[hider=The Kingdom of the Netherlands]

[center][img]https://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large-5/netherlands-flag-vintage-distressed-finish-design-turnpike.jpg[/img]

[h3]The Kingdom of the Netherlands[/h3]

[hider=Map][img]https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/cc/Map_provinces_Netherlands-en.svg[/img][/hider][/center]

[b]Head of State:[/b] King William II
[b]Head of Government:[/b] King William II
[b]Ideology:[/b] Conservative / Monarchist


[b][u]Military[/u][/b]

[b]Army Numbers:[/b]
Standing Army: 75,000

[b]Navy Numbers:[/b] 
- 60 Ships of the line
- 100 Frigates
- 400 smaller vessels 
- 10 Paddle Steamers


[b][u]History, Expansion, and Economics[/u][/b]

[b]History:[/b]
The relative savaging of the British Empire by numerous other powers around the world left a massive gap in the ability to transport goods around the world.

In 1841, the Dutch East India and Dutch West India companies were resurrected on the stock exchange and ships once again sailed under their flag as they quietly stepped in to fill the roll left empty by British shipping. 

Walking a careful tight rope of neutrality, the Netherlands has done everything in its power to avoid being dragged into any major conflicts while moving goods around the world. 

A struggling Britain has since sold several key holdings to the Dutch, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malta are among them. The Dutch have fortified these islands and then largely withdrawn from colonial rule, instead serving the local rulers and people by connecting them with world trade.

The lose of Belgium in 1840 still stings of course but what the Dutch could not do by force of arms they are doing with economic weight as they fund projects around the world and maintain a slice of ownership. 

[b]Economic Description:[/b]
While not a massive industrial powerhouse with the Prussians or Austrians, the Dutch have continued to amass wealth through trade and investments in other parts of the world. Be it shipping machinery to Japan, sugar and spices to Europe, or Swedish timber to America. If there is coins to be made, the Dutch are around somewhere. 


[b]Historical Claims:[/b] 
The Dutch control their traditional territories on mainland Europe and a smattering of small but heavily fortified islands or ports throughout the world for resupply purposes.[/hider]