"Amsterdam by Fam_Stoica" a Amsterdam Travel Page by Fam_Stoica

Amsterdam is the constitutional capital of The Netherlands (the seat of the government is in The Hague) and one of the major commercial and cultural centers in Europe. Amsterdam is served by a huge port and is linked to the North Sea and other European countries by a vast network of railways and canals. At their origins (in the 13th century) it was a small fishing village, but after the foundation of the Dutch East India Company in the early 1600s, Amsterdam became an important commercial center. The 90 islands that make up the city of Amsterdam are divided by canals crossed by hundreds of picturesque bridges. The waterways of the city have their origin in the IJsselmeer and the Amstel and Het IJ rivers. Nearly the entire city, which is actually slightly below sea level, rests on a foundation of piles driven through peat and sand to a firm layer of clay. Boats traverse the scenic canals of Amsterdam, flanked by steeply gabled houses and spire-topped church towers. The city’s diamond cutting and polishing industries are world famous.

A short history (from Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia 2001) : "Amsterdam, chartered as a city in 1300, became a member of the Hanseatic League in 1369. In the 17th century, after the successful conclusion of the Dutch wars for independence from Spain, Amsterdam became the chief commercial center of northern Europe. The city held this position until the late 18th century, when trade declined as a result of the silting of the Zuider Zee and the British blockade before and during the Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815). In 1810 Napoleon incorporated the Netherlands into the French Empire. After his downfall the Netherlands regained its independence and the seat of government was moved to The Hague. In the latter part of the 19th century, commercial activities revived with the opening of the North Sea and North Holland canals. During World War II (1939-1945), Amsterdam was occupied by the German army for five years. The people suffered great hardship and the port was badly damaged, but it has since been rebuilt and improved."