads, and a large number of cycle paths. Rotterdam is also leading the way in sustainable architecture, with a number of eco-friendly buildings and initiatives.