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{{
|elevation_footnotes = <ref name="elevation">{{cite web
|url=http://www.ahn.nl/
|title=Actueel Hoogtestand Nederland
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-18 }}</ref>
|population_as_of = June 2009
|population_footnotes = <ref name="CBS" /><ref name="randstad">{{cite web
|title= Population
|work= Themes
|publisher= City of Amsterdam
|month=October | year=2008
|url=http://www.os.amsterdam.nl/tabel/2008_mutatiestatistiek_stand.xls
|format= in Dutch
|accessdate=2009-03-08 }}</ref>
|population_total = 762,057
|population_density_km2 = 4459
|population_urban = 1364422
|population_metro = 2158372
| population_blank1_title = [[Demonym]]
| population_blank1 = Amsterdammer
|timezone = {{tz|CET}}
|timezone_DST = {{tz|CEST}}
|latd=52 |latm=22 |lats=23 |latNS=N
|longd=4 |longm=53 |longs=32 |longEW=E
|postal_code_type = [[List of postal codes in the Netherlands|Postal code]]s
|postal_code = 1011–1109
|area_code = 020
|website = [http://www.amsterdam.nl/ www.amsterdam.nl]
}}

'''Amsterdam''' ({{pron-en|ˈæmstərdæm}}; Dutch {{Audio-IPA|Nl-Amsterdam.ogg|[ɑmstərˈdɑm]}}) is the [[Capital of the Netherlands|capital]] and [[List of cities in the Netherlands with over 100,000 people|largest city]] of the [[Netherlands]], located in the [[Provinces of the Netherlands|province]] of [[North Holland]] in the west of the country. The city, which had a population (including suburbs) of 1.36 million on 1 January 2008, comprises the northern part of the [[Randstad]], the [[Largest European cities and metropolitan areas|sixth-largest]] [[metropolitan area]] in Europe, with a population of around 6.7 million.

Its name is derived from ''Amstellerdam'',<ref name="Britannica Eleven">[[Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition]], Vol 1, p896-898.</ref> indicative of the city's origin: a [[dam]] in the river [[Amstel]]. Settled as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important [[port]]s in the world during the [[Dutch Golden Age]], a result of its innovative developments in [[trade]]. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and [[diamond]]s.<ref>[http://www.cambridge.org/catalogue/catalogue.asp?isbn=9780521845359&ss=exc] Capitals of Capital -A History of International Financial Centres - 1780–2005, Youssef Cassis, ISBN 978-0521845359</ref> In the 19th and 20th centuries, [[Expansion of Amsterdam|the city expanded]], and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were formed.

The city is the financial and cultural<ref>After Athens in 1985 and Florence in 1986, Amsterdam was in 1986 chosen as the [[European Capital of Culture]], confirming its eminent position in Europe and the Netherlands. See here [http://ec.europa.eu/culture/our-programmes-and-actions/doc443_en.htm] for an overview of the European cities and capitals of culture over the years.</ref> capital of the Netherlands. Many large Dutch institutions have their headquarters there, and 7 of the world's top 500 companies, including [[Philips]] and [[ING Group|ING]], are based in the city.<ref>[http://www.forbes.com/lists/2008/18/biz_2000global08_The-Global-2000-Netherlands_10Rank.html] [[Forbes Global 2000]] Largest Companies - Dutch rankings.</ref> The [[Amsterdam Stock Exchange]], the oldest stock exchange in the world is located in the city centre. [[List of tourist attractions in Amsterdam|Amsterdam's main attractions]], including its [[Canals of Amsterdam|historic canals]], the [[Rijksmuseum Amsterdam|Rijksmuseum]], the [[Van Gogh Museum]], [[Hermitage Amsterdam]], [[Anne Frank House]], its [[red-light district]], and its many [[cannabis coffee shop]]s draw more than 3.66 million international visitors annually.<ref name="ams2009">{{cite web|title=Key Figures Amsterdam 2009: Tourism|url=http://www.os.amsterdam.nl/tabel/13871/|publisher=City of Amsterdam Department for Research and Statistics|date=2009|accessdate=30 September 2009}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Amsterdam}}
The earliest recorded use of the name "Amsterdam" is from a certificate dated 27 October 1275, when the inhabitants, who had built a bridge with a dam across the [[Amstel]], were exempted from paying a [[toll bridge|bridge toll]] by Count [[Floris V, Count of Holland|Floris V]].<ref name="language">{{cite book
|last=Berns
|first=Jan
|coauthors=Daan, Jo
|title=Hij zeit wat: de Amsterdamse volkstaal
|year=1993
|location=[[The Hague]]
|publisher=BZZTôH
|page=91
|language=[[Dutch language|Dutch]]
|isbn=90-6291-756-9
}}</ref> The certificate describes the inhabitants as ''homines manentes apud Amestelledamme'' (people living near ''Amestelledamme'').<ref>[http://stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl/english/amsterdam_treasures/trade/toll_privilege/index.en.html The toll privilege of 1275 in the Amsterdam City Archives]</ref> By 1327, the name had developed into ''Aemsterdam''.<ref name="language"/> Amsterdam's founding is relatively recent compared with much older Dutch cities such as [[Nijmegen]], [[Rotterdam]], and [[Utrecht (city)|Utrecht]]. In October 2008, [[Historical geography|historical geographer]] Chris de Bont suggested that the land around Amsterdam was being reclaimed as early as the late 10th century. This does not necessarily mean that there was already a settlement then. The [[Land reclamation|reclamation of land]] may not have been for farming&mdash;it may have been for [[peat]], used as fuel.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nu.nl/news/1801750/80/rss/%27Amsterdam_200_jaar_ouder_dan_aangenomen%27.html|title=Amsterdam 200 jaar ouder dan aangenomen|accessdate=2008-10-22|date=22 October 2008|publisher=Nu.nl|language=Dutch}}</ref>

[[File:Cornelis anthonisz vogelvluchtkaart amsterdam.JPG|thumb|left|A painting (1544) depicting Amsterdam in 1538. The famous [[Canals of Amsterdam|Grachtengordel]] had not been built yet.]]
Amsterdam was granted [[City rights in the Netherlands|city rights]] in either 1300 or 1306.<ref name="amnlgeschedenis">{{cite web
|url=http://amsterdam.nl/stad_in_beeld/geschiedenis/de_geschiedenis_van#Stadsrechten
|title=De geschiedenis van Amsterdam
|publisher=Municipality of Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> From the 14th century on, Amsterdam flourished, largely because of trade with the [[Hanseatic League]]. In 1345, an alleged [[Blessed Sacrament|Eucharistic miracle]] in the [[Kalverstraat]] rendered the city an important place of pilgrimage until the [[Protestant Reformation|adoption of the Protestant faith]]. The ''[[Stille Omgang]]''&mdash;a silent [[procession]] in civil attire&mdash;is today a remnant of the rich pilgrimage history.<ref name="stilleomgang">{{cite web
|url=http://www.trouw.nl/laatstenieuws/laatstenieuws/article936256.ece/Katholieken_verzameld_voor_Mirakel_van_Amsterdam
|title=Mirakel van Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref>

In the 16th century, the Dutch rebelled against [[Philip II of Spain]] and his successors. The main reasons for the uprising were the imposition of new taxes, the tenth penny, and the [[religious persecution]] of [[Protestantism|Protestants]] by the [[Spanish Inquisition]]. The revolt escalated into the [[Eighty Years' War]], which ultimately led to Dutch independence.<ref name="80yearswar">{{cite web
|url=http://dutchrevolt.leidenuniv.nl/nederlands/default.htm
|publisher=Leiden University
|title=Eighty Years' War
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> Strongly pushed by [[Dutch Revolt]] leader [[William the Silent]], the [[Dutch Republic]] became known for its relative [[History of religion in the Netherlands|religious]] tolerance. [[History of the Jews in the Netherlands|Jews]] from the [[Iberian Peninsula]], [[Huguenot]]s from France, prosperous merchants and printers from [[Flanders]], and economic and religious refugees from the Spanish-controlled parts of the [[Low Countries]] found safety in Amsterdam. The influx of Flemish printers and the city's intellectual tolerance made Amsterdam a centre for the European [[Freedom of the press|free press]].<ref>Case in point: After [[Galileo affair|his trial and sentencing]] in Rome in 1633, [[Galileo Galilei|Galileo]] chose [[Lodewijk Elzevir]] in Amsterdam to publish one of his finest works, ''[[Two New Sciences]]''. See Wade Rowland (2003), ''Galileo's Mistake, A new look at the epic confrontation between Galileo and the Church'', New York: [[Arcade Publishing]], ISBN 1559706848, p. 260.</ref>

[[File:AmsterdamDamsquar.jpg|thumb|left|[[Dam Square]] in the late-17th century: painting by [[Gerrit Adriaenszoon Berckheyde]]]]

The 17th century is considered Amsterdam's ''[[Dutch Golden Age|Golden Age]]'', during which it became the wealthiest city in the world.<ref>E. Haverkamp-Bergmann, Rembrandt; The Night Watch (New Jersey: [[Princeton University Press]], 1982), p. 57</ref> Ships sailed from Amsterdam to the [[Baltic Sea]], North America, and Africa, as well as present-day [[Indonesia]], India, [[Sri Lanka]], and [[Brazil]], forming the basis of a worldwide trading network. Amsterdam's merchants had the largest share in both the [[Dutch East India Company]] and the [[Dutch West India Company]]. These companies acquired overseas possessions that later became [[Dutch Empire|Dutch colonies]]. Amsterdam was Europe's most important point for the shipment of goods and was the leading [[Financial Centre]] of the world.<ref>[http://www.uncp.edu/home/rwb/Amsterdam_l.html Amsterdam in the 17th Century], The University of [[North Carolina]] at Pembroke</ref> In 1602, the Amsterdam office of the Dutch East India Company became the world's first [[stock exchange]] by trading in its own shares.<ref name="The oldest share">{{cite web
|url=http://www.oldest-share.com/
|title=The oldest share
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref>

Amsterdam lost over 10% of its population to [[plague (disease)|plague]] in 1623–1625, and again in 1635–1636, 1655, and 1664. Nevertheless, the population of Amsterdam rose in the 17th century (largely through immigration) from 50,000 to 200,000.<ref>[http://history.wisc.edu/sommerville/351/351-012.htm Geography, climate, population, economy, society]. J.P.Sommerville.</ref>

Amsterdam's prosperity declined during the 18th and early 19th centuries. The [[Anglo-Dutch wars|wars]] of the [[Dutch Republic]] with [[Kingdom of England|England]] and France took their toll on Amsterdam. During the [[Napoleonic Wars]], Amsterdam's significance reached its lowest point, with [[Holland]] being absorbed into the [[First French Empire|French Empire]]. However, the later establishment of the [[United Kingdom of the Netherlands]] in 1815 marked a turning point.

[[File:AmstelAmsterdamNederland.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Singel (Amsterdam)|Singel]] with the [[Munttoren]] in the background, ca. 1900.]]
The end of the 19th century is sometimes called Amsterdam's second Golden Age.<ref name="Amsterdam City Walks">{{cite web
|url=http://www.amsterdamcitywalks.com/english/agenda.html
|title=Amsterdam through the ages -A medieval village becomes a global city
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> New museums, a train station, and the [[Concertgebouw]] were built; in this same time, the [[Industrial Revolution]] reached the city. The [[Amsterdam-Rhine Canal]] was dug to give Amsterdam a direct connection to the [[Rhine]], and the [[North Sea Canal]] was dug to give the port a shorter connection to the [[North Sea]]. Both projects dramatically improved commerce with the rest of Europe and the world. In 1906, [[Joseph Conrad]] gave a brief description of Amsterdam as seen from the seaside, in [[q:Joseph Conrad#The Mirror of the Sea (1906)|''The Mirror of the Sea'']]. Shortly before the [[First World War]], the city began expanding, and new suburbs were built. Even though the Netherlands remained neutral in this war, Amsterdam suffered a [[Famine|food shortage]], and heating fuel became scarce. The shortages sparked riots in which several people were killed. These riots are known as the ''Aardappeloproer'' (Potato rebellion). People started looting stores and warehouses in order to get supplies, mainly food.<ref name="aardappeloproer">{{cite web
|url=http://www.collectie.legermuseum.nl/sites/strategion/contents/i004516/arma39%20het%20aardappeloproer%20in%201917.pdf
|title=Aardappeloproer
|format=pdf
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref>

[[Nazi Germany|Germany]] [[Battle of the Netherlands|invaded the Netherlands]] on 10 May 1940 and took control of the country. Some Amsterdam citizens sheltered Jews, thereby exposing themselves and their families to the high risk of being imprisoned or sent to concentration camps. More than 100,000 Dutch Jews were deported to [[Nazi concentration camps]]. Perhaps the most-famous deportee was the young Jewish girl [[Anne Frank]], who died in the [[Bergen-Belsen concentration camp]].<ref name="deportation">{{cite web
|url=http://www.hollandscheschouwburg.nl/site_en/deportatie/kader.html
|publisher=Hollandsche Schouwburg
|title=Deportation to camps
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> At the end of the [[Second World War]], communication with the rest of the country broke down, and food and fuel became scarce. Many citizens traveled to the countryside to forage. Dogs, cats, [[Sugar|raw sugar]] beets, and [[Tulip]] bulbs&mdash;cooked to a pulp&mdash;were consumed to stay alive.<ref name="hongerwinter">{{cite web
|url=http://www.nos.nl/nosjournaal/dossiers/60jaarbevrijding/60jaar_hongerwinter.html
|title=Kou en strijd in een barre winter
|publisher=NOS
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> Most of the trees in Amsterdam were cut down for fuel, and all the wood was taken from the apartments of deported Jews.

[[File:NieuwmarktAmsterdam.jpg|thumb|right|Subway station Nieuwmarkt with historic images of the ''Nieuwmarktrellen'']]
Many new suburbs, such as [[Osdorp]], [[Slotervaart]], ''Slotermeer'', and ''Geuzenveld'', were built in the years after the Second World War.<ref name="svgeschedenis">{{cite web
|url=http://www.slotervaart.amsterdam.nl/stadsdeel_in_beeld/geschiedenis
|title=Stadsdeel Slotervaart - Geschiedenis
|publisher=Municipality Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref> These suburbs contained many public parks and wide, open spaces, and the new buildings provided improved housing conditions with larger and brighter rooms, gardens, and balconies. Because of the war and other incidents of the 20th century, almost the entire city centre had fallen into disrepair. As society was changing, politicians and other influential figures made plans to redesign large parts of it. There was an increasing demand for office buildings and new roads as the [[automobile]] became available to most common people.<ref name="stadsherstel">{{cite web
|url=http://www.stadsherstelamsterdam.nl/
|title=Stadsherstel Missie/Historie
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref> A [[Amsterdam Metro|metro]] started operating in 1977 between the new suburb of Bijlmer and the centre of Amsterdam. Further plans were to build a new highway above the metro to connect the [[Central Station]] and city centre with other parts of the city.

The incorporated large-scale demolitions began in Amsterdam's formerly Jewish neighbourhood. Smaller streets, such as the ''Jodenbreestraat'', were widened and saw almost all of their houses demolished. During the destruction's peak, the [[Nieuwmarkt|''Nieuwmarktrellen'']] (Nieuwmarkt riots) broke out,<ref name="metrostad">{{cite web
|url=http://amsterdam.nl/?ActItmIdt=101459
|title=Typisch Metrostad
|publisher=Municipality Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref> where people expressed their fury about the demolition caused by the restructuring of the city. As a result, the demolition was stopped, and the highway was never built, with only the metro being finished. Only a few streets remained widened. The new city hall was built on the almost completely demolished ''Waterlooplein''. Meanwhile, large private organisations, such as ''Stadsherstel Amsterdam'', were founded with the aim of restoring the entire city centre. Although the success of this struggle is visible today, efforts for further restoration are still ongoing.<ref name="stadsherstel" /> The entire city centre has reattained its former splendor and, as a whole, is now a [[protected area]]. Many of its buildings have become monuments, and plans exist to make the ''Grachtengordel'' ([[Herengracht]], [[Keizersgracht]], and [[Prinsengracht]]) a [[World Heritage Site|UNESCO World Heritage Site]].<ref name="unesco">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/indexen/nieuws_bma?ActItmIdt=122633
|title=Unesco World Heritage Site
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref>

==Geography==

==Cityscape and architecture==
[[File:AmsterdamLuchtfotoBmz.jpg|thumb|right|A bird's-eye view of Amsterdam's city centre]]
Amsterdam fans out south from the [[Amsterdam Centraal railway station]]. The [[Damrak]] is the [[main street]] and leads into the street [[Rokin]]. The oldest area of the town is known as ''[[de Wallen]]'' (the quays). It lies to the east of Damrak and contains the city's famous red light district. To the south of de Wallen is the old Jewish quarter of Waterlooplein. The 17th century girdle of concentric canals, known as the ''Grachtengordel'', embraces the heart of the city where homes have interesting gables. Beyond the Grachtengordel are the former working class areas of [[Jordaan]] and de Pijp. The [[Museumplein]] with the city's major museums, the [[Vondelpark]], a 19th century park named after the Dutch writer [[Joost van den Vondel]], and the Plantage neighbourhood, with the [[Natura Artis Magistra|zoo]], are also located outside the Grachtengordel.

Several parts of the city and the surrounding [[urban area]] are [[polder]]s. This can be recognized by the [[suffix]] ''-meer'' which means ''lake'', as in [[Aalsmeer]], [[Bijlmermeer]], [[Haarlemmermeer]], and [[Watergraafsmeer]].

===Canals===
{{Main|Canals of Amsterdam}}

[[File:Amsterdam Canals - July 2006.jpg|thumb|Boat on the [[Prinsengracht]] in 2006]]
The Amsterdam canal system is the result of conscious [[city planning]].<ref name="canals">{{cite web
|url=http://amsterdam.nl/stad_in_beeld/werkstukken/grachten
|title=Amsterdamse Grachten
|publisher=Municipality Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> In the early 17th century, when [[immigration]] was at a peak, a comprehensive plan was developed that was based on four concentric half-circles of canals with their ends emerging at the [[IJ (bay)|IJ]] bay. Known as the ''Grachtengordel'', three of the canals were mostly for residential development: the ''[[Herengracht]]'' (Gentlemen's or more accurately Patricians' Canal), ''[[Keizersgracht]]'' (Emperor's Canal), and ''[[Prinsengracht]]'' (Prince's Canal). The fourth and outermost canal, the ''Singelgracht'' (not to be confused with the older ''[[Singel (Amsterdam)|Singel]]''), served the purposes of defense and [[water management]]. The defenses took the form of a moat and [[Earthworks (engineering)|earthen dikes]], with gates at transit points, but otherwise no masonry [[superstructure]]s.<ref>{{cite book
|last=Taverne
|first=E. R. M.
|title=In ‘t land van belofte, in de nieuwe stadt: ideaal en werkelijkheid van de stadsuitleg in de Republiek, 1580-1680 (In the land of promise, in the new city: ideal and reality of the city lay-out in the [Dutch] Republic, 1580-1680)
|publisher=Schwartz|year=1978
|location=Maarssen
|isbn=90-6179-024-7}}</ref> The original plans have been lost, so historians, such as Ed Taverne, need to speculate on the original intentions: it is thought that the considerations of the layout were purely practical and defensive rather than ornamental.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=5UaM50-E-wwC&pg=PA33&dq=canals+of+Amsterdam&as_brr=3&client=firefox-a&cd=5#v=onepage&q=canals%20of%20Amsterdam&f=false |title=Amsterdam human capital - Google Books |publisher=books.google.com |accessdate=2010-01-11 }}</ref>
[[File:1885 NZVoorburgwal (Christiaan le Blansch).jpg|thumb|A [[woodcut]] (1885) of the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal, a [[canal]] that is now filled in]]
Construction started in 1613 and proceeded from west to east, across the breadth of the layout, like a gigantic [[Windscreen wiper|windshield wiper]] as the historian [[Geert Mak]] calls it — and ''not'' from the centre outwards, as a popular myth has it. The canal construction in the southern sector was completed by 1656. Subsequently, the construction of residential buildings proceeded slowly. The eastern part of the concentric canal plan, covering the area between the Amstel river and the IJ bay, has never been implemented. In the following centuries, the land was used for parks, senior citizens' homes, theaters, other public facilities, and waterways without much planning.<ref>{{cite book|last=Mak|first=G.|title=Een kleine geschiedenis van Amsterdam|publisher=Uitgeverij Atlas|year=1995|location=Amsterdam/Antwerp|isbn=90-450-1232-4}}</ref>

Over the years, several canals have been filled in, becoming streets or squares, such as the Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and the [[Spui (Amsterdam)|Spui]].<ref name="filledincanals">{{cite web
|url=http://www.onderdekeizerskroon.nl/wschoonenberg/dempingen.html
|publisher=Walther Schoonenberg
|title=Dempingen en Aanplempingen
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref>

===Expansion===
{{main|Expansion of Amsterdam}}

After the development of Amsterdam's canals in the 17th century, the city did not grow beyond its borders for two centuries. During the 19th century, [[Samuel Sarphati]] devised a plan based on the grandeur of Paris and London at that time. The plan envisaged the construction of new houses, public buildings and streets just outside the ''grachtengordel''. The main aim of the plan, however, was to improve [[public health]]. Although the plan did not expand the city, it did produce some of the largest [[public buildings]] to date, like the ''Paleis voor Volksvlijt''.<ref name="joodsmuseum">{{cite web
|url=http://www.jhm.nl/personen.aspx?naam=Sarphati%2C%20Samuel
|title=Samuel Sarphati
|publisher=Joods Historisch Museum Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref><ref name="zgsarphati">{{cite web
|url=http://www.zorggroep-amsterdam.nl/pagina.php?id=124
|title=Uitbreidingsplan Sarphati
|publisher=Zorggroep Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref><ref name="jlgsarphati">{{cite web
|url=http://www.jlgrealestate.com/Samuel_Sarphati/Sarphatipark/
|title=Samuel Sarphati
|publisher=JLG Real Estate
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref>

Following Sarphati, ''Van Niftrik'' and ''Kalff'' designed an entire ring of 19th century neighbourhoods surrounding the city’s centre.<ref>[http://stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl/english/amsterdam_treasures/maps/plan_van_niftrik/index.en.html Van Niftrik's plan at the Amsterdam City Archives]</ref> Most of these neighbourhoods became home to the [[working class]].<ref name="oudzuid">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/oudzuid/index.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080113182449/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/oudzuid/index.html
|archivedate=2008-01-13
|title=Amsterdam Oud-Zuid
|publisher=BMZ
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref>

In response to overcrowding, two plans were designed at the beginning of the 20th century which were very different from anything Amsterdam had ever seen before: ''Plan Zuid'', designed by the architect [[Berlage]], and ''West''. These plans involved the development of new neighbourhoods consisting of ''housing blocks'' for all [[social classes]].<ref name="archiefberlage">{{cite web
|url=http://stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl/english/amsterdam_treasures/planning/uitbreidingsplan_berlage/index.en.html
|title=Berlage's Expansion Plan
|publisher=Stadsarchief Amsterdam
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref><ref name="bmzberlage">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/intro/topo7.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20060514181847/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/intro/topo7.html
|archivedate=2006-05-14
|title=Plan-Berlage
|publisher=Bureau Monumentenzorg Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref>

After the [[Second World War]], large new neighbourhoods were built in the western, southeastern, and northern parts of the city. These new neighbourhoods were built to relieve the city's shortage of living space and give people affordable houses with modern conveniences. The neighbourhoods consisted mainly of large housing blocks situated among green spaces, connected to wide roads, making the neighbourhoods easily accessible by [[motor car]]. The western suburbs which were built in that period are collectively called the ''Westelijke Tuinsteden''. The area to the southeast of the city built during the same period is known as the ''Bijlmer''.<ref name="bijlmer">{{cite web
|url=http://www.ymere.nl/ymere/template.asp?mnid=1&subid=35&cntid=119
|title=Westelijke Tuinsteden
|publisher=Ymere
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref><ref name="westelijketuinsteden">{{cite web
|url=http://www.archex.info/nederlands/nederland/amsterdam_westelijke_tuinsteden.html
|title=Ontwerp Westelijke Tuinsteden
|publisher=Archex.info
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-05
}}</ref>

===Architecture===
[[File:WestertorenAmsterdam.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Built in the [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]] style and designed by the Dutch architect [[Hendrick de Keyser]], the [[Westerkerk|Westertoren]] is the highest [[church tower]] in Amsterdam.]]
Amsterdam has a rich [[architectural history]]. The oldest building in Amsterdam is the [[Oude Kerk]] (Old Church), at the heart of the Wallen, consecrated in 1306.<ref name="Oude Kerk">{{cite web|url=http://www.oudekerk.nl/|title=Oude Kerk official website|accessdate=2009-06-10}}</ref> The oldest [[wooden]] building is ''[[Begijnhof, Amsterdam|het Houten Huys]]''<ref name="houtenhuys">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/huizen/beg34.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071226022822/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/huizen/beg34.html
|archivedate=2007-12-26
|title=Houten Huys
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-19
}}</ref> at the [[Begijnhof, Amsterdam|Begijnhof]].
It was constructed around 1425 and is one of only two existing wooden buildings. It is also one of the few examples of [[Gothic architecture]] in Amsterdam.
In the 16th century, wooden buildings were razed and replaced with [[brick]] ones. During this period, many buildings were constructed in the [[architectural style]] of the [[Renaissance]]. Buildings of this period are very recognizable, since they have a façade which ends at the top in the shape of a [[stairway]]. This is, however, the common Dutch Renaissance style. Amsterdam quickly developed its own [[Renaissance architecture]]. These buildings were built according to the principles of the architect [[Hendrick de Keyser]].<ref name="dekeyser">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/renaiss3.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071127014006/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/renaiss3.html
|archivedate=2007-11-27
|title=Amsterdamse renaissance in de stijl van Hendrick de Keyser
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-19
}}</ref> One of the most striking buildings designed by Hendrick de Keyer is the [[Westerkerk]]. In the 17th century [[baroque architecture]] became very popular, as it was elsewhere in Europe. This roughly coincided with Amsterdam’s [[Dutch Golden Age|Golden Age]]. The leading architects of this style in Amsterdam were [[Jacob van Campen]], [[Philip Vingboons]] and [[Daniel Stalpaert]].<ref name="holclass">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/holclass.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070202200016/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/holclass.html
|archivedate=2007-02-02
|title=Hollands Classicisme
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> [[File:Thèrése Schwartzeplein Amsterdam.jpg|thumb|left|Early 20th century houses in the architecture of the [[Amsterdam School]]]]
Philip Vingboons designed splendid merchants' houses throughout the city. A famous building in [[Baroque|baroque style]] in Amsterdam is the [[Royal Palace (Amsterdam)|Royal Palace]] on [[Dam Square]]. Throughout the 18th century, Amsterdam was heavily influenced by [[Culture of France|French culture]]. This is reflected in the architecture of that period. Around 1815, architects broke with the baroque style and started building in different neo-styles.<ref name="neostijl">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/neostijl.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070819204630/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/neostijl.html
|archivedate=2007-08-19
|title=Neo-stijlen
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-19
}}</ref> Most Gothic style buildings date from that era and are therefore said to be built in a [[Gothic Revival architecture|neo-gothic]] style. At the end of the 19th century, the [[Jugendstil]] or [[Art Nouveau]] style became popular and many new buildings were constructed in this architectural style. Since Amsterdam expanded rapidly during this period, new buildings adjacent to the city centre were also built in this style. The houses in the vicinity of the [[Museum Square]] in Amsterdam Oud-Zuid are an example of Jugendstil. The last style that was popular in Amsterdam before the [[modern era]] was [[Art Deco]]. Amsterdam had its own version of the style, which was called the [[Amsterdamse School]]. Whole districts were built this style, such as the ''Rivierenbuurt''.<ref name="aschool">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/aschool.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071027144316/http://www.bmz.amsterdam.nl/adam/nl/aschool.html
|archivedate=2007-10-27
|title=Amsterdamse School
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-21
}}</ref> A notable feature of the façades of buildings designed in Amsterdamse School is that they are highly decorated and ornate, with oddly shaped windows and doors.

The old city centre is the focal point of all the architectural styles before the end of the 19th century. Jugendstil and Art Deco are mostly found outside the city’s centre in the neighbourhoods built in the early 20th century, although there are also some striking examples of these styles in the city centre. Most historic buildings in the city centre and nearby are houses, such as the famous merchants' houses lining the canals.

==Government==
The administration of the municipality of Amsterdam is divided into 15 boroughs or ''[[Stadsdeel|stadsdelen]]''; the central one, Centrum, being circled by Westerpark, Bos en Lommer, De Baarsjes, [[Amsterdam Oud-West|Oud-West]], [[Amsterdam Oud-Zuid|Oud-Zuid]], [[Oost/Watergraafsmeer]], [[Zeeburg]] and [[Amsterdam-Noord]], with the six outer boroughs creating a further encirclement.<ref>[http://web.archive.org/web/20071118012332/http://www.noord.amsterdam.nl/smartsite.dws?id=16213 Stadsdeel Amsterdam-Noord: Who governs Amsterdam-Noord?]</ref> On 1 May 2010, the number of boroughs will be reduced to 7 (Centrum, Noord, Oost, Zuid, West, Nieuw-West and Zuidoost).

===Definitions===
[[File:AmsterdamStadsdelen.png|thumb|left|300px|The 15 boroughs of Amsterdam]]
<!-- Needs area info! -->
"Amsterdam" is usually understood to refer to the municipality of Amsterdam. Colloquially, some areas within the municipality, such as the village of [[Durgerdam]], may not be considered part of Amsterdam. [[Statistics Netherlands]] uses three other definitions of Amsterdam: metropolitan agglomeration Amsterdam (''Grootstedelijke Agglomeratie Amsterdam'', not to be confused with ''Grootstedelijk Gebied Amsterdam'', a synonym of ''Groot Amsterdam''), Greater Amsterdam (''Groot Amsterdam'', a [[COROP]] region) and the urban region Amsterdam (''Stadsgewest Amsterdam'').<ref name="CBS" /> These definitions are not synonymous with the terms [[urban area]] and [[metropolitan area]], which are commonly used in [[List of countries where English is an official language|English speaking countries]] for the purpose of defining large conurbations. The Amsterdam Department for Research and Statistics uses a fourth conurbation, namely the [[City region]] Amsterdam. This region is similar to Greater Amsterdam but includes the municipalities [[Zaanstad]] and [[Wormerland]]. It excludes [[Graft-De Rijp]].

The smallest of these areas is the municipality, with a population of 742,981 in 2006.<ref name="CBSpopulation">{{cite web|url=http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/Table.asp?PA=70233ned&D1=0-2,18-20&D2=39,66,88,126,312&D3=0&D4=(l-11)-l&DM=SLNL&LA=nl
|title=Gemiddelde bevolking per regio naar leeftijd en geslacht|accessdate=2007-10-04|publisher=[[Statistics Netherlands]]}}</ref> The metropolitan agglomeration had a population of 1,021,870 in 2006.<ref name="CBSpopulation"/> It includes the municipalities of Zaanstad, Wormerland, Oostzaan, Diemen and Amstelveen only, as well as the municipality of Amsterdam. Greater Amsterdam includes 15 municipalities,<ref name="COROP">{{cite web|url=http://www.cbs.nl/NR/rdonlyres/F40C0A58-7E1E-4BD5-93B3-F050153117B3/0/2006cr.pdf|publisher=[[Statistics Netherlands]]|title=Indeling van Nederland in 40 COROP-gebieden|accessdate=2007-10-04|format=PDF}}</ref> and had a population of 1,211,503 in 2006.<ref name="CBSpopulation"/> Though much larger in area, the population of this area is only slightly larger, because the definition excludes the relatively populous municipality of [[Zaanstad]]. The largest area by population, the [[Amsterdam Metropolitan Area]] (Dutch: Metropoolregio Amsterdam), has a population of 2,22 million.<ref name="CBSpopulation"/> It includes for instance Zaanstad, Wormerveer, Muiden, Abcoude, Haarlem, Almere and Lelystad but excludes Graft [[De Rijp]]. Amsterdam is also part of the conglomerate metropolitan area [[Randstad]], with a total population of 6,659,300 inhabitants.<ref name="randstad"/>

===City government===
{{main|Government of Amsterdam}}
As with all Dutch municipalities, Amsterdam is governed by a [[List of mayors of Amsterdam|mayor]], [[College van Burgemeester en Wethouders|aldermen]], and the [[Gemeenteraad|municipal council]]. However, unlike most other Dutch municipalities, Amsterdam is subdivided into fifteen "[[stadsdeel|stadsdelen]]" (boroughs), a system that was implemented in the 1980s to improve local governance. The stadsdelen are responsible for many activities that had previously been run by the central city. Fourteen of these have their own council, chosen by a popular election. The fifteenth, [[Westpoort]], covers the harbour of Amsterdam, has very few residents, and is governed by the central municipal council. Local decisions are made at borough level, and only affairs pertaining to the whole city, such as major infrastructure projects, are handled by the central city council.
The borough system is currently being revised, and the number of boroughs will likely be reduced to seven in the following years.

===National government===
The present version of the [[Constitution of the Netherlands|Dutch constitution]] mentions "Amsterdam" and "capital" only in one place, chapter 2, article 32: The king's confirmation by oath and his coronation take place in "the capital Amsterdam" ("''de hoofdstad Amsterdam''"). [http://nl.wikisource.org/wiki/Nederlandse_grondwet Previous versions of the constitution] spoke of "the city of Amsterdam" ("''de stad Amsterdam''"), without mention of capital. In any case, the seat of the [[Politics of the Netherlands|government]], [[States-General of the Netherlands|parliament]] and [[Hoge Raad der Nederlanden|supreme court]] of the Netherlands is (and always has been, with the exception of a brief period between 1808 and 1810) located at [[The Hague]]. Foreign embassies are also in The Hague. The capital of North Holland is [[Haarlem]].

===Symbols===
{{main|Coat of arms of Amsterdam|Flag of Amsterdam}}
[[File:Wapen van Amsterdam bewerkt.PNG|thumb|The [[coat of arms]] of Amsterdam]]
The [[coat of arms]] of Amsterdam is composed of several historical elements. First and centre are three [[Saltire|St Andrew's crosses]], aligned in a vertical band on the city's shield (although Amsterdam's [[patron saint]] was [[Saint Nicholas]]). These St Andrew's crosses can also be found on the cityshields of neighbours [[Amstelveen]] and [[Ouder-Amstel]]. This part of the coat of arms is the basis of the [[flag of Amsterdam]], flown by the [[Local government|city government]], but also as [[civil ensign]] for ships registered in Amsterdam. Second is the [[Imperial Crown of Austria]]. In 1489, out of gratitude for services and loans, [[Maximilian I, Holy Roman Emperor|Maximilian I]] awarded Amsterdam the right to adorn its coat of arms with the [[King of the Romans|king's]] crown. Then, in 1508, this was replaced with Maximilian's [[imperial crown]] when he was crowned [[Holy Roman Emperor]]. In the early years of the 17th century, Maximilian's crown in Amsterdam's coat of arms was again replaced, this time with the crown of [[Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor|Emperor Rudolph II]], a crown that became the Imperial [[Austrian Crown Jewels|Crown of Austria]]. The lions date from the late 16th century, when city and province became part of the [[Dutch Republic|Republic of the Seven United Netherlands]]. Last came the city's official motto: ''Heldhaftig, Vastberaden, Barmhartig'' ("Valiant, Determined, Compassionate"), bestowed on the city in 1947 by [[Wilhelmina of the Netherlands|Queen Wilhelmina]], in recognition of the city's bravery during the [[Second World War]].

==Economy==
[[File:ZuidasAmsterdamtheNetherlands.jpg|thumb|right|350px|The [[Zuidas]] district is the main [[Central business district|business district]] of Amsterdam and is still largely under construction. Many Dutch [[Multinational corporation|multinationals]] have their headquarters here, like [[ABN Amro]] and [[AkzoNobel|Akzo Nobel]].]]
Amsterdam is the financial and business capital of the Netherlands.<ref name="ez">{{cite web
|url=http://www.ez.amsterdam.nl/page.php?menu=24&page=6
|title=Amsterdam - Economische Zaken
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}{{dead link|date=July 2009}}</ref>
Amsterdam is currently one of the best European cities in which to locate an [[International Business]]. It is ranked fifth in this category and is only surpassed by London, Paris, [[Frankfurt]] and [[Barcelona]].<ref name="eubusiness">{{cite web
|url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/press_room/press_releases_0/2007/european_cities
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080108130938/http://www.iamsterdam.com/press_room/press_releases_0/2007/european_cities
|archivedate=2008-01-08
|title=European Cities Monitor 2007
|publisher=I Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-11
}}</ref> Many large Dutch corporations and banks have their headquarters in Amsterdam, including [[ABN AMRO]], [[AkzoNobel|Akzo Nobel]], [[Heineken International]], [[ING Group]], [[Ahold]], [[TomTom]], ''Delta Lloyd Group'' and [[Philips]]. [[KPMG]] International's global headquarters is located in nearby Amstelveen.

Though many small offices are still located on the old canals, companies are increasingly relocating outside the city centre. The [[Zuidas]] (English: South Axis) has become the new financial and legal hub.<ref name="zuidas">{{cite web
|url=http://www.zuidas.nl/smartsite.dws?id=1044&curindex=2
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071224035945/http://www.zuidas.nl/smartsite.dws?id=1044&curindex=2
|archivedate=2007-12-24
|title=Zuidas
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref> The five largest law firms of the Netherlands, a number of Dutch subsidiaries of large consulting firms like [[Boston Consulting Group]] and [[Accenture]], and the [[World Trade Center Amsterdam]] are also located in Zuidas.

There are three other smaller financial districts in Amsterdam. The first is the area surrounding [[Amsterdam Sloterdijk railway station]], where several newspapers like [[De Telegraaf]] have their offices. Also, the municipal [[public transport]] company (''Gemeentelijk Vervoersbedrijf'') and the Dutch tax offices (''Belastingdienst'') are located there. The second [[Central business district|Financial District]] is the area surrounding [[Amsterdam Arena]]. The third is the area surrounding [[Amsterdam Amstel railway station]]. The [[List of tallest buildings and structures in the world|tallest building]] in Amsterdam, the [[Rembrandt Tower]], is situated there, as is the headquarters of [[Philips]].<ref name="rembrandtoren">{{cite web
|url=http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/ci/bu/sk/li/?id=100759&bt=2&ht=2&sro=0
|title=Rembrandt Tower
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref><ref name="philips">{{cite web
|url=http://www.philips.nl/about/index.page
|title=Philips
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref>

The [[Amsterdam Stock Exchange]] (AEX), nowadays part of [[Euronext]], is the world's oldest stock exchange and is one of Europe's largest bourses. It is situated near [[Dam Square]] in the city's centre.

===Tourism===
{{Main|List of tourist attractions in Amsterdam}}
[[File:AnneFrankHouseAmsterdamtheNetherlands.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Anne Frank House]]]]
Amsterdam is one of the most popular [[tourist destination]]s in Europe, receiving more than 3.66 million international visitors annually.<ref name="ams2009" /> The number of visitors has been growing steadily over the past decade. This can be attributed to an increasing number of European visitors. Two thirds of these hotels are located in the city's centre. Hotels with 4 or 5 stars contribute 42% of the total beds available and 41% of the overnight stays in Amsterdam. The room occupation rate was 78% in 2006, up from 70% in 2005.<ref name="TourismReport">{{cite web |url=http://www.os.amsterdam.nl/pdf/2008_toerisme_in_amsterdam.pdf |format=PDF |title=Toerisme in Amsterdam 2006/2007 |accessdate=2008-05-22|month=January | year=2007|author=Fedorova, T and Meijer, R|language=Dutch}}</ref> The majority of tourists (74%) originate from Europe. The largest group of non-European visitors come from the United States, accounting for 14% of the total.<ref name="TourismReport"/> Certain years have a theme in Amsterdam to attract extra tourists. For example, the year 2006 was designated "Rembrandt 400", to celebrate the 400th birthday of [[Rembrandt van Rijn]]. Some hotels offer special arrangements or activities during these years. The average number of guests per year staying at the four campsites around the city range from 12,000 to 65,000.<ref name="TourismReport"/>

===Retail===
Shops in Amsterdam range from large [[department store]]s such as [[De Bijenkorf]] founded in 1870 and [[Maison de Bonneterie]] a Parisian style store founded in 1889, to small [[Specialty store|specialty shops]]. Amsterdam's [[High end|high-end]] shops are found in the streets ''Pieter Cornelisz Hooftstraat'' and ''Cornelis Schuytstraat'', which are located in the vicinity of the [[Vondelpark]]. One of Amsterdam's busiest high streets is the narrow, medieval ''Kalverstraat'' in the heart of the city. Another shopping area is the ''Negen Straatjes'': nine narrow streets within the ''Grachtengordel'', the concentric canal system of Amsterdam. The Negen Straatjes differ from other shopping districts with the presence of a large diversity of privately owned shops. The city also features a large number of open-air markets such as the [[Albert Cuypmarkt]], ''Westermarkt'', ''Ten Katemarkt'', and ''Dappermarkt''.

===Fashion===
Fashion brands like [[G-Star Raw|G-star]], Gsus, BlueBlood, Iris van Herpen, [[10 feet]] and [[Warmenhoven & Venderbos]], and [[fashion design]]ers like [[Mart Visser]], [[Viktor & Rolf]], Sheila de Vries, [[Marlies Dekkers]] and [[Frans Molenaar]] are based in Amsterdam. [[Modeling agency|Modelling agencies]] [[Elite Models]], Touche models and Tony Jones have opened branches in Amsterdam. Supermodels [[Yfke Sturm]], [[Doutzen Kroes]] and [[Kim Noorda]] started their careers in Amsterdam. Amsterdam has its garment centre in the World Fashion Center. Buildings which formerly housed brothels in the red light district have been converted to ateliers for young fashion designers.

==Demography==
{{seealso|Jewish community of Amsterdam}}
In the 16th and 17th century non-Dutch immigrants to Amsterdam were mostly [[Huguenot]]s, [[Fleming]]s, [[Sephardi Jews]] and [[Westphalia]]ns. Huguenots came after the [[Edict of Fontainebleau]] in 1685, while the Flemish Protestants came during the [[Eighty Years' War]]. The Westphalians came to Amsterdam mostly for economic reasons – their influx continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Before the Second World War, 10% of the city population was [[Jewish Amsterdam|Jewish]].

The first mass immigration in the 20th century were by people from [[Indonesia]], who came to Amsterdam after the independence of the [[Dutch East Indies]] in the 1940s and 1950s. In the 1960s [[Foreign worker|guest workers]] from [[Turkey]], [[Morocco]], Italy and Spain emigrated to Amsterdam. After the independence of [[Suriname]] in 1975, a large wave of [[Surinamese]] settled in Amsterdam, mostly in the [[Bijlmer]] area. Other immigrants, including [[Right of asylum|asylum seekers]] and [[Illegal immigration|illegal immigrants]], came from Europe, [[Americas|America]], Asia, and Africa. In the seventies and eighties, many 'old' Amsterdammers moved to 'new' cities like [[Almere]] and [[Purmerend]], prompted by the third [[Land use planning|planological]] bill of the Dutch government. This bill promoted [[suburbanization]] and arranged for new developments in so called "groeikernen", literally "cores of growth". Young professionals and artists moved into neighbourhoods de Pijp and the [[Jordaan]] abandoned by these Amsterdammers. The non-Western immigrants settled mostly in the [[Public housing|social housing]] projects in Amsterdam-West and the Bijlmer. Today, people of non-Western origin make up approximately one-third of the population of Amsterdam, and more than 50% of children.<ref>[http://www.cbs.nl/en-GB/menu/themas/bevolking/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2006/2006-1995-wm.htm?RefererType=Favorite Half of young big-city dwellers have non-western background]</ref><ref name="OS 4351">{{cite web
|url=http://www.os.amsterdam.nl/tabel/4351/
|title=Bevolking naar herkomstgroepering, 1 januari 2001-2006
|language=Dutch
|publisher=Dienst Onderzoek en Statistiek (Research and Statistics Service)
|accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cbs.nl/en-GB/menu/themas/bevolking/publicaties/artikelen/archief/2004/2004-1443-wm.htm Most foreign babies born in big cities]</ref>

[[File:PedestriansAmsterdam.jpg|thumb|left|[[Immigration]] has led to demographic changes in many neighborhoods in Amsterdam, such as [[Osdorp]] pictured here.]]
[[File:Sint-Nicolaaskerk (Amsterdam).jpg|thumb|right|upright|The [[Church of St. Nicholas (Amsterdam)|Church of St. Nicholas]] (''Sint Nicolaaskerk'')]]
The largest [[Religious denomination|religious group]] are [[Christians]], who are divided between Roman Catholics and Protestants. The next largest religion is [[Islam]], most of whose followers are [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]].<ref name="religion">{{cite web
|url=http://www.os.amsterdam.nl/pdf/2006_ob_religie_5.pdf
|title=Religie Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-22
|format=PDF}}</ref>

In 1578 the previously [[Roman Catholic]] city of Amsterdam joined the revolt against Spanish rule, late in comparison to other major northern Dutch cities. In line with [[Protestantism|Protestant]] procedure of that time, all churches were converted to Protestant worship. [[Calvinism]] became the dominant [[religion]], and although Catholicism was not forbidden and priests allowed to serve, the [[Catholic Church hierarchy|Catholic hierarchy]] was prohibited. This led to the establishment of ''schuilkerken'', covert churches, behind seemingly ordinary canal side house fronts. One example is the current debate centre [[de Rode Hoed]].
[[File:EsnogaAmsterdam.jpg|thumb|left|The [[Amsterdam Esnoga]]]]
A large influx of foreigners of many religions came to 17th-century Amsterdam, in particular [[Sefardim|Sefardic Jews]] from Spain and Portugal, [[Huguenot]]s from France, and Protestants from the [[Southern Netherlands]]. This led to the establishment of many non-[[Dutch language|Dutch]]-speaking religious churches. In 1603, the first notification was made of Jewish religious service. In 1639, the first [[Synagogue|Jewish synagogue]] was consecrated.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}}

As they became established in the city, other [[Christian denomination]]s used converted Catholic chapels to conduct their own services. The oldest English-language church congregation in the world outside [[United Kingdom|the United Kingdom]] is found at the [[Begijnhof, Amsterdam|Begijnhof]]. Regular services there are still offered in English under the auspices of the Church of Scotland.<ref name="englishchurch">{{cite web
|url=http://home.tiscali.nl/~t451501/ercadam/content/history.htm
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050124020021/http://home.tiscali.nl/~t451501/ercadam/content/history.htm
|archivedate=2005-01-24
|title=English Reformed Church Amsterdam
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref> The Huguenots accounted for nearly 20% of Amsterdam's inhabitants in 1700. Being Calvinists, they soon integrated into the [[Dutch Reformed Church]], though often retaining their own congregations. Some, commonly referred by the moniker 'Walloon', are recognizable today as they offer occasional services in French.

In the second half of the 17th century, Amsterdam experienced an influx of [[Ashkenazim]], Jews from [[Central Europe|Central and Eastern Europe]], which continued into the 19th century. Jews often fled the [[pogrom]]s in those areas. The first Ashkenazi who arrived in Amsterdam were [[refugee]]s from the [[Chmielnicki Uprising]] in Poland and the [[Thirty Years War]]. They not only founded their own synagogues, but had a strong influence on the 'Amsterdam dialect' adding a large [[Yiddish language|Yiddish]] local vocabulary.

Despite an absence of an official Jewish [[ghetto]], most Jews preferred to live in the eastern part of the old medieval heart of the city. The main street of this Jewish neighborhood was the ''Jodenbreestraat''. The neighborhood comprised the ''Waterlooplein'' and the [[Nieuwmarkt]].<ref name="Jodenbuurt Amsterdam">{{cite web
|url=http://amsterdam.nl/stad_in_beeld/werkstukken/wijken
|title=Amsterdamse wijken
|language=Dutch
|publisher=Municipality Amsterdam
|accessdate=2008-05-22
}}</ref> Buildings in this neighborhood fell into disrepair after Wthe Second World War, and a large section of the neighbourhood was demolished during the construction of the subway. This led to [[riots]], and as a result a small part of the old neighbourhood was saved.

[[Catholic Church]]es in Amsterdam have been constructed since the restoration of the bishopric hierarchy in 1853. One of the principal architects behind the city's Catholic churches, Cuypers, was also responsible for the Amsterdam Central Station and the [[Rijksmuseum]], which led to a refusal of Protestant King [[William III of the Netherlands|William III]] to open 'that monastery'.
In 1924, [[Roman Catholic Church|the Roman Catholic Church]] of the Netherlands hosted the [[International Eucharistic Congress]] in Amsterdam, and numerous Catholic [[prelate]]s visited the city, where festivities were held in churches and [[stadium]]s. Catholic processions on the public streets, however, were still forbidden under law at the time. Only in the twentieth century was Amsterdam's relation to Catholicism normalized, but despite its far larger [[population size]], the [[Holy Orders|Catholic clergy]] chose to place its bishopric seat of the city in the nearby provincial town of [[Haarlem]].<ref name="Diocese of Haarlem">{{cite web
|url=http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dhaar.html
|title=Diocese of Haarlem
|publisher=Catholic Hierarchy
|accessdate=2008-06-04
}}</ref>

The most recent religious changes in Amsterdam have been influenced by large-scale immigration from former colonies. Immigrants from Suriname have introduced [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] Protestantism and [[Lutheranism]], from the Hernhutter variety; [[Hinduism]] has been introduced mainly from [[Suriname]]; and several distinct branches of [[Islam]] have been brought from various parts of the world. Islam is now the largest non-Christian religion in Amsterdam. The large community of [[Ghana]]ian and [[Nigeria]]n immigrants have established African churches, often in parking garages in the [[Bijlmer]] area, where many have settled. In addition, a broad array of other religious movements have established congregations, including [[Buddhism]], [[Confucianism]] and [[Hinduism]]. Although the saying "Leven en laten leven" or "Live and let live" summarises the Dutch and especially the Amsterdam open and tolerant society, the increased influx of many races, religions, and cultures after the Second World War, has on a number of occasions strained [[social relation]]s.

With 176 different nationalities, Amsterdam is home to one of the widest varieties of nationalities of any city in the world.<ref>Quest, issue of march 2009</ref>

<center>
{{Demography 12col|700px|1300<ref name="BMA Gesch1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/gesch1.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070402012355/http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/gesch1.html
|archivedate=2007-04-02
|title=History of Amsterdam, The Early History
|publisher=Bureau Monumenten & Archeologie (Office of Monuments and Archeology)
|accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref>|1400<ref name="Paul Bairoch">{{cite book
|last=Bairoch
|first=Paul
|coauthors=Jean Batou, Pierre Chèvre
|title=La Population des villes Europeennes. Banque de donnees et analyse sommaire des resultats
|origyear=1988
|publisher=Droz
|location=Geneva
|language=French
|oclc = 19650044
|page=53
}}</ref>|1500<ref name="Paul Bairoch" />|1600<ref name="Paul Bairoch" />|1675<ref name="BMA Gesch2">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/gesch2.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070402012355/http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/gesch2.html
|archivedate=2007-04-02
|title=History of Amsterdam, The Golden Age
|publisher=Bureau Monumenten & Archeologie (Office of Monuments and Archeology)
|accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref>|1796<ref name="BMA Gesch2"/>|1810<ref name="BMA Gesch5">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/gesch5.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070402012355/http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/gesch5.html
|archivedate=2007-04-02
|title=History of Amsterdam, Recovery and Expansion
|publisher=Bureau Monumenten & Archeologie (Office of Monuments and Archeology)
|accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref>|1850<ref name="BMA Topo5">{{cite web
|url=http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/topo5.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070402012355/http://www.bma.amsterdam.nl/adam/uk/intro/topo5.html
|archivedate=2007-04-02
|title=The 19th century Urban Expansions
|publisher=Bureau Monumenten & Archeologie (Office of Monuments and Archeology)
|accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref>|1879<ref name="BMA Topo5"/>|1900<ref name="Britannica Eleven"/>|1930<ref name="BMA Gesch5"/>|2006<ref name="CBS">{{cite web
|url=http://statline.cbs.nl/StatWeb/table.asp?PA=70072eng&D1=0,3-5,35-39,48,55-58&D2=39,66,88,126,309&D3=(l-11)-l&DM=SLEN&LA=en&TT=2
|title=Gemiddelde bevolking per regio naar leeftijd en geslacht
|publisher=Statistics Netherlands
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2007-07-09}}</ref>
|1,000|3,000|15,000|54,000|206,000|200,600|180,000|224,000|317,000|523,577|757,000| 742,981}}
</center>

==Transport==
{{main|Transport in Amsterdam}}
[[File:BicyclistAmsterdam.jpg|right|thumb|upright|A [[bicyclist]] crossing a [[bridge]] over the ''Leidsegracht''.]]
[[File:FietsLeidsestraat.jpg|thumb|left|[[Bicycles]] are ubiquitous in Amsterdam. This one is parked on a [[bridge]] over a [[canal]].]]

Amsterdam is one of the most bicycle-friendly large cities in the world and is a centre of [[bicycle culture]] with good facilities for cyclists such as bike paths and [[Bicycle stand|bike racks]]. In 2006, there were about 465,000 bicycles in Amsterdam.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Research and Statistics Division
| first =
| title = Introduction
| work = Traffic and Infrastructure (in Dutch)
| publisher = City of Amsterdam
| date =
| url = http://www.os.amsterdam.nl/feitenencijfers/24106/
| accessdate = 2008-10-04}}</ref> Theft is widespread - in 2005, about 54,000 bicycles were stolen in Amsterdam.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Research and Statistics Division
| first =
| title = Core Numbers in Graphics: Fewer Bicycle Thefts
| work = Safety and Nuissance (in Dutch)
| publisher = City of Amsterdam
| date =
| url = http://stadstat.osamsterdam.nl/programakkoord.pl?onderwerp=ov&cache_version=6
| accessdate = 2008-10-04}}{{dead link|date=July 2009}}</ref> Bicycles are used by all [[Socioeconomics|socio-economic]] groups because of their convenience, Amsterdam's small size, the large number of bike paths, the flat terrain, and the arguable inconvenience of driving an automobile. A wide variety of bicycles are used, such as road bicycles, [[mountain bikes]], racing bikes and even [[recumbent bikes]], but the vast majority of bicycles are [[Used goods|second-hand]], older-model, heavy bikes with one gear and back-pedal [[Bicycle_brake_systems#Coaster_brakes|coaster brakes]]. Bicycle traffic, and traffic in general, is relatively safe - in 2007, Amsterdam had a total of 18 traffic deaths, compared with 26 people murdered.<ref>{{cite web
| last = Research and Statistics Division
| first =
| title = Core Numbers in Graphics: Fewer Traffic Deaths
| work = Safety and Nuissance (in Dutch)
| publisher = City of Amsterdam
| date =
| url = http://stadstat.osamsterdam.nl/programakkoord.pl?onderwerp=ov&cache_version=6
| accessdate = 2008-10-04}}{{dead link|date=July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
| last = Expatica News
| first =
| title = Record low murder rate once again
| work = Today's Headlines
| publisher = Expatica
| date = 2008-01-02
| url = http://www.expatica.com/nl/articles/news/Record-low-murder-rate-once-again.html
| accessdate = 2008-10-04}}</ref>

In the city centre, driving a car is discouraged. Parking fees are expensive, and many streets are closed to cars or are [[One-way traffic|one-way]].<ref name="Fiets">{{cite web
|url=http://www.fiets.amsterdam.nl/live/main.asp?name=pagina&item_id=807
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070806175414/http://www.fiets.amsterdam.nl/live/main.asp?name=pagina&item_id=807
|archivedate=2007-08-06
|title=Amsterdam Fietst
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2007-04-19
}}</ref> The local government sponsors [[carsharing]] and [[carpooling]] initiatives such as ''Autodelen'' and ''Meerijden.nu''.<ref name="cars">{{cite web
|title=Amsterdam.nl - Auto
|url=http://www.amsterdam.nl/verkeer_vervoer/auto
|accessdate=2007-04-19
|language=Dutch}}</ref>

Public transport in Amsterdam mainly consists of bus and tram lines, operated by [[Gemeentelijk Vervoerbedrijf]], [[Connexxion]] and [[Arriva]]. Currently, there are 16 different tramlines. There are currently four [[Amsterdam Metro|metro]] lines, with a fifth line, the [[North/South Line (Amsterdam metro)|North/South line]], under construction. Three free [[ferry|ferries]] carry pedestrians and cyclists across the [[IJ (bay)|IJ]] to [[Amsterdam-Noord]], and two fare-charging ferries run east and west along the harbour. There are also water taxis, a water bus, a [[boat sharing]] operation, electric rental boats (Boaty) and canal cruises, that transport people along Amsterdam's waterways.

The [[A10 motorway (Netherlands)|A10 ringroad]] surrounding the city connects Amsterdam with the Dutch [[List of motorways in the Netherlands|national network of freeways]]. [[Interchange (road)|Interchanges]] on the A10 allow cars to enter the city by transferring to one of the eighteen ''city roads'', numbered S101 through to S118. These city roads are regional roads without [[grade separation]], and sometimes without a [[central reservation]]. Most are accessible by cyclists. The S100 ''Centrumring'' is a smaller ringroad circumnavigating the city's centre.
[[File:TramAmsterdam.jpg|right|thumb|A tram crossing a bridge over the river [[Amstel]]]]
Amsterdam was intended in 1932 to be the hub, a kind of [[Kilometre Zero]], of the [[List of highways in the Netherlands|highway system of the Netherlands]],<ref name="Autosnelweg 1930">{{cite web
|url=http://www.autosnelwegen.nl/asw/gs04.htm
|title=Autosnelweg.nl - Geschiedenis Autosnelwegen in Nederland
|accessdate=2007-04-19
|publisher=Autosnelweg.nl
|language=Dutch
}}</ref> with [[freeway]]s numbered one through eight planned to originate from the city.<ref name="Autosnelweg 1930"/> The outbreak of the Second World War and shifting priorities led to the current situation, where only roads [[A1 motorway (Netherlands)|A1]], [[A2 motorway (Netherlands)|A2]], and [[A4 motorway (Netherlands)|A4]] originate from Amsterdam according to the original plan. The A3 road to [[Rotterdam]] was cancelled in 1970 in order to conserve the [[Groene Hart]]. Road [[A8 motorway (Netherlands)|A8]], leading north to [[Zaandam]] and the [[A10 motorway (Netherlands)|A10]] [[Ringroad]] were opened between 1968 and 1974.<ref name="Autosnelweg 1970">{{cite web
|url=http://www.autosnelwegen.nl/asw/gs07.htm
|title=Autosnelweg.nl - Geschiedenis Autosnelwegen in Nederland
|accessdate=2007-04-19
|publisher=Autosnelweg.nl
|language=Dutch
}}</ref> Besides the A1, A2, A4 and A8, several freeways, such as the [[A7 motorway (Netherlands)|A7]] and [[A6 motorway (Netherlands)|A6]], carry traffic mainly bound for Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is served by ten [[Railway stations in the Netherlands#A|stations]] of the [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen]] (Dutch Railways).<ref name="Stationsweb">{{cite web
|url=http://stationsweb.brinkster.net/stationlijst.asp?prov=noord-holland
|title=Stationsweb-Noord Holland
|accessdate=2007-04-19
|language=Dutch}}</ref> Five are intercity stops: [[Sloterdijk (Amsterdam)|Sloterdijk]], [[Amsterdam Zuid railway station|Zuid]], [[Amsterdam Amstel railway station|Amstel]], [[Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA|Bijlmer ArenA]] and [[Amsterdam Centraal]]. The stations for local services are: [[Amsterdam Lelylaan railway station|Lelylaan]], [[Amsterdam RAI railway station|RAI]], [[Amsterdam Holendrecht railway station|Holendrecht]], [[Amsterdam Muiderpoort railway station|Muiderpoort]] and [[Amsterdam Science Park railway station|Science Park]]. [[Amsterdam Centraal]] is also an international [[train station]]. From the station there are regular services to destinations such as Austria, [[Belarus]], Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia and Switzerland. Among these trains are international trains of the [[Nederlandse Spoorwegen]] and the [[Thalys]](Amsterdam-Brussels-Paris-Cologne), [[CityNightLine]], and [[InterCityExpress]].<ref>{{cite web
|title=Bestemmingen
|work=[http://web.archive.org/web/20080105140250/http://www.nsinternationaal.nl/ NS internationaal.nl]
|publisher=[[Nederlandse Spoorwegen]]
|url=http://www.nsinternationaal.nl/bestemmingen/bestemmingen.html
|accessdate=2007-04-19 }}{{dead link|date=July 2009}}</ref>

[[Eurolines]] has [[Coach (vehicle)|coaches]] from Amsterdam to destinations all over Europe.

[[Amsterdam Airport Schiphol]] is less than 20 minutes by train from Amsterdam Central Station. It is the biggest airport in the Netherlands, the fifth largest in Europe, and the twelfth largest in the world in terms of passengers. It handles about 46 million passengers per year and is the home base of three airlines, [[KLM]], [[transavia.com]] and [[Martinair]]. Schiphol was, in 2006, the third [[World's busiest airports by international passenger traffic|busiest airport in the world]] measured by international passengers.<ref name="busiestairport">{{cite web
|url=http://geography.about.com/od/urbaneconomicgeography/a/busiestairports.htm
|title=Busiest Airports
|publisher=About.com
|accessdate=2008-06-04
}}</ref><ref name="passengerrank">{{cite web
|url=http://www.miami-airport.com/html/passenger_rankings.html
|title=Busiest Airports by International Passengers
|publisher=Miami International Airport
|accessdate=2008-06-04
}}</ref>

==Education==
Amsterdam has two universities: the [[Universiteit van Amsterdam|University of Amsterdam]] (Universiteit van Amsterdam), and the VU University Amsterdam ([[Vrije Universiteit]] or "VU" - often referred to, in English, as "The Free"). Other institutions for [[higher education]] include an [[art school]] – [[Gerrit Rietveld Academie]], the Hogeschool van Amsterdam, and the [[Amsterdamse Hogeschool voor de Kunsten]]. Amsterdam's [[International Institute of Social History]] is one of the world's largest documentary and research institutions concerning [[social history]], and especially the [[Labor history|history of the labour movement]]. Amsterdam's [[Hortus Botanicus (Amsterdam)|Hortus Botanicus]], founded in the early 17th century, is one of the oldest [[botanical garden]]s in the world,<ref name="Hortus">{{cite web|url=http://www.dehortus.nl/Index.asp|title=Hortus Botanicus official website|publisher=© 2009 de Hortus|accessdate=2009-06-10}}</ref> with many old and rare specimens, among them the [[coffee|coffee plant]] that served as the parent for the entire coffee culture in Central and South America.<ref name="he">{{cite web
|url=http://www.amsterdam.info/universities/
|title=Higher Education in Amsterdam
|publisher=Amsterdam.info
|accessdate=2008-06-04
}}</ref>

Some of Amsterdam's [[Primary education|primary schools]] base their teachings on particular pedagogic theories like the various [[Maria Montessori|Montessori]] schools. The biggest Montessori High School in Amsterdam is the [[Montessori Lyceum Amsterdam]]. Many schools, however, are based on religion. This used to be primarily Roman Catholicism and various Protestant denominations, but with the influx of Muslim immigrants there has been a rise in the number of Islamic schools. Jewish schools can be found in the southern suburbs of Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is noted for having three independent grammar schools (Dutch: gymnasia), the [[Vossius Gymnasium]], [[Barlaeus Gymnasium]], and St. [[Ignatius Gymnasium]], where a classical curriculum including Latin and [[Ancient Greek|classical Greek]] is taught. Though believed until recently by many to be an anachronistic and elitist concept that would soon die out, the gymnasia have recently experienced a revival, leading to the formation of a fourth and fifth grammar school in which the three aforementioned schools participate. Most secondary schools in Amsterdam offer a variety of different levels of education in the same school.

==Housing==
Rental properties make up an unusually large share (73%) of the city's housing supply, with semi-private housing associations owning three-quarters of these properties<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://amsterdam.nl/aspx/download.aspx?file=/contents/pages/101016/2008_factsheet_woningmarkt_balans.pdf|title=Amsterdamse Woningmarkt|format=PDF}}</ref>. The city government has been successful in its efforts to increase the percentage of owner-occupied dwellings. This figure has risen by 125% over the last 15 years.

[[Squatting|Squat]] properties are common throughout Amsterdam. A number of these squats have become well known, such as [[OT301]], Vrankrijk (closed down by city government), and the Binnenpret, and several are now businesses, such as [[Gym|health clubs]] and licensed restaurants.

==Culture and entertainment==
[[File:RijksmuseumAmsterdamMuseumplein.jpg|thumb|right|[[Rijksmuseum Amsterdam]]]]
During the later part of the 16th century Amsterdam's Rederijkerskamer ([[Chamber of Rhetoric]]) organized contests between different Chambers in the reading of [[poetry]] and [[drama]].<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=I7F1JAKfJyQC&pg=PT323&dq=Amsterdam+Rederijkerskamer+contest&lr=lang_en&as_brr=3&client=firefox-a&cd=4#v=onepage&q=&f=false |title=Readying: Webster's Quotations ... - Google Books |publisher=books.google.com |accessdate=2010-01-11 }}</ref> In 1638, Amsterdam opened its first [[theatre]]. [[Ballet]] performances were given in this theatre as early as 1642. In the 18th century, French theatre became popular. While Amsterdam was under the influence of German music in the 19th century there were few national [[opera]] productions; the Hollandse Opera of Amsterdam was built in 1888 for the specific purpose of promoting Dutch opera.<ref>{{cite book |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=l_b2vIXHsUkC&pg=PA541&dq=Amsterdam+opera&client=firefox-a&cd=3#v=onepage&q=Amsterdam%20opera&f=false |title=A short history of opera - Google Books |publisher=books.google.com |accessdate=2010-01-11 }}</ref> In the 19th century, [[popular culture]] was centred around the [[Nes]] area in Amsterdam (mainly [[vaudeville]] and [[Music hall|music-hall]]).{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} The [[metronome]], one of the most important advances in [[European classical music]], was invented here in 1812 by [[Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel]]. At the end of this century, the [[Rijksmuseum]] and [http://www.stedelijk.nl/ Stedelijk Museum] were built.{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} In 1888, the [[Concertgebouworkest]] was established. With the 20th century came [[film|cinema]], [[radio]] and [[television]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2008}} Though most studios are located in [[Hilversum]] and [[Aalsmeer]], Amsterdam's influence on programming is very strong. Many people who work in the television industry live in Amsterdam. Also, the headquarters of [[SBS 6]] is located in Amsterdam.<ref name="sbs6">{{cite web
|url=http://www.sbs6.nl/web/show/id=78637/langid=43
|title=Contact SBS 6
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-19
}}</ref>

===Museums===
The most important museums of Amsterdam are located on ''het [[Museumplein]]'' (Museum Square), located at the southern side of the Rijksmuseum. It was created in the last quarter of the 19th century on the grounds of the former [[World Exposition]]. The northern part of the square is bordered by the very large Rijksmuseum. In front of the Rijksmuseum on the square itself is a long, rectangular, pond. This is transformed into an ice rink in winter.<ref name="ijsbaan">{{cite web
|url=http://www.evenementnieuws.nl/nieuws/3900/Feestelijke+opening+ijsbaan+Museumplein.html
|title=Ijsbaan Museumplein
|publisher=Evenementennieuws
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-30
}}</ref> The western part of the square is bordered by the Van Gogh Museum, Stedelijk Museum, House of Bols Cocktail & Genever Experience and Coster Diamonds. The southern border of the Museum Square is the Van Baerlestraat, which is a major thoroughfare in this part of Amsterdam. The Concertgebouw is situated across this street from the square. To the east of the square are situated a number of large houses, one of which contains the American consulate. A [[Multi-storey car park|parking garage]] can be found underneath the square, as well as a supermarket. ''Het Museumplein'' is covered almost entirely with a lawn, except for the northern part of the square which is covered with gravel. The current appearance of the square was realized in 1999, when the square was remodeled. The square itself is the most prominent site in Amsterdam for festivals and outdoor concerts, especially in the summer. Plans were made in 2008 to remodel the square again, because many inhabitants of Amsterdam are not happy with its current appearance.<ref name="museumpleinfacelift">{{cite web
|url=http://www.topstad.amsterdam.nl/nieuws/museumplein_krijgt
|title=Museumplein krijgt facelift
|publisher=Gemeente Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-30
}}</ref>

[[File:The Nightwatch by Rembrandt.jpg|thumb|right|The ''[[Nachtwacht]]'', by [[Rembrandt]]]]
The [[Rijksmuseum Amsterdam|Rijksmuseum]] possesses the largest and most important collection of classical [[Dutch art]].<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Home Page
| work =
| publisher = Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
| date =
| url = http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/?lang=en
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate = 2008-10-25}}</ref>
It opened in 1885. Its collection consists of nearly one million objects.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Rijksmuseum
| work = Amsterdam
| publisher = A view on cities
| date =
| url = http://www.aviewoncities.com/amsterdam/rijksmuseum.htm
| doi =
| accessdate = 2008-10-25}}
</ref> The artist most associated with Amsterdam is [[Rembrandt]], whose work, and the work of his pupils, is displayed in the Rijksmuseum. Rembrandt's masterpiece the [[Night Watch (painting)|Nightwatch]] is one of top pieces of art of the museum. It also houses paintings from artists like [[Van der Helst]], [[Vermeer]], [[Frans Hals]], [[Ferdinand Bol]], Albert Cuijp, Van Ruysdael and [[Paulus Potter]]. Aside from paintings, the collection consists of a large variety of [[decorative art]]. This ranges from [[Delftware]] to giant [[dollhouses]] from the 17th century. The architect of the [[gothic revival]] building was P.J.H. Cuypers. At present, the museum is being expanded, renovated, and a new main entrance for the museum created. Only one wing of the Rijksmuseum is currently open to the public, with a selection of master pieces on display. The full museum will re-open in 2012 or 2013.<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = The New Rijksmuseum
| work =
| publisher = Rijksmuseum Amsterdam
| date =
| url = http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/hetnieuwerijksmuseum?lang=en
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate = 2008-10-25}}
</ref>

[[Van Gogh]] lived in Amsterdam for a short while, so there is a [http://www3.vangoghmuseum.nl/vgm/index.jsp museum] dedicated to his early work. The museum is housed in one of the few modern buildings in this area of Amsterdam. The building was designed by [[Gerrit Rietveld]]. This building is where the permanent collection is displayed. A new building was added to the museum in 1999. This building, known as the performance wing, was designed by Japanese architect [[Kisho Kurokawa]]. Its purpose is to house temporary exhibitions of the museum. Some of Van Gogh's most famous paintings, like the [[Aardappeleters]] (''The Potato Eaters'') and ''Zonnenbloemen'', are present in the collection. The Van Gogh museum is the most visited museum in Amsterdam.<ref name="vangogh1">{{cite web
|url=http://www.museum.nl/index.cfm/museum/Van-Gogh-Museum
|title=Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
|publisher=Museum.nl
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-01
}}</ref><ref name="vangogh2">{{cite web
|url=http://www.amsterdam.info/museums/van_gogh_museum/
|title=Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
|publisher=Amsterdam.info
|accessdate=2008-06-01
}}</ref><ref name="vangogh3">{{cite web
|url=http://architectuur.org/rietveld02.php
|title=Architectuur Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam
|publisher=Architectuur.org
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-01
}}</ref>

Next to the Van Gogh museum stands the [[Stedelijk Museum]]. This is Amsterdam's largest museum concerning [[modern art]]. The museum opened its doors at around the same time the Museum Square was created. The permanent collection consists of works of art from artists like [[Piet Mondriaan]], [[Karel Appel]], and [[Kazimir Malevich]]. This museum is also currently being renovated and expanded. The main entrance will be relocated from the Paulus Potterstraat to the Museum Square itself. It will be open again to public in 2009.<ref name="stedelijk">{{cite web
|url=http://www.kunstbus.nl/adres/stedelijk+museum+cs+amsterdam.html
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080211050937/http://www.kunstbus.nl/adres/stedelijk+museum+cs+amsterdam.html
|archivedate=2008-02-11
|title=Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam
|publisher=Kunstbus
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-01
}}</ref>

Amsterdam contains many other museums throughout the city. They range from small museums such as the ''Verzetsmuseum'', the [[Anne Frank House]], and the [[Rembrandthuis]], to the very large, like the [[Tropenmuseum]], [[Amsterdams Historisch Museum]], and [[Joods Historisch Museum]].

===Performing arts===
====Pop, rock, and jazz====
The [[Heineken Music Hall]] is a concert hall located near the [[Amsterdam ArenA]]. Its main purpose is to serve as a podium for pop concerts for big audiences. Many famous international artists have performed there. Two other notable venues, [[Paradiso (Amsterdam)|Paradiso]] and the [[Melkweg]] are located near the [[Leidseplein]]. Both focus on broad programming, ranging from [[indie rock]] to [[Hip hop music|hip hop]], [[R&B]], and other popular genres. Other more [[subculture|subcultural]]ly focused [[music venue]]s are [[OCCII]], [[OT301]], De Nieuwe Anita, Winston Kingdom. [[Jazz]] has a strong following in Amsterdam, with the [[Bimhuis]] being the premier venue.

====Classical music====
[[File:Concert18.jpg|thumb|The ''Grote Zaal'' of the [[Concertgebouw]]]]
Amsterdam has a world-class symphony orchestra, the [[Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra]]. Their home is the [[Concertgebouw]], which is across the Van Baerlestraat from the Museum Square. It is considered by critics to be a [[concert hall]] with some of the best [[acoustics]] in the world. The building contains three [[halls]], Grote Zaal, Kleine Zaal, and Spiegelzaal. Eight hundred concerts per year are performed there for approximately 850,000 patrons.<ref>[http://www.wired.com/science/discoveries/news/2007/04/dayintech_0411 April 11, 1888: Concertgebouw, Home of Nearly Perfect Acoustics, Opens]</ref>

The opera house of Amsterdam is situated adjacent to the city hall. Therefore, the two buildings combined are often called the [[Stopera]]. This word is derived from the Dutch words ''stadhuis'' (city hall) and opera. This huge modern complex, opened in 1986, lies in the former Jewish neighbourhood at ''Waterlooplein'' next to the river [[Amstel]]. The ''Stopera'' is the homebase of [[De Nederlandse Opera]], [[Het Nationale Ballet]] and the ''Holland Symfonia''.

[[Muziekgebouw aan 't IJ]] is a [[concert hall]], which is situated in the [[IJ]] near the central station. Its [[concerts]] perform mostly [[modern classical music]]. Located adjacent to it, is the ''[[Bimhuis]]'', a concert hall for improvised and [[Jazz]] music.

====Theatre====
The main theatre building of Amsterdam is the [[Stadsschouwburg Amsterdam]] at the [[Leidseplein]]. It is the home base of the ''Toneelgroep Amsterdam''. The current building dates from 1894. Most plays are performed in the Grote Zaal (Great Hall). The normal programm of events encompasses all sorts of theatrical forms. The Stadsschouwburg is currently being renovated and expanded. The third theater space, to be operated jointly with next door [[Melkweg]], will open in late 2009 or early 2010.
Other theatres are: Royal Theatre Carré, Bellevue theatres, the Stopera and ''de kleine comedie''.

====Comedy and cabaret====
The Netherlands has a tradition of cabaret or kleinkunst, which combines music, storytelling, commentary, theatre and comedy. Cabaret dates back to the 1930s and artists like [[Wim Kan]], [[Wim Sonneveld]] and [[Toon Hermans]] were pioneers of this form of art in the Netherlands. In Amsterdam is the Kleinkunstacademie (English: Cabaret Academy).

Contemporary popular artists are [[Youp van 't Hek]], [[Freek de Jonge]], [[Herman Finkers]], [[Hans Teeuwen]], [[Theo Maassen]], [[Javier Guzman]], [[Herman van Veen]], [[Najib Amhali]], [[Raoul Heertje]], [[Jörgen Raymann]], [[De Vliegende Panters]] and [[Comedytrain]]. The English spoken comedy scene was established with the founding of [[Boom Chicago]] in 1993. They have an own theatre at Leidse Plein.

===Nightlife===
Amsterdam is famous for its vibrant and diverse nightlife. The two main nightlife areas are the [[Leidseplein]] and the [[Rembrandtplein]].

Amsterdam has many [[Coffeehouse|cafes]]. They range from large and modern to small and cozy. The typical ''Bruine Kroeg'' (brown cafe) breathe a more old fashioned atmosphere with dimmed lights, candles, and somewhat older clientele. Most cafes have terraces in summertime. A common sight on the Leidseplein during summer is a square full of terraces packed with people drinking beer or wine.

Many restaurants can be found in Amsterdam as well. Since Amsterdam is a multicultural city, a lot of different ethnic restaurants can be found. Restaurants range from being rather luxurious and expensive to being ordinary and affordable.

Amsterdam also possesses many [[discothèques]]. Most of these 'clubs' are situated near the Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein. The Paradiso, [[Melkweg]] and Sugar Factory are cultural centres, which turn into discothèques on some nights. Examples of discothèques near the Rembrandtplein are the Escape and Club Home. Also noteworthy are Panama, Hotel Arena (East) and The Powerzone.

The Reguliersdwarsstraat is the main street for the GLBT community and nightlife.

[[File:KoninginnedagAmsterdamPrinsengracht.jpg|thumb|right|[[Koninginnedag]] 2009 in Amsterdam]]
Hollywood films are primarily featured at cinemas owned by [[Pathe]]. [[Tuschinski]] is a heritage [[art deco]] building with a beautiful lobby and six screens. Theater One is an architectural treasure with comfortable seats, two balconies and recently restored ceilings. The Pathe cinema is modern and is located at [[Muntplein (Amsterdam)|De Munt]]. Pathe Arena is located a short metro ride from the centre and is Amsterdam's most technically advanced and modern cinema. Pathe City is scheduled to reopen in October 2009. [[Art film]]s can be found at Tuschinski, and the independent The Movies, Cinecenter, Kriterion, Ketelhuis, Uitkijk, and the [[Netherlands Filmmuseum|Filmmuseum]].

===Red light district===
{{main|De Wallen}}
'''De Wallen''', also known as '''Walletjes''' or '''Rosse Buurt''', is a designated area for [[Regulated prostitution|legalized prostitution]] and is Amsterdam's largest and most well known [[red-light district]]. It consists of a network of roads and alleys containing several hundred small, one-room apartments rented by female [[sex worker]]s who offer their services from behind a window or glass door, typically illuminated with red lights. The area also has a number of [[sex shop]]s, [[Sex industry|sex theatre]]s, [[peep show]]s, a [[sex museum]], a [[cannabis (drug)|cannabis]] museum, and a number of [[Cannabis coffee shop|coffee shops]] offering various cannabis products.

===Festivals===
In 2008, there were 140 festivals and events in Amsterdam.<ref name="festivals">{{cite web
|url=http://www.at5.nl/nieuwsartikel.asp?newsid=35085
|title=Amsterdam kans op 'evenementenstad'
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-05-17
}}</ref>
Famous festivals and events in Amsterdam include: [[Koninginnedag]] (Queen's Day); the [[Holland Festival]] for the performing arts; the yearly Prinsengrachtconcert (classical concerto on the Prinsen canal) in August; the '[[Stille Omgang]]' (a silent [[Roman Catholic]] evening procession held every March); Amsterdam [[Gay Pride]]; The [[Cannabis Cup]]; and the [[Uitmarkt]]. On Koninginnedag&mdash;held each year on April 30&mdash;hundreds of thousands of people travel to Amsterdam to celebrate with the city's residents. The entire city becomes overcrowded with people buying products from the ''freemarket,'' or visiting one of the many music concerts.

{{Double image stack|left|Amsterdam Arena Roof Open.jpg|Amsterdam Arena Roof Closed.jpg|200||[[AFC Ajax]]'s Amsterdam Arena with the [[retractable roof]] opened and closed}}
The yearly Holland Festival attracts international artists and visitors from all over Europe. [[Amsterdam Gay Pride]] is a yearly local [[LGBT]] parade of boats in Amsterdam's canals, held on the first Saturday in August. The Gay Pride event is a frequent source of both criticism and praise.<ref name="gaypride">{{cite web
|url=http://amsterdam.nl/?ActItmIdt=10073
|title=Gay Pride in Amsterdam
|publisher=Municipality Amsterdam
|language=Dutch
|accessdate=2008-06-04
}}</ref> The annual Uitmarkt is a three-day cultural event at the start of the cultural season in late August. It offers previews of many different artists, such as [[musicians]] and [[poets]], who perform on [[podia]].<ref name="uitmarkt">{{cite web
|url=http://www.iamsterdam.com/visiting_exploring/culture/annual_cultural_0/uitmarkt
|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080131104219/http://www.iamsterdam.com/visiting_exploring/culture/annual_cultural_0/uitmarkt
|archivedate=2008-01-31
|title=Uitmarkt in Amsterdam
|publisher=IAmsterdam
|accessdate=2008-06-04
}}</ref>

===Sports===
Amsterdam is home of the ''[[Eredivisie]]'' football club [[AFC Ajax|Ajax Amsterdam]]. The stadium [[Amsterdam ArenA]] is the home of Ajax. It is located in the [[Amsterdam Zuidoost|south-east]] of the city next to the new [[Amsterdam Bijlmer ArenA railway station]]. Before it moved to its current location in 1996, Ajax played their regular matches in [[De Meer Stadion]].<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = De Meer
| work = Stadiums
| publisher = AFC Ajax
| date =
| url = http://english.ajax.nl/web/show/id=47960
| format =
| doi =
| accessdate = 2008-11-08}}
</ref>
In 1928, Amsterdam hosted the [[1928 Summer Olympics]]. The [[Olympisch Stadion (Amsterdam)|Olympic Stadium]] built for the occasion has been completely restored and is now used for cultural and sporting events, such as the [[Amsterdam Marathon]].<ref>{{cite web
| last =
| first =
| authorlink =
| coauthors =
| title = Athletics
| work = Olympisch Stadion Amsterdam
| publisher = SOSA
| date =
| url = http://www.olympischstadion.nl/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=98
| format = in Ducth
| doi =
| accessdate = 2008-11-08}}
</ref>

The ice hockey team [[Amstel Tijgers]] play in the [[Jaap Eden]] [[ice rink]]. The team competes in the Dutch [[ice hockey]] premier league. [[Long track speed skating|Speed skating]] championships have been held on the {{convert|400|m|ft|-1|sing=on|spell=us}} lane of this ice rink.

Amsterdam holds two [[American Football]] franchises, the [[Amsterdam Crusaders]], playing at [[Amsterdam Sloten]], and the [[Amsterdam Panthers]].
The [[Amsterdam Pirates]] [[baseball]] team competes in the [[Honkbal Hoofdklasse|Dutch Major League]]. There are three [[field hockey]] teams, Amsterdam, Pinoké and Hurley, who play their matches around the [[Wagener Stadium]] in the nearby city of [[Amstelveen]]. The [[basketball]] team [[MyGuide Amsterdam]] competes in the Dutch premier division and play their games in the Sporthallen Zuid, near the Olympic Stadium.<ref>[http://www.sporthallenzuid.amsterdam.nl/over_sporthallen/referenties Over Sporthallen Zuid: Referenties]</ref>

Since 1999 the city of Amsterdam honours the best sportsmen and women at the [[Amsterdam Sportsman of the year|Amsterdam Sports Awards]]. Boxer [[Raymond Joval]] and field hockey midfielder [[Carole Thate]] were the first to receive the awards in 1999.
[[File:RedLightDistrictAmsterdamTheNetherlands.jpg|thumb|right|[[Red-light district]]]]

==Notes==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{portal|Netherlands|Flag of the Netherlands.svg}}
{{commons}}
'''Government'''
* [http://www.amsterdam.nl/ Amsterdam.nl] - Official government site {{nl icon}}
* [http://www.iamsterdam.com/ I amsterdam] - Portal for international visitors
* [http://www.holland.com/global/cities/amsterdam/ The Amsterdam Site] - Official tourism board site

'''Other'''
* {{wikitravel|Amsterdam}}
* {{dmoz|Regional/Europe/Netherlands/North_Holland/Amsterdam}}
* [http://stadsarchief.amsterdam.nl/english/home.en.html Amsterdam City Archives]

{{Amsterdam|state=show}}
{{Template group
|title = Geographic locale
|list =
{{Province North Holland}}
{{DutchCapitalCities}}
{{List of European capitals by region}}
{{Capital cities of the European Union}}
}}
{{Template group
|title = Other
|list =
{{European Capital of Culture}}
{{Olympic Summer Games Host Cities}}
{{World Book Capital}}
}}
{{1911}}

[[Category:Amsterdam| ]]
[[Category:Capitals in Europe]]
[[Category:Cities in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Cities, towns and villages in North Holland]]
[[Category:Host cities of the Summer Olympic Games]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns in the Netherlands]]
[[Category:Port cities and towns of the North Sea]]
[[Category:Settlements established in the 13th century]]

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Revision as of 13:24, 19 January 2010

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