The
Netherlands, as its name suggests, is a low-lying country. About half
of the country's landmass lies below sea level. This amount would increase
should the polar ice caps melt and slowly raise the level of the sea
due to global warming.
The lowest point, 6,7 metres below NAP (Normal Amsterdam Level), is in the west.
The highest point, 321 metres above NAP, is in the south, at the point
where the borders of Holland, Belgium and Germany meet.
Much of the western part, situated below sea level, is covered with clay and
peat soils interspersed with canals, rivers, and arms of the sea. Farther
to the east the land lies slightly above sea level and is flat to gently
rolling. The elevation rarely exceeds 50 m (160 ft). Most of the land
is devoted to agriculture; only small areas of forest and heath remain.
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