Trends in the Netherlands 2017 , , Gg inhabitants on January   .% Aaeconomic growth in  

Facts that matter Trends in the Netherlands 2017

CBS_TIN2017_omslag_Engels.indd Alle pagina's 3-11-2017 10:40:18 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Explanation of symbols Colofon

Publisher . Data not available Statistics Netherlands * Provisional figure Henri Faasdreef 312, 2492 JP The Hague www.cbs.nl ** Revised provisional figure (but not definite)

X Publication prohibited (confidential figure) Prepress: Textcetera and CCN Creatie, The Hague – Nil Press: Sumis Design: Edenspiekermann – (Between two figures) inclusive

0 (0.0) Less than half of unit concerned Information empty cell Not applicable Telephone +31 88 570 70 70 Via contact form: www.cbs.nl/infoservice 2016–2017 2016 to 2017 inclusive

2016/2017 Average for 2016 to 2017 inclusive ISBN 978-90-357-2297-2 2016/’17 Crop year, financial year, school year, etc., beginning in ISSN 0303-6448 2016 and ending in 2017 © Statistics Netherlands, The Hague/Heerlen/Bonaire, 2017. 2014/’15– Crop year, financial year, etc., 2013/’14 to 2015/’16 Reproduction is permitted, provided Statistics Netherlands is quoted 2016/’17 inclusive as the source.

Due to rounding, some totals may not correspond to the sum of the separate figures. Contents

1 Society 5 Macroeconomic trends 85 Trends 5 Manufacturing 90 Figures 11 Prices 92 Culture 11 Trade, hotels and restaurants 97 Education 16 Transport 102 Health and care 22 Leisure 28 3 Labour and income 107 Nature and environment 34 Trends 107 Population 39 Figures 113 Security and justice 44 Income and expenditure 113 Traffic 49 Labour 117 Well-being 56 Social security 122

2 Economy 61 Trends 61 Figures 66 Agriculture 66 Business services 70 Construction and housing 72 Energy 76 Enterprises 80 International trade 82

Contents 3

1. Society Trends

The active over-65s The number of over-65s in the Dutch Over a span of two decades, the population of population is growing steadily. On 1 January over-65s rose from 2.1 to 3.2 million 2017, the population aged 65 and over stood (+50 percent). In the same period, the overall at 3.2 ­million, an increase of over 1 million over population grew relatively slowly by 10 percent. two decades. This sharp increase is linked to In 1997 the share of over-65s in the Dutch the post-war baby boom, which lasted until population was just over 13 percent, versus 1955. Virtually all these baby boomers have 18 percent in 2017. Women constitute the vast now passed the age of 65. Today’s over-65s majority of his age group, as they did 20 years are relatively healthy and fit, live longer than ago. The gap is narrowing, however, as male previous generations, and take on an active life expectancy is increasing as well. Similar to rolexin society. 1997, the average age among over-65s is slightly over 74 years.

Society 5 Healthy old age more likely 1.1 Age composition of the Dutch population Both male and female life expectancy continue to rise. In 2015, a 65-year-old male had a 1997 remaining life expectancy of just under 19 years, while a 65-year-old female could 2017 expect to live over 21 more years. Two decades 0 20 40 60 80 100 ago, average life expectancy at 65 was still % 15 years for men and over 19 years for women. 0–19 yrs 40–64 yrs 80 yrs or older The life expectancy gender gap is closing, but 20–39 yrs 65–79 yrs women do still live longer than men. The smaller difference is linked to the more 1.2 Life expectancy after age 65 equal shares of men and women who smoke.

Not only can over-65s expect to live longer, they Men will do so in perceived good health. Men in Life expectancy particular are more likely to achieve a healthy Perceived good health old age, gaining three healthy life years on No physical disabilities average, whereas women have gained only two. Life expectancy without physical No chronic illnesses disabilities has increased even more than life Women expectancy in perceived good health. Life expectancy

Perceived good health

No physical disabilities

No chronic illnesses

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 yrs 1995 2015

6 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.3 Living situation of elderly people On the other hand, both men and women at age 65 have seen a slight decline in their

65 to 74 yrs disease-free life expectancy. There are several Shared household possible explanations for this. Screening programmes have improved and are taking Single-person household place at a younger age, which has led to greater Nursing or care home and earlier awareness of any health conditions.

75 to 80 yrs At the same time, progress in terms of Shared household treatments increases the lifespan of people who

Single-person household suffer from chronic disorders. Certain disorders, such as diabetes, are also more common Nursing or care home nowadays than they were twenty years ago.

80 yrs or older In 2016, the chronically ill over-65s mostly Shared household reported suffering from high blood pressure or

Single-person household joint wear.

Nursing or care home Living independently for longer

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 People not only live longer, they also stay % independent for longer without moving into a 1997 2017 nursing or care home. At the beginning of this century, 81 percent of the over-75s lived on their own; this share has increased to 88 percent in 2017. Over 617 thousand over-75s live in a shared household while 530 thousand are on their own. Relatively few elderly under

Society 7 80 live in a nursing or care home. But even over Over 65 and exercising 80, fewer live in homes, a trend which has Today’s over-65s often like to exercise. In 2016, existed for several years. In 1997, 23 percent of nearly 16 percent of people aged 65 to 75 the over-80s lived in nursing and care homes; owned a membership at a fitness centre, this share was less than 12 percent by 2017, swimming pool or other sports provider, while a decline which is seen among younger age over 15 percent were members of a sports club. groups as well. In comparison: 20 percent in the total Dutch population aged 4 or older had a sports Another increase among the over-65s is seen in membership and over 24 percent joined a sports home ownership. During the late 1990s, about club. One in four over-75s and over four in ten one in three elderly were home owners; this 65 to74 year-olds still take up exercise once share rose to 45 percent in 2008 and by 2015, weekly. People in the latter age bracket are also around half of all over-65s owned a house. most likely to comply with the Dutch Healthy Six out of ten baby boomers are home owners, Activity Standard (well over 77 percent). as against four out of ten over-75s. The over-65s are also keen cyclists: people between 65 and 75 cycle an average distance of 2.6 kilometres a day. Only teenagers and young adults (up to age 25) cycle more on a daily basis.

8 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Average cycling distance per person pera day, 2015aa 6.2 km 12 to 17 yrs 2.7 km 18 to 24 yrs 2.2 km 25 to 34 yrs 2.3 km 35 to 49 yrs 2.6 km 50 to 64 yrs 2.6 km 65 to 74 yrs 1.4 km 75 yrs or older More grey on the road At the beginning of 2017, nearly 1.7 million cars In other words, car ownership and car use have in the Netherlands were owned by people become much more common among the aged 65 or over. This is 675 thousand more cars over-65s, especially among women. However, than ten years ago. Of all new cars which have car owners are still most likely men: in this age entered the Dutch market over the past decade, group, three-quarters of men own a car versus nearly 68 percent have been registered by one-quarter of women. Which colour is most people aged 65 or over. This rapid growth is not popular amoung over-65s? The answer is: grey. just due to more over-65s, but also to more car ownership. The ratio of car ownership among over-65s has increased: from 420 per one thousand people at the beginning of 2007 to 528 per one thousand ten years later. 1.4 Car ownership among over-65s

2007

2012

2017

0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 number of cars per 1,000 inhabitants

10 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Figures

Culture

In 2015, government subsidies were the main source of income for Dutch museums. The share of subsidies did go down considerably in the span of a decade: in 2005, nearly two-thirds of revenues consisted of subsidies, versus 42 percent in 2015. Museums have become more and more dependent on revenues from entrance tickets, museum shops and cafés and 1.5 Visits to Dutch museums restaurants, as well as on donations and charity. x million 40 Due to the economic crisis that started at the

30 end of 2008, fewer foreign tourists visited the

20 Netherlands. The number of foreign museum 10 visitors increased again gradually after 2009 to 0 28 percent in the total number of visits by 2015. 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 This increase goes hand in hand with growing numbers of foreign tourist arrivals. Large museums in particular have benefited from this Visits by residents growth. Visits by foreign tourists Source: CBS, RCE, Dutch Museum Association.

Society 11 Museum revenues, 2015

24% 18% 5% 8% 20% Government Municipal Other subsidies Other Entrance subsidies subsidies revenues tickets

3% Sponsorships 6% Shops, cafés and restaurants

16% Public and private resources

Source: CBS, RCE, Museumvereniging. Museum revenues, 2015 1.6 Revenues at Dutch theatre and music venues

million euros 1,000

800 24% 18% 5% 8% 20% 600 Government Municipal Other subsidies Other Entrance 400 subsidies subsidies revenues tickets 200

0 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 3% Sponsorships 6% Audience revenues F&B and rental turnover Subsidies Shops, cafés and Non-theatrical rentals Sponsorships and other benefits restaurants Source: CBS, VSCD, VNPF. 1.7 Memberships and loaned items at public libraries Performing arts attendance was up by 6 percent in 2015 relative to 2012. In the same period, 16% x 1,000 x million audience revenues at the 337 venues were up Public and private resources 9,600 200 accordingly: in 2015, revenues generated by 7,200 150 entrance fees, cloakroom charges and merchan­ 4,800 100 dising were 13 percent higher than in 2012. 2,400 50 0 0 In 2015, there were 156 public libraries with 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2015 a membership base of around 3.8 million, including 61 percent young people. Libraries have adopted a wider range of services in Loaned items (right-hand scale) Memberships recent years beyond the lending of books. Source: CBS, VOB, KB. Source: CBS, RCE, Museumvereniging. Society 13 1.8 Religious denomination

% of persons aged 18 or older 60

50

40

30

20

10

0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

No religious denomination Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) Reformed Church Roman Catholic Dutch reformed Other denomination

1.9 Religious denomination, 2015

18 to 24 yrs 25 to 34 yrs 35 to 44 yrs 45 to 54 yrs 55 to 64 yrs 65 to 74 yrs 75 yrs or older

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % No religious denomination Protestant Church in the Netherlands (PKN) Reformed Church Other denomination Roman Catholic Dutch Reformed Islam

14 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.10 Political interest In 2015, for instance, around 81.5 thousand activities were organised in the areas of % 100 functional illiteracy and education.

80 The share of adults belonging to a religious 60 denomination has diminished over the years. 40 In 2004, 59 percent of the adult population 20 belonged to a religious group; this share had 0 halved by 2015. 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Young people are much less inclined than elderly to consider themselves members of a Men Women religious group. In 2015, six in ten young people indicated they are not religious, against three out of ten over-75s. The most commonly stated religion is the Roman Catholic faith.

Men are more interested in politics than women: in 2016, 57 percent of men showed an interest in politics against 42 percent of women. Political interest has dropped slightly since 2012 among both sexes.

Society 15 Education 1.11 Number of students in (special) primary education

x 1,000 The number of (special) primary school pupils 2,000 has been declining since the academic year 2008/’09. This trend is expected to continue in 1,500 the coming years based on population forecasts 1,000 by Statistics Netherlands. In the academic year 500 2016/’17, there were slightly over 1.5 million primary school pupils in the Netherlands, 0 a decline of more than 8 percent relative to 2000/’01 2005/’06 2010/’11 2016/’17 2008/’09.

In the 2016 End of Primary School Test, boys Primary education Special primary education achieved the same average score as girls. Students from the top high income families 1.12 Scores at End of Primary School Test, 2016 scored on average 8 more points than those score from families with the lowest parental income. 540 538 536 534 532 530 528 526 524 0 Boy Girl bottom 2nd 20% 3rd 20% 4th 20% top 20% 20% Sex Income quintile group

Source: Cito, CBS. 16 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.13 Secondary school enrolment ratios Secondary school enrolment has increased slightly over the past few years to almost Total student population: 995,725 1 million in school year 2016/’17. Over

3.0% 40 percent of these students are in their first or General years second year or in a third general year. Around 17.2% VMBO basic/advanced vocational track one-third are enrolled in third-year HAVO or VMBO combined/ VWO and up, while over 20 percent are enrolled 41.3% theoretical track in the third or 4th (final) year of VMBO. Another HAVO 3 percent of secondary school students are in VWO 16.5% practical education. Practical education

Over the course of the 20th century, a gradual 11.7% 10.4% shift took place at secondary schools from elite to mass education. The main reasons for the 1.14 Secondary school enrolment, 1900–2016 x 1,000 % of 12 to 18-year-olds 1,600 100

1,200 75

800 50

400 25

0 0 1900/’01 1925/’26 1950/’51 1975/’76 2000/’01 2016/’17

Percentage of secondary students (right-hand scale) Secondary students growing numbers of students are the expansion 1.15 Enrolment in senior secondary vocational of compulsory education, the introduction of a training (MBO) new law on secondary education (the x 1,000 ‘Mammoth Act’ of 1968) and an increase in the 600 population cohort aged 12 to 18 years. 400 Student numbers in upper secondary vocational 200 education (MBO) rose until 2010/’11 and subsequently declined year-on-year, but a new 0 upward trend occurred in 2016/’17. The number 2005/’06 2008/’09 2011/’12 2014/’15 2016/’17 of Level 4 MBO students has seen a continuous rise, reaching 53 percent in 2016/’17. The student population at all other levels, notably Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 2, has declined in recent years. 1.16 Higher education enrolment Higher education enrolments stood at slightly x 1,000 over 714 thousand in the academic year 250 2016/’17. Two decades ago, this was still only 200 440 thousand. Since 1997/’98, higher 150 professional (HBO) students have included more 100 women than men; this trend was followed in 50

2007/’08 by university (WO) students. 0 1990/’91 1995/’96 2000/’01 2005/’06 2010/’11 2016/’17

HBO – women WO – women HBO – men WO – men

18 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.17 Top 5 studies among rst-year HBO students, Among first-year HBO students in 2016/’17, 2016/'17 more than 15 thousand had chosen management, business or human resource

Management, business studies. Close to 6 thousand students took nurse and HR studies or midwifery training, almost all female

Nursing and obstetrics (90 ­percent). By contrast, software development and system analysis drew almost exclusively Teacher training male students: 93 percent of the 5 thousand

Software development, first-year students. system analysis

Social work At universities, many students who enrolled in 2016/’17 had chosen management, business 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 and human resource studies; altogether nearly x 1,000 12 thousand. Of the more than 2 thousand first-year medical students, 7 out of 10 were 1.18 Top 5 courses, rst-year university (WO) female. students

Management, business and HR studies

Sociology and cultural sciences

Law

Psychology

Medicine

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 x 1,000 Society 19 1.19 Education expenditure bn euros 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015*

Primary education Secondary education (including MBO) Higher education (including research)

The Netherlands’ rise in education spending has mainly been focused on higher education. Since 2010, more has been spent on higher education than on primary education. Higher education spending went up from 8.8 billion euros in 2005 to 13.1 billion euros in 2015.

20 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.20 Education expenditure Over a ten-year period, education (including research) expenditure increased by 32 percent bn euros 45 to 42.3 billion euros in 2015. In the same period, public expenditure increased by 7.6 ­billion euros. Households and businesses 40 spent more on education as well by 1.3 and 1.1 billion euros respectively. 35

In 2015, all higher educational institutions 30 combined received 11.8 billion euros towards education and research. This is equivalent to an 25 amount of 15 thousand euros per student. In higher education (not including research), 0 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015* spending reached almost 10 thousand euros per student. Spending was lowest on primary education at 7 thousand euros per pupil.

By government By private sector By households By rest of the world

1.21 Expenditure at educational institutions, per student, 2015*

Primary education

Secondary education and MBO

Higher education excl. research

Higher education incl. research

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 1,000 euros Society 21 Health and care 1.22 Heavy and excessive drinkers, 2016

Eight percent of the Dutch population aged Total 12 years or older are excessive drinkers. 12 to 15 yrs This means that men consume more than 21 glasses and women more than 14 glasses of 16 to 19 yrs alcohol per week. Men are regarded as heavy 20 to 29 yrs drinkers when they have 6 or more alcoholic 30 to 39 yrs drinks on one day; 4 or more glasses for 40 to 49 yrs women. Young people in their twenties are relatively the largest group of excessive or 50 to 54 yrs heavy drinkers. Excessive drinking is seen 55 to 64 yrs relatively more often than heavy drinking 65 to 74 yrs among people aged 55 and over. 75 yrs or older

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 % Excessive drinkers (large quantities Heavy drinkers (large quantities of alcohol on average) of alcohol on one day)

22 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.23 Smokers Smoking rates among the population aged 12 years or older have declined steadily for % of people ages 12 yrs or older 40 years. In 2016, tobacco consumption was down by more than 19 percent on 15 years previously. 30 The percentage of heavy smokers, i.e. people 20 who smoke more than 20 cigarettes per day,

10 has fallen as well, by over 62 percent since

0 2001. 2001 2006 2011 2016 More and more Dutch people are moderately to severely overweight. The percentage share of

Smokers (< 20 cigarettes a day) Heavy smokers (≥ 20 cigarettes a day) severely overweight (obese) people has doubled since 1995. In 1986, 28 percent of the Dutch population aged 4 years and over were overweight; this had become 43 percent 1.24 Obesity rates 30 years later.

% of people aged 4 yrs or older 50 Overweight is measured on the basis of the

40 Body Mass Index (BMI). Adults with a BMI 2 30 between 25 and 30 kg/m are moderately overweight, while a BMI of 30 km/m2 or higher 20 indicates obesity. 10

0 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2016

Moderately overweight Severely overweight

Society 23 1.25 Number of medical specialists and GPs per 100 thousand inhabitants 250

200

150

100

50

0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 Medical specialists General practitioners

Women Men

The number of medical specialists and general 1.26 Personal expenditure on care practitioners per 100 thousand inhabitants has euros increased by 61 percent and 34 percent 800 respectively. There are mainly more female doctors. Nowadays, 40 percent of medical 600 specialists and 50 percent of GPs are women. 400

200 The average personal expenditure on health, 0 care and welfare was slightly lower in 2015 2000 2005 2010 2015 than in 2014. The general trend is upward, in line with the increase in total care expenditure. Personal spending includes amounts paid for Mandatory deductible excess and Other Total care actually provided and is excluding health contributions to long-term care

24 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.27 Life expectancy in good self-perceived health care insurance premiums. The average amount spent is now 80 percent higher than 15 years yrs 70 ago. Deductible excess, which was introduced

65 in 2008, and long-term care contributions have gone up in particular. 60 Other personal care expenditure, for example 55 on dental care or over-the-counter medicines, 50 is around 300 euros on an annual basis. 0 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2015 Healthy life expectancy means the average number of years that a person is expected to live in good self-perceived health, assuming Men Women that future health and mortality risks remain unchanged. Over a span of 35 years, the average healthy life expectancy among men 1.28 Mortality due to cardiovascular diseases and cancer has increased markedly: from 60 years around per 100 thousand Dutch people (standardised) 1980 to 65 years in 2015. Among women, 1,250 healthy life expectancy fluctuates around 1,000 62 years. 750 500 In the period 1970–2015, mortality due to 250 cardiovascular diseases declined among both 0 men and women. This mortality rate – calcu­ 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2015 lated per 100 thousand inhabitants and taking into account the population structure in 2015 – declined earlier among women than men, but Women: cancer Women: cardiovascular diseases ended up as very similar between the two Men: cancer Men: cardiovascular diseases

Society 25 sexes. Based on the same calculation method, 1.29 Eligibility for residential AWBZ/Wlz care the cancer death rate among men has dropped x 1,000 by more than one-third over the past three 400 decades. This is partly due to a decline in lung and stomach cancer deaths. Cancer mortality among women shows a gradual decline over the entire 300 period 1970–2015, but this has slowed in recent years due to more lung cancer deaths.

In recent years, increasingly fewer people have become eligible for residential long-term care. 200 Before 2015, long-term care was available under the General Act on Exceptional Medical Expenses (AWBZ) and the Social Support Act (Wmo). As a result of the 2015 long-term care 100 reform, this care has been transferred to the Long-Term Care Act (Wlz), the Social Support Act 2015, the Health Care Insurance Act and the Youth Act. Residential psychiatric care now falls largely under the Health Care Insurance Act. 0 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015*

Mental disability Somatic disability Physical disability Sensory disability Psychogeriatric condition Psychiatric condition

26 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.30 Percentage of loss-making care institutions The share of VVT institutions (nursing homes, care homes and home care providers) that % 50 suffered turnover losses rose from 21 percent in 2014 to 29 percent in 2015. Of the institutions 40 caring for the disabled, 12 percent faced a loss in 2015, versus 9 percent in 2014. 30

20

10

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Care for the disabled Nursing homes/care homes/home care providers

Society 27 Leisure

The number of overnight stays at hotels, hostels 1.31 Overnight stays in the Netherlands, by type and bed and breakfast accommodations has of accommodation gone up in recent years; the same applies to x million holiday parks. Camping as a recreational activity 125 has become less popular in the Netherlands, 100 however. The number of campsites has also 75 declined in recent years, while the number of 50 beds at hotels and holiday homes has risen. 25

0 Of all overnight stays in the Netherlands in 2016, 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016** 63 percent are on account of Dutch guests. In the province of Noord-Holland, it is just the other way round: foreign guests there occupy Hotels Group accommodations a share of 65 percent. Noord-Holland is also the Holiday parks Campsites province with the highest number of overnight stays. These are mainly hotel stays in Amsterdam. Amsterdam had 14 million overnight stays in 2016.

28 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.32 Overnight stays by foreign guests in Dutch The Dutch tend to go on holiday during summer tourist accommodation, 2016 (May through September) rather than winter season (October through April), although the Less than 20 (%) number of winter holidays has increased: from 20 to 30 (%) 8.8 million in 1992 to 14.7 million in 2016. 30 to 40 (%) 40 to 50 (%) Winter holidays spent within the Netherlands 50 or more (%) have grown more popular at the same rate as holidays outside of the country. The number of holidays spent abroad during summer has increased from 7.3 million in 1992 to over 10.6 million in 2016.

1.33 Holiday trips

x million 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016

Foreign holiday in winter Domestic holiday in winter Foreign holiday in summer Domestic holiday in summer

Society 29 There is no significant increase in the number of 1.34 Mode of transport in foreign holidays domestic summer holidays, in spite of a brief x million rise around 2000: just as in 1992, the total was 20 slightly over 10 million in 2016 with a peak in 15 2001 of more than 12 million holidays. 10

Over the past 25 years, Dutch holidaymakers 5 have taken more and more trips abroad. Foreign 0 holidays stood at 11.4 million in 1992 but 1992 1995 1998 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 reached almost 18.0 million in 2016. The most popular mode of transport is the car. Car holidays abroad rose by nearly 3 million to Car Airplane Coach Other a total of 9.7 million in 2016. Holidays by air more than tripled over this period, from 2.1 ­million in 1992 to 6.8 million trips in 2016.

More and more Dutch people have at least basic 1.35 ICT skills computer and internet skills. A large group even possess more than the basic skills in ICT. More than basic The percentage of Dutch people with low or no skills has decreased in 2016 relative to 2015. Basic Here, percentages refer to the share of Limited respondents who said they had used the None Internet in the three months before the survey.

This explains why they do not add up to 100: 0 20 40 60 not everyone went online in these three % of people aged 12 years or older months. 2016 2015

30 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.36 Internet devices at home Smartphones and laptops were the most frequently used internet devices used by % of households 100 households in 2016. Eight in ten households have one or more smartphones and three- 75 quarters have a laptop. Especially smart­ 50 phones have gained a lot of ground in recent

25 years: in 2012, only 50 percent of households possessed one or more smartphones. 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 In 2016, 73 percent of the Dutch population aged 12 or older had ever made a purchase

Smartphone Desktop online. This is 9 percentage points more than Laptop Smart TV/TV with set-top box in 2012. As in previous years, the most Tablet Console frequently made purchases included sports equipment, travel and holiday packages as well as tickets to events.

About half of the Dutch population aged 15 years or older engaged in volunteer work last year, including both men and women. They do, however, prefer different types of organisations: men most often volunteer for a sports club while women are more often involved in school or care activities.

Society 31 1.37 Online purchases 1.38 Volunteering, 2016

Clothing or sports articles Volunteers, total Travel and of whom accommodation Sports club Tickets to events Youth work Books, magazines and newspapers School Household goods Other and appliances

Software/hardware Ideological organisation and electronic equipment Telecommunication Hobby association services (subscriptions) Cultural organisation Groceries, cosmetics and cleaning products Neighbourhood Movies, music Care

Medicines Labour organisation

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 Residential % of people aged 12 yrs or older Political organisation 2016 2012 Social welfare

0 20 40 60 % of people aged 15 yrs or older Men Women

32 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.39 Social contacts, 2016 Over three out of ten Dutch people aged 15 or older have daily contact with relatives who do not live with them. A more or less equally large With relatives group are in daily contact with friends. With friends Fifteen percent see neighbours on a daily basis, With neighbours but 12 percent seldom or never talk to their neighbours. The level of social contact has 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 hardly changed over the past few years. % of people aged 15 yrs or older Daily Less than once a month Weekly Seldom or never Monthly

Society 33 Nature and environment 1.40 Volume of household waste collected

bn kg The total volume of household waste increased 10 slightly between 2000 and 2007 and 8 subsequently declined. In 2015, the volume of 6 collected household waste was 8.4 million 4 tonnes, equivalent to 496 kg per inhabitant and 2

10 percent less than in 2007. Over 53 percent 0 was separately collected waste, up from 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015 46 percent in 2000.

The Dutch manufacturing industry produces Unsorted waste Bulky garden waste around 14 million tonnes of non-hazardous GFT waste Glass waste per year. In 2015, the volume stood at Paper and board Other separated waste 13.8 million tonnes, 1 percent more than in 2014 but 4 percent less than in 2010. Nearly all 1.41 Non-hazardous waste in the manufacturing the waste generated (96 percent) is being industry, 2015 recycled or used for the production of animal feed. Sixty percent of the waste originates from Total 13.8 million tonnes the food, beverages and tobacco industry. 4.6% 6.0% Food, beverages, tobacco 6.0% Metal Refineries and chemicals

8.6% Timber and building materials Paper and printing

60.0% Other

14.7%

34 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.42 Phosphate production from livestock manure Nearly 60 percent of the Dutch livestock sector’s phosphate production originates from beef million kg 250 cattle manure. Phosphate levels have risen since

200 2013 due to the growing size of dairy herds

150 after milk quotas were abolished. Phosphate

100 production fell again by 2 percent in 2016,

50 mainly as a result of a reduced phosphate

0 content in roughage. 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 In 2015, Dutch farmers bought 10 million kg of chemical crop protection products. Sales

Dairy cattle Beef cattle Other livestock fluctuated depending on pests and diseases as Pigs Poultry well as the weather conditions during the growing season. 1.43 Chemical pesticide sales million kg of active substance 12

8

4

0 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Fungicides and bactericides Insecticides and acaricides Herbicides and haulm killers Other crop protection products

Society 35 Greenhouse gas emissions rose by 4 percent were very effective. The total contamination load year-on-year in 2015, an increase of 7.7 million has declined further since then, but only slowly. tonnes of CO2 equivalents. Emission levels were The figures presented here only include emissions 12 percent below the level of 1990. The target to inland waterways, i.e. the contamination load set by the Paris climate agreement, which the entering the North Sea is not included. Dutch government has signed, is to achieve 25 percent lower emissions by 2020 relative to In 2015, Dutch companies in the sectors mining 1990. and quarrying, manufacturing and energy invested slightly under 2.1 bn euros in Contamination of surface water due to nutrient environmental provisions. The energy sector in and heavy metal runoff has declined particular invested strongly. The majority of signficantly. This is the result of a range of investments made over the past decade have measures taken between 1990 and 2010 which been towards limiting or preventing air pollution.

1.44 Greenhouse gas emissions (according to IPCC)

million tonnes of CO2 equivalents

300

200

100

0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Energy companies Manufacturing Households Other sectors Trac and transport Agriculture Refineries

36 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.45 Emissions into surface water 1.46 Environmental protection investments in the private sector

million euros Cadmium 2,500

Lead 2,000

Zinc

1,500 Nickel

1,000 Copper

Total Phosphorus 500

Total Nitrogen 0 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 0 25 50 75 100 1990=100 2000 2010 2015 Air pollution control Waste management/soil protection/ noise control/landscape protection Water pollution control

Society 37 The farmland bird indicator shows a 60 to 1.47 Farmland bird population 70 percent decline in the breeding bird 1960 population on Dutch farmland since 1960. (estimate)

The number of breeding pairs fell from an 1980 estimated 4 million in 1960 to slightly over (estimate) 1.5 million in 2015. Some species have become 1990 practically extinct in large parts of the 2000 Netherlands. An estimated 750 thousand to 1.1 million breeding pairs of the skylark 2015 population have disappeared since 1960. 0 25 50 75 100 125 150 175 200 Furthermore, partridges (–93 percent), turtle 1990=100 doves (–92 percent), tree sparrows (–93 percent) and black-tailed godwits (–68 percent) have all become a rare sight.

38 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Population 1.48 Births and deaths On 1 January 2017, the Netherlands had close to x 1,000 250 17.1 million inhabitants, over 100 thousand 200 more than one year previously. This growth was 150 mainly due to migration. On balance 100 50 (immigrants minus emigrants), 79 thousand 0 migrants settled in our country. Natural 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016 population growth (births minus deaths) contributed 24 thousand more to the population. Live births Deaths Around the turn of the century, the annual 1.49 Immigration of asylum migrants number of births exceeded 200 thousand. It has x 1,000 declined since then, fluctuating between 170 20 and 175 thousand in recent years. The number 15 of deaths peaked in 2015 and 2016 at an 10 annual rate of almost 150 thousand. 5 Natural population growth has more than 0 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 halved over the past two decades.

Global conflicts have sparked a number of sharp increases in the flow of asylum seekers to the Syria Iraq Somalia Afghanistan Former Yugoslavia Netherlands. In 2015, there was a peak in the number of Syrian and Eritrean asylum migrants.

Society 39 Population dynamics, 2016

231,000 173,000

103,000

Births Deaths Immigration Emigration Growth

149,000 152,000

40 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.50 Population aged 65 and over, 1 January 2016 The first decade of this century saw a relatively modest influx of asylum seekers, mainly from Less than 15 (%) Iraq. Many Yugoslavs arrived during the 1990s, 15 to 20 (%) followed by Afghans around the turn of the 20 to 25 (%) century. 25 to 30 (%) 30 or more (%) The Netherlands has an ageing population. In 2016, 18.2 percent of the population were 65 years or older, up from 13.6 percent at the turn of the century. The share of over-65s is much lower in big cities than in smaller municipalities. Among the four major cities, Rotterdam has the highest share of over-65s at 15.1 percent while Utrecht has the lowest share at 10.2 percent. Urban areas remain relatively young due to the continuous influx of young people, who often stay after finding a partner and starting a family. By contrast, there is an outflow of young people from the smaller municipalities, particularly in regions outside of the Randstad conurbation.

Society 41 Large municipalities are younger than smaller 1.51 Old-age dependency ratio (’grey pressure’) ones and will be in the future. As the AOW entitlement age is being raised, grey population Netherlands pressure (ratio of people who have reached Including rise in AOW entitlement age AOW entitlement age to the population aged 20 up to AOW entitlement age) will increase more Excluding rise in AOW entitlement age slowly in the future. Four big cities Including rise in As of 2013, more people are entering into a AOW entitlement age marriage or registered partnership again after Excluding rise in AOW entitlement age falling marriage rates in previous years.

The number of registered partnerships has risen 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 in particular over the past few years, while the % number of marriages has remained stable. 2000 2016 2030 Nowadays, nearly one in five registered Source: CBS, PBL. relation­ships are partnerships; in comparison, 1.52 Marriages and registered partnerships only one in thirty registered relationships were partnerships in the year 2000. x 1,000 100

75

50

25

0 2000 2005 2010 2016

Marriages Registered partnerships

42 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.53 Households, 1 January The number of single-person households has quadrupled since 1971 and stood at nearly x million 10 3 million on 1 January 2017. The number of multi-person households has also increased, but 8 to a far lesser extent. The number of single-­ 6 person household grew most rapidly over the 4 1980s: by 600 thousand. Growth was relatively

2 at its strongest during the 1970s and ’80s. Nowadays, nearly 40 percent of all private 0 1971 1976 1981 1986 1991 1996 2001 2006 2011 2017 households consist of a single person.

Slightly less than 20 percent of higher educated men born in 1970 have children by the age of Multi-person households Single-person households 30. This share is significantly higher among lower educated men (over one-third), but men with higher education levels do catch up at a 1.54 Parents by age and education later age. By the age of 45, highly educated men born in 1970 are much more likely to have Women born in 1970 children than lower educated men. As for 30 years women born in 1970, those with lower 45 years education remain more likely to have children

Men born in 1970 than highly skilled women, even at a later age.

30 years

45 years

0 25 50 75 100 % with child(ren)

Lower educated Higher educated

Society 43 Security and justice 1.55 Expenditure on public security

bn euros Almost half of the total expenditure on public 15 security went to prevention in the period 2005–2015. This was mainly for the deployment 10 of police and private security services. In 2015, over 2.8 billion euros was spent on 5 investigation activities and 2.3 billion euros on 0 enforcement of criminal penalties. 2003 2005 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015*

In recent years, more police resources have been focused on combating so-called High Prevention Enforcement Impact Crimes: violent and sexual offences, Investigation Other domestic burglary and robberies, i.e. serious offences with a major impact on victims. 1.56 High impact crimes The High Impact Crime rate has declined: since 2010, the number of robberies has dropped by 2010=100 120 nearly 60 percent, domestic burglaries have 100 dropped by almost one-third and violent and 80 sexual offences by 22 percent. 60 40 20 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015* 2016*

Robberies Domestic burglaries Violent and sexual oences

44 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.57 Registered crime suspects per 10 thousand In 2016, The Hague had a crime suspect rate of inhabitants inmunicipalities with over 206 per 10 thousand inhabitants, the highest 70 thousand inhabitants, 2016 rate of all Dutch municipalities. Amsterdam and Rotterdam also have relatively high crime Less than 100 suspect rates. Utrecht has a far lower rate at 100 to 125 119 suspects per 10 thousand inhabitants. Up in 125 to 150 the northern provinces, the city of Leeuwarden 150 to 175 has relatively many registered crime suspects. 175 or more No data

Society 45 In 2015, 88.8 thousand people were found 1.58 Convictions by courts of first instance guilty of a criminal offence by a court of first 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 instance. The majority of crime convictions were for property, violent and sexual offences. x 1,000 Total convictions 94.4 88.7 89.0 85.9 88.8 Penal Code 65.8 62.1 61.7 59.5 59.0 In the same year, Dutch courts imposed of which 118.6 thousand sanctions for criminal offences. property offences 32.8 31.1 32.1 31.0 30.5 The most common sanction was imprisonment, vandalism and public order offences 10.8 10.0 9.3 8.9 8.6 followed by community service and fines. violent and sexual offences 18.9 18.3 17.9 17.6 17.6 In recent years, the share of prison sentences Traffic offences 15.2 15.1 16.1 14.7 16.5 has risen from 23 percent in 2007 to 30 percent Drugs-related offences 6.7 6.7 6.9 7.2 7.7 Other offences 6.7 4.9 4.3 4.4 5.6 in 2015.

1.59 Criminal penalties by courts of rst instance, 2015

Total 118.6 thousand

7.7% 0.4% Custodial sentence

13.3% Community service 29.8% Fine Special measures Secondary penalties Unknown

23.3%

25.5%

46 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.60 Crime victim rates by police district, 2016 The crime victim rate is above average in police districts in and around the four largest cities. Below average Crime victim rates are below the national Average average in a number of districts, especially in Above average the northeast, southeast and southwest. Rates No data range from 12 percent in the district of Zeeland to 31 percent in the district of Amsterdam West.

The share of people who have at one point become crime victim has declined almost continually for more than ten years. In 2005, nearly three out of ten Dutch citizens stated they had been victims of a criminal offence.

1.61 Crime victim rates and unsafety feelings

2005=100 100 90 80 70 60

50

0 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16

Unsafety feelings Crime victim rates

Society 47 By 2016, this was less than two in ten, a decline 1.62 Fire alarm call-outs at re stations of 37 percent. In line with falling crime rates, x 1,000 the number of people who sometimes feel 120 unsafe has become progressively lower. 100 80 The introduction of smoke and fire detection 60 systems has led to more fire alarm call-outs at 40 20 fire stations. Many have turned out to be false 0 alarm, however. Fire services have been 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016 successful in reducing the number of fire alarms for several years. In 2016, almost 36 percent of reported fire incidents were handled by the control rooms.

In 2016, the Netherlands received more than 1.63 First asylum requests and following family 31 thousand new asylum seekers and following members family members. This is nearly half the number x 1,000 in 2015, when almost 57 thousand persons 60 requested asylum in the Netherlands. Syrian 50 asylum seekers have constituted the largest 40 group in recent years. During the 1990s, the 30 majority of asylum seekers were from the 20 10 former Yugoslavia. 0 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016

48 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.64 Motor vehicles Traffic x million The number of passenger cars in the 10 Netherlands is still rising. There were 8.2 million 8 cars at the beginning of 2017, an increase of 6 one million over ten years. The number of 4 motor­cycles and mopeds has risen continually 2 as well: over the past decade, by nearly 0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 500 thousand to 1.8 million in 2017. The number of commercial vehicles has remained basically unchanged.

Passenger cars Mopeds and Company cars motorcycles In 2015, over 53 percent of commercial vans Source: CBS, RDW. were registered in the name of construction companies, wholesalers and retailers. The number of vans registered by companies in 1.65 Delivery vans in top 5 business sectors these sectors has declined relative to 2009. By contrast, the number of registrations in the Construction name of rental and other business support

Trade services went up in 2015.

Rental, other business services

Manufacturing

Agriculture

0 50 100 150 200 250 x 1,000 2009 2015 Society 49 Over the past few years, there has been a sharp 1.66 Mopeds and light mopeds rise in the number of vehicles with a moped x 1,000 number plate, such as (light) mopeds and 800 microcars, in comparison with other motor 700 600 vehicles such as cars and motorcycles. This is 500 mainly attributable to the growing popularity of 400 300 the light moped. Since 2012, there have been 200 100 more light mopeds than mopeds on Dutch 0 roads. There were approximately 200 thousand 2007 2009 2011 2013 2015 2017 more light moped than mopeds at the beginning of 2017.

Light mopeds Mopeds In 2015, private cars covered a total distance of Source: CBS, RDW. 91 billion kilometres, a 6 percent rise compared with 2005. Between 2005 and 2015, the sharpest increase in travel distance was on account of drivers aged 65 and over: up 68 percent to a total of 14.2 billion km. On the other hand, young road users (18 to 29 years) travelled fewer kilometres: down 4 percent to a total of 10.6 billion km.

50 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Car ownership and mileage by age group, changes, 2005–2015

+13% +12% +8% +3% +6%

18 to 29 yrs 30 to 49 yrs 50 to 64 yrs -1% -8% -11% -11%

FPopulation +39% +39% +36% C Cars per 1,000 +24% inhabitants +21% +20% C Mileage (km) per inhabitant

65 to 74 yrs 75 yrs or older

Society 51 1.67 Average travel distance, 2015 1.68 Tra c intensity: average number of vehicles per hour on nationalroads, 2016 Total Natural gas Diesel Less than 1,000 Plug-in hybrid 1,000 to 2,000 Electric LPG 2,000 to 3,000 Petrol 3,000 to 4,000 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 4,000 or more x 1,000 km No data

The average total distance covered by electric cars was 16.3 thousand km in 2015, while plug-in hybrids covered 17.4 thousand km. Most of these cars were company cars: 85 percent of plug-in hybrids were used for commercial purposes. Likewise, cars powered by natural gas and diesel were often used as company cars. These accounted for the longest distance on average with over 26 thousand and 23 thousand km respectively per year. The least popular cars were those on LPG and petrol.

The average number of vehicles per hour on national trunk roads varies widely per region. In the Utrecht region with national trunk roads A1, A2, A12, A27 and A28, average hourly traffic intensity in 2016 was 4,286 passenger cars, freight vehicles, buses and motorcycles. 1.69 Top 5 car brands, 1 January 2016 This makes Utrecht the Netherlands’ busiest region. Traffic intensity is 16 times higher than

18 to 29 yrs around Delfzijl, the region with the lowest Volkswagen Golf number of road users. Volkswagen Polo Peugeot 206 Ford Ka The most popular car models among Dutch Sea Ibiza 65 yrs or older drivers under the age of 30 are the Volkswagen Renault Megane Scenic Golf and the Volkswagen Polo. The over-65s also Toyota Yaris Volkswagen Polo like Volkswagen, but even more popular are the Opel Agila Renault Megane Scenic and the Toyota Yaris. Volkswagen Golf

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Eighty percent in the Dutch population aged 17 x 1,000 and over hold a driving licence. Ninety percent 1.70 Driving licence holding, 1 January 2017 of people between 50 and 59 have a driving licence, the highest percentage among all age Total pop. aged 17 or over groups. In the youngest (under 30 years) and 17–19 yrs 20–29 yrs the oldest age groups (75 years and over), 30–39 yrs fewer people hold a licence. 40–49 yrs 50–59 yrs 60–64 yrs 65–74 yrs 75 yrs or over

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % of population aged 17 yrs or over

Society 53 Car ownership and mileage in 2016

612 per 100

284 per 100 14,100 km 13,000 km aOwnership Mileage aOwnership Mileagea

18 to 29-year-olds 30 to 64-year-olds

54 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Car ownership and mileage in 2016 1.71 Passengers at Dutch airports, by origin/ The number of passengers flying to or from destination Dutch airports has grown steadily for several 612 years. x million In 2016, nearly 70.3 million passengers checked per 100 80 60 in and out at Dutch airports, up from 40 48.6 million in 2006. Low-cost carriers have 284 20 contributed to the growth in air traffic across 0 Europe. per 100 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 14,100 km 13,000 km Europe Intercontinental aOwnership Mileage aOwnership Mileagea

18 to 29-year-olds 30 to 64-year-olds

Society 55 Well-being 1.72 Happiness and life satisfaction

% of people aged 18 yrs or older The Dutch are generally very happy people. 100 Almost 9 in 10 adults say they are happy. 90 A slightly smaller group are satisfied with life in 80 general. Both shares have remained stable in 0 recent years. 1997 2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2016 Due to a change in research methodology, figures over 2012–2016 are not entirely comparable with figures over 1997–2010. Happy Satisfied with life

Almost 88 percent of the adult population say 1.73 Share of satis ed people in the Netherlands, 2016 they are satisfied with their housing situation.

The neighbourhood is rated positively by a Satisfied with slightly smaller share. Lower satisfaction levels Life are seen when it comes to people’s physical of which health, their financial situation and the amount Housing of free time they have available. Neighbourhood As for job satisfaction, people who were asked Work Well-being this question worked at least 12 hours a week. Social life Those working less than 12 hours per week or Education opportunities not in paid employment were asked about their Daily activities level of satisfaction with daily activities. Amount of free time Financial situation Physical health

0 25 50 75 100 % of people aged 18 yrs or older

56 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 1.74 Financial satisfaction People with higher incomes tend to be more satisfied with their financial situation than those % of people aged 18 yrs or older on lower incomes. Among people in the lowest 100 90 income quartile, slightly less than half are 80 70 happy about their financial situation; this 60 50 satisfaction level has not risen over the past few 40 30 years, either. By contrast, the share of people in 20 10 the higher income groups who are happy about 0 2013 2014 2015 2016 their financial situation has increased. In the highest income group, 9 in 10 people are satisfied with their financial situation.

Second income quartile Top income quartile Bottom income quartile Third income quartile There is a relation between obesity and health situation. Severely obese people are least likely 1.75 Satisfaction with health status to be satisfied with their own health, while those with a healthy body weight are most positive about their health situation. Underweight Underweight people are slightly more positive Healthy weight about their health than those who are moderately overweight. Moderately overweight The relation between body weight and well- Severely overweight being is less distinct. People with a healthy body weight report the highest well-being 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 while the lowest well-being is felt among those % of people aged 18 yrs or older who are underweight. The differences in Physical health Mental health psychological well-being are not very large, however.

Society 57 Personal well-being increases as the 1.76 High personal well-being and educational educational attainment level gets higher: over attainment level, 2016 70 percent of people with a higher education % of people aged 18 yrs or older level also have high personal well-being, versus 100 less than half of the lower educated. 90 80 Personal well-being is captured in a single 70 60 figure which summarises eight different aspects 50 40 of well-being, including health, material 30 20 wealth, social relations and safety feelings. 10 0 Low Medium High The higher the level of education, the more trust people have in their fellow citizens. The level of social trust among the highly educated (i.e. those with a professional or 1.77 Social trust and educational attainment level, academic Master’s degree) stood at 85 percent. 2016 Among people with only basic education, the level is not even 40 percent. HBO/WO Master

HBO/WO Bachelor

MBO 2,3,4, HAVO, VWO VMBO, junior HAVO/VWO, MBO Level 1 Primary education

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 % of people aged 18 yrs or older

58 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 How happy are the Dutch?

Married 92%

Divorced 82%

Widowed 75%

Society 59

2. Economy Trends

Gradual recovery from severe recession Unemployment still high The Dutch economy grew by 2.2 percent in The fact that the Netherlands has climbed out of 2016. It was the second year in a row that the deep recession is furthermore evident from economy grew by more than 2 percent. In recent labour market developments. recent years, the Dutch growth rate has stood Unemployment stood at precisely 6 percent of out favourably among European countries. the working-age population in 2016 and is still However, the economic crisis also ran deeper in at historically high levels. At the end of 2016, the Netherlands. On balance, the Dutch 467 thousand people under the AOW entitlement economy has not developed very favourably age were dependent on income support, since 2008; France, for example, has seen more 17 thousand up from one year previously. Most rapid growth. other labour market developments were positive. Around 100 thousand new jobs were Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, a created and the unemployment rate saw the measure for economic prosperity, exceeded the largest decrease in a decade. The number of level of 2008 for the first time in 2016 on the unemployment (WW) benefit recipients declined back of further economic recovery. This was also as well, while the number of employees on the case in many other EU countries, except in permanent contracts increased for the first time the south. The Netherlands’ GDP per capita is in years. However, the share of permanent one of the highest in the European Union. employees in the total active labour force declined further.

Economy 61 Median household income increased by 2.1 Gross domestic product (GDP) 2.3 percent in 2016, partly due to rising 2008=100 employment. The average wage increase was 110 relatively high as well. CLA wages rose much 108 faster (by 1.8 percent on average) than 106 consumer prices, which saw only a minor 104 102 increase. Consumer spending as a portion of 100 household income has continued to rise in 98 recent years. In addition, companies have spent 96 94 a greater share of their revenues. 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015* 2016* Multifaceted growth The current economic recovery is broad-based.

The export motor keeps running, while Eurozone EU Belgium Germany consumption and especially investments have Netherlands France UK picked up again in recent years, with residential Source: Eurostat. investment up in particular. The volume of export of goods produced in the Netherlands grew by 4.0 percent in 2016. In line with this, 2.2 Unemployment rate the manufacturing industry had a good year. % of the labour force Furthermore, the construction sector has begun 8 7 recovering after a severe contraction between 6 5 2009 and 2013. In addition, the hotel and 4 3 restaurant sector recorded solid growth, as did 2 1 business services, especially the temporary 0 employment and travel sectors. ‘03 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16

62 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Fast-growing sectors, 2016 +5.2%

+2.8% +3.0%

Trade Manufacturing Hotel and restaurant

+9.3% +7.7% +8.8%

Construction Travel Temping

Economy 63 On the other hand,the mining and quarrying countries. In 2013, residential property sales sector has fared significantly less well. Due to had nearly halved relative to 2006. The number further reductions in natural gas extraction, of transactions increased sharply after that. In revenues in this sector have dropped sharply in 2016, 215 thousand (existing) dwellings were recent years. The government’s natural gas sold, breaking the old record of 2006. House revenues have fallen by more than 75 percent prices are on average still lower than their peak over the past three years. If natural gas in 2008. Only cities such as Amsterdam and production had remained at the same level as Utrecht have reached pre-crisis levels again or the previous year, economic growth in 2016 even exceeded them. Just as house prices fell would have amounted to 2.5 percent. and the decreasing number of transactions had a dampening effect on the economy, rising Increased activity on the housing market prices and number of trans­actions have had The slump on the Dutch housing market is often positive effects: people buying a house usually quoted as the main cause of the relatively deep also spend on items such as kitchens, furniture recession as compared to many other European and paint.

2.3 Value added in mining and quarrying sector bn euros, in prices of 2010 25 20 15 10 5 0 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016*

64 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Moderately rising consumer prices 2.4 Existing home sales, price and volume Although house prices rose again considerably in 2016, only a modest rise was seen in prices 2010=100 x 1,000 for consumer goods and services. In July 2016 140 400 prices were on average even lower than one 120 300 year previously. Falling energy prices in 100 200 particular had a significant downward effect on

80 100 average price levels. Prices did increase slightly more rapidly in the final quarter. On average, 60 0 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15 ‘16 consumer prices were only 0.3 percent up on the previous year. The rise in consumer prices excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco was small at 0.8 percent. Selling prices (right-hand scale) Number of owner-occupied houses sold

Higher CO2 emissions The Netherlands’ recent economic growth has had consequences for the environment. After adjustments for the slightly colder winter weather, CO2 emissions increased by 1.2 percent in 2016 relative to the previous year. On the other hand, coal consumption by power stations was much lower in 2016. The share of renewable energy in total electricity production increased from 11 to 13 percent.

Economy 65 Figures 2.5 Annual yield of cucumbers and tomatoes

1,000 kg/ha Agriculture 1,000 750 Yields in greenhouse vegetable cultivation have 500 increased substantially. In 1950, cucumber 250 cultivation yielded approximately 10 kg per 0 square metre. This had risen to nearly 70 kg per 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016* square metre by 2016. For tomato growers, yields rose nearly 8-fold. Innovations have played an important role in this growth. From the mid- Cucumbers Tomatoes 1960s onwards, greenhouses were heated by natural gas from Slochteren, and the residual CO2 – not containing pollutants such as flue gases – could be used for fertilising purposes. 2.6 Livestock on farms In the 1970s, crop growing on substrate was 2016=100 introduced, allowing better control of 300 temperatures as well as better delivery of moisture and nutrients. 200

As shown by this graph, developments in the 100 Dutch livestock population have been fairly 0 volatile. After the introduction of milk quotas and 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 the imposition of fines for excess milk production (super levies) in 1984, the mature dairy cattle population declined considerably. Anticipating Goats Broilers Mature dairy cattle the abolition of the milk quota system, dairy Veal calves Pigs Sheep

66 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.7 Agriculture and horticulture workers farmers started to slowly increase their livestock herds. By 1 April 2015, the number of dairy cows x 1,000 800 had increased again to 1.62 million, and the population increased further to 1.74 million by 600 1 April 2016. 400 Meanwhile, structural measures have been taken

200 which are aimed at reducing the dairy herd in order to meet phosphate limits. These include a 0 1950 1959 1965 1972 1980 1991 2000 2010 2015 2016 subsidy scheme which will pay farmers who want to fully stop producing milk (the Stoppersregeling), as well as a step-by-step reduction of the dairy herd on dairy farms. Family workers Non-family workers

Employment levels in agriculture and horticulture 2.8 Agricultural holdings with/without successor have decreased markedly since 1950. There were 580 thousand permanent workers in 1950. This number had dropped to 172 thousand by 2016. 2016 The average labour force now amounts to 3.1 per 2012 holding. The number is highest in the greenhouse areas of Westland and around Aalsmeer. The 2008 decline was mainly due to mechanisation, 2004 rationalisation and increasing scale.

2000 Most farms do not have an exclusive successor. 0 10 20 30 40 50 Of the 25 thousand agricultural holdings where x 1,000 the holder is 55 years old or over, more than With successor Without successor 15 thousand do not have any successors.

Economy 67 The share is higher among the larger holdings 2.9 Cut ower growing area, 2016 (up to 70 percent) than among medium-sized holdings (50 percent). The small holdings find it Total 1,860 ha especially difficult to find a successor: in 2016, 2.2% Anthuriums only one in four had arranged for this. 20.4% Chrysanthemums Dairy farms are relatively most likely to find a 32.8% Freesias successor. Least likely are sheep farms, as well as Gerberas pot-plant and bedding-plant holdings. 4.3% Lilies Orchids Cut flower production under glass has decreased Roses 10.2% by 40 percent in the span of a decade. The area Other cut flowers of land used for lilies was down by 40 percent, 14.0% 7.5% while the area for freesias has almost been 8.6% halved. The area used for roses decreased by nearly two-thirds. Cut flower production in the 2.10 Cereal growing area Netherlands is affected by competition from 1,000 ha African countries in particular. 600

Cultivation of rye and oats has seen a steep fall 400 since 1950s, nearly disappearing from the Netherlands by 2016. Rye (1.6 thousand hectares) 200 and oats (1.5 thousand hectares) were primarily used as fodder and have been replaced by silage 0 maize and soy. Barley, on the other hand (at 1951 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016 35 thousand hectares), has stood the test of time. Barley is also supplied to beer breweries, provided the quality is deemed acceptable. Barley Oats Rye Wheat

68 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.11 Apple and pear crops and growing area Fruit production has grown multiplefold since the 1950s, due to an increase in productivity 100 ha million kg 480 800 outpacing the decline in the acreage for fruit orchards. Back in 1950, the yield from one 360 600 hectare of apple trees was 6 tonnes. But in 240 400 2016, the same hectare of land would yield 120 200 43 tonnes of apples. Productivity at pear

0 0 orchards increased a bit more slowly with a 1951 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2016* yield of nearly 8 tonnes per hectare in 1950s and nearly 40 tonnes by 2015.

Pear growing area Pear crops (right-hand scale) The raised productivity is mainly the result of Apple growing area Apple crops (right-hand scale) more mineral fertilisers and pesticides. In addition, improved plant breeding techniques, exchange of knowledge among growers and business innovations have contributed significantly.

Economy 69 Business services 2.12 Turnover in business services

year-on-year % change 2010=100 Business services turnover was up by 5.6 percent 24 130 in 2016. It was the third consecutive year of turnover growth relative to the previous year. 16 120 Since 2007, business services turnover has risen 8 110 by 19.1 percent. Dutch travel agents and tour operators realised over 90 percent more 0 100 turnover in 2016 than ten years previously. -8 90 However, not all the industry sectors within 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 business services achieved higher turnover; publishers and architects, for example, reported losses of more than 25 percent over this Turnover Turnover index (right-hand scale) ten-year period.

In 2016, architectural firms posted their 2.13 Turnover by architectural rms strongest turnover growth in ten years, namely year-on-year % change 2010=100 7.3 percent. It was the third consecutive year of 20 140 growth; after hitting a record low in 2013, the firms are back on track but their turnover 10 120 continues to be far below pre-crisis levels. 0 100

-10 80

-20 60 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Turnover Turnover index (right-hand scale) 70 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.14 Turnover and hours by employment agencies Turnover in the (temporary) staffing sector rose by 7.6 percent in 2016. Both turnover and hours year-on-year % change 2010=100 40 140 fell sharply after the crisis of 2008 and growth was negative once again in 2012, one year before the 2013 economic downturn. Since 2014, temp hours and turnover have shown an 20 120 upward trend again.

0 100

-20 80 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Turnover Temp hours Turnover index (right-hand scale)

Economy 71 Construction and housing

Turnover in the construction sector grew by one year previously. At 4.0 percent, turnover 6.5 percent in 2016 relative to the previous year. growth was slowest for large businesses (over The highest growth rate was recorded in 100 employed persons). residential and non-residential construction: 9.4 percent. The civil engineering segment At the end of 2016, business confidence reached suffered a decline in turnover of 1.4 percent. its highest level since 2008. In the construction Small businesses (employing up to 10 persons) sector, it rose above all other sectors and above achieved the best results with turnover the private sector as a whole. Building increasing 8.5 percent on average relative to contractors report a positive mood with well- filled order books.

2.15 Turnover construction 2.16 Entrepreneurial con dence (seasonally adjusted) 2010=100

140 Balance % positive and negative answers 50 120

100 25

0 80

-25 0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 -50 I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Civil engineering Specialised construction Residential and non-residential Total private sector Construction

72 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Source: CBS, EIB, KvK, MKB-Nederland, VNO-NCW. 2.17 Bankruptcies construction The number of bankruptcies decreased in the construction sector for the third year on end and 1,750 stood at 539 in 2016, the lowest number in 1,500 years.

1,250

1,000 In 2016, 51 thousand building permits were granted for new dwellings, 2.5 thousand 750 (5 percent) less than in 2015. The number of 500 permits for owner-occupied homes 250 (35 thousand) fell by 2 percent, for tenant- 0 occupied homes (15.8 thousand) by 10 percent. 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Housing corporations in particular had fewer projects. The number of permits for new-build homes in 2016 was above the low point in 2013, but 2.18 Building permits issued for new homes certainly not yet back to pre-recession levels. x 1,000 During the period 2006-2008, for example,

70 90 thousand permits for new-build homes were 60 granted each year. 50 40 30 20 10 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Own homes Rented dwellings

Economy 73 Nearly 54 thousand new-build homes were 2.19 New-build dwellings reported as completed in 2016. This is more x 1,000 than 11 percent up on 2015, representing the 60 highest number since 2012 and taking the current dwelling stock to 7,686 thousand 40 (total by the end of Q4 2016). 20 House sales continued to rise in 2016. Over the year, 215 thousand homes were sold. 0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 This is almost 40 thousand more than in 2015. The number of transactions in 2016 was even 2 percent up from the peak year 2006. Sales were up in all provinces, particularly in Flevoland (28 percent); the lowest increase 2.20 Existing owner-occupied dwellings, sales and prices was in Noord-Holland (11 percent). 2010 2014 2015 2016

year-on-year % changes House price index of existing own homes –2,2 0,9 2,8 5,0

x 1,000 Number of transactions 126 154 178 215

74 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.21 Average age of homebuyers, 2016 In 2016, the average age of first-time home­ buyers was 39.4 years, up from 36.1 in 2007. 30 to 35 (yrs) The average age started to decline from the 35 to 40 (yrs) outset of the economic crisis in 2008. The share 40 to 45 (yrs) of (older) existing homebuyers dropped, 45 to 50 (yrs) leaving relatively more opportunities for 50 or more (yrs) (younger) starters on the housing market. The average age of homebuyers increased again as of 2010, possibly due to stricter mortgage regulations effective as of 2013. Buying a new home became increasingly difficult as a result, especially for prospective starters.

Economy 75 Energy 2.22 Electricity supply and consumption

bn kWh Over the past few years, electricity consumption 150 has remained fairly stable at around 120 billion kWh. Consumption was at its highest level in 100 2008 (124 billion kWh). This level has not been reached since, due to the financial crisis of 50 2008, the resulting low economic growth as 0 well as the savings effects of new energy-­ 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016* efficient appliances. Fluctuations in electricity production are related to developments in the international electricity market. Consumption Production Imports minus exports Total electricity consumption is calculated as the sum of domestic production and net import 2.23 Coal consumption balance (imports minus exports). bn kg 15 Coal is used for electricity generation as well as 13 iron and steel production. Considerably more 10 electricity has been produced from coal in 8 recent years as new coal-fired plants were 5 gradually being put into service. Coal 3 0 consumption declined slightly in 2016 when 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014** 2016* three old plants were closed down. Coal consumption for the production of iron and steel is fairly stable. Electricity production Iron and steel production

76 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.24 Natural gas extraction from soil Natural gas production has dropped substantially in recent years. As earthquakes in bn m³ Groningen province caused by gas extraction 100 have posed increased safety risks, the 80 government has gradually reduced the 60 production cap. This has had a major impact on 40 national gas revenues, which came under 20 further pressure as a result of falling natural gas 0 prices. 2000 2004 2008 2012 2016*

Average annual natural gas consumption in homes showed a downward trend as of 2004. Actual consumption is partly related to average outside temperatures and therefore shows an unpredictable pattern. When adjusted for 2.25 Average natural gas consumption in homes temperature differences between the years, m³ per year there was a decline of around 25 percent over 2,000 this period. Energy-saving measures, energy- 1,600 efficient new-build homes and an increase in

1,200 alternative heat sources such as district heating

800 and heat pumps all contributed to this decline.

400

0 ‘04 ‘05 ‘06 ‘07 ‘08 ‘09 ‘10 ‘11 ‘12 ‘13 ‘14 ‘15

Consumption adjusted for Actual consumption temperature

Economy 77 Renewable electricity production from sources 2.26 Renewable energy production such as wind, biomass, solar and hydro power is bn kWh on the rise; there was a year-on-year increase 16 of 15 percent in 2016. A major contributor was 14 the new offshore wind farm near the island of 12 10 Schiermonnikoog with a capacity of 8 600 megawatts. In 2016, almost 13 percent of 6 4 total electricity consumption in the Netherlands 2 was generated sustainably, up from 11 percent 0 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16* in 2015.

Compared to 2006, there was a 50 percent decline in the consumption of liquefied Wind energy Biomass energy Hydro and solar energy petroleum gas (LPG) for road vehicles in 2016. 2.27 Motor fuel consumption A main reason for this is that the number of cars on LPG has been halved since 2003. Petrol bn kg consumption has increased, as in the previous 10 year; although petrol cars have become more 8 fuel efficient, they drive more vehicle- 6 kilometres as the economy picks up. Diesel 4 consumption has stabilised over the past few 2 years. 0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016*

Diesel Petrol LPG

78 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.28 Aviation kerosine consumption The strong growth in air traffic has taken kerosene consumption levels to a record high. bn kg 4 Consumption was 2.5 percent higher in 2016 than in the previous year, almost exclusively on 3 account of international air traffic. Schiphol Airport serves as an airline hub and stop-over 2 point where aircraft need to be refuelled. This 1 refuelling requires a total amount of energy equivalent to 165 petajoules (PJ), as much as 0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016* the level of petrol consumption by vehicles.

Producer prices of energy commodities have fallen in recent years. In 2016, natural gas prices declined in particular by as much as 30 percent. 2.29 Prices of energy carriers Electricity prices are influenced by coal and gas 2010=100 prices, as a lot of electricity is produced from 150 these sources. Producer prices refer to prices of commodities which are available for domestic 100 consumption. These are the amounts receivable by the producer or importer for the energy 50 product supplied. They are affected by developments in Europe and the rest of the 0 world and may fluctuate widely accordingly. 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016*

Electricity Coal and coal products Natural gas Crude oil and petroleum products Economy 79 Enterprises 2.30 Businesses, Q2

x million The number of businesses in the Netherlands 2.0 has grown steadily since 2007 and stood at just 1.5 over 1.6 million at the beginning of Q2 2017. 1.0 In each year since 2007, the number of one- 0.5 man businesses has increased more significantly 0 than the number of businesses with other legal 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017* structures. One-man businesses are a popular legal form among the self-employed. Over one-quarter of all one man-businesses operate One-man business Other businesses and institutions in business services.

The highest number of enterprises is found in the business services sector: 380 thousand at 2.31 Businesses by sector, Q2 2017* the beginning of Q2 2017, which are often one-man businesses (sole traders). The sector trade, transportation and hotels and restaurants Business services Trade, transport, hotels and restaurants ranks second with nearly 320 thousand Government, education, care enterprises, followed by the sector government, Culture, recreation, other services education and care and the sector culture, Construction Financial services recreation and other services, each comprising Information and communication around 200 enterprises and institutions. The Agriculture and fisheries sector renting and real estate activities had the Manufacturing and energy Real estate activities lowest number of enterprises at the beginning of Q2 2017, namely 25 thousand. 0 100 200 300 400 500 x 1,000

80 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.32 Business by legal form, Q2 2017* Almost two-thirds of all enterprises and institutions are sole proprietorships (one-man Total 1.6 million businesses). Another common business structure 2.1% 0.9% 2.4% is the private limited liability company (Besloten

9.9% One-man business Vennootschap, BV). In Q2 2017, more than one Private limited liability out of five companies had this legal form. One company (BV) in ten are general partnerships (Vennootschap General partnership (VOF) Association or foundation Onder Firma, VOF). Partnership, cooperation 21.3% Other In 2016, 5 thousand companies went out of 63.4% business: 4.4 thousand enterprises and institutions and 600 persons registered as sole traders. The total number of bankruptcies in 2016 was 17 percent lower than in 2015. It is also the lowest level since 2009. As in previous 2.33 Bankruptcies years, most bankruptcies were pronounced in x 1,000 the trade sector, followed by financial services. 10

8

6

4

2

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Economy 81 International trade 2.34 International trade in goods

bn euros Due to the economic crisis that started in 2008, 450 the import and export value of goods 400 plummeted in 2009. International trade 350 gradually recovered after that and the import 300 and export value of goods surged again. As of 250 2012, the import value has fluctuated around 0 375 billion euros; the export value around 425 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 * billion euros.

The Netherlands imported 381 billion euros Import value Export value worth of goods in 2016. Machinery and transport equipment accounted for one-third. Mineral fuels and chemical products had a share 2.35 International trade in goods, 2016* of 14 percent each. The Dutch export value of goods amounted to 432 billion euros in 2016, of which nearly 30 percent was on account of Import value machines and transport equipment. Chemical products attributed 18 percent to the export Export value value; food and live animals nearly 14 percent. Goods produced in the Netherlands relatively 0 25 50 75 100 made the largest contribution to the export of % food and live animals. In machines and Machinery and transport equipment Food and live animals transport equipment, the re-export value was Mineral fuels Manufactured goods highest. Chemical products Other

82 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.36 Top 10 countries importing goods, 2016* In 2016, the bulk of Dutch goods imports originated from the European Union

Germany (54 percent). Goods from Germany represented Belgium by far the highest import value, followed by China United States goods from Belgium, China and the United United Kingdom States, although far behind Germany by 30 to 35 France billion euros. Russia Italy Norway The highest value in Dutch goods exports stays Japan within the European Union: almost three- 0 25 50 75 quarters in 2016. The single most important bn euros destination is Germany (nearly 100 billion euros). Other EU countries occupy second to fifth place among the top ten destinations. The value 2.37 Top 10 countries exporting goods, 2016* of exports to these individual countries is however significantly lower than of exports to Germany. In sixth place is the United States as Germany Belgium the first non-EU destination. United Kingdom France Italy United States Spain Poland China Sweden

0 25 50 75 100 bn euros Export value of Dutch products Re-export value

Economy 83 In 2016, the Netherlands imported almost 2.38 Import and export value of services 150 billion euros and exported 160 billion euros worth of services, for example 15 percent more Import value imports and 7 percent more exports relative to 2014 2014. This increase mainly took place in 2015. 2015 Over the past three years, cross-border trade in 2016* services – both imports and exports – has Export value increasingly been focused on the European 2014 2015 Union. In 2016, the EU accounted for 66 percent 2016* of service exports and 56 percent of service imports. 0 50 100 150 200 bn euros EU Non-EU International service trade involves a wide variety of services. In 2016, around half the value of this trade – both imports and exports – 2.39 International trade in services, 2016* consists of telecommunication, computer and information services as well as other business services. In addition, imports often concern Import value royalties (19 percent), for example payments for the right to use intellectual property. In exports, transport services occupy third place with a Export value share of 19 percent. The share of royalties in the export value amounts to 13 percent. 0 25 50 75 100 The growth of the international trade in services % recorded in 2015 was mainly related to a Other business services Royalties Telecommunication/computer services Travel peaking trade in royalties that year. This trade Transport services Other levelled off again in 2016.

84 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.40 Size of the economy Macroeconomic trends year-on-year % change 2011-I=100 6 115 Measured by gross domestic product (GDP), the Dutch economy grew by 2.2 percent in 2016, a slightly higher rate than in 2015. This is 4 the highest growth rate since the onset of the economic crisis in 2008. Major contributors to this growth were domestic spending, 2 105 investments and consumption. Unlike in 2015, the balance of trade (the difference between

0 exports and imports) was also positive in 2016.

-2 95 I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Change Index (right-hand scale)

Economy 85 Some regions perform better than others. 2.41 Regional economic growth, 2016* Amsterdam and the Zaanstreek and Haarlemmer­meer areas achieved strong growth Less than 1.5 (%) at 2.9 percent or more in 2016. While 1.5 to 2.0 (%) 2.0 to 2.5 (%) Amsterdam benefited from an increase in 2.5 to 3.0 (%) renting and other real estate activities, growth 3.0 or more (%) in the Zaanstreek was due to the food industry. The Haarlemmer­meer area flourished thanks to the presence of Schiphol airport. The city of Utrecht saw slower growth (2.3 percent) owing to contraction in the financial sector. The growth rate of Rotterdam’s local economy (2.3 percent) was affected by a decline in the transport and storage sector.

86 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.42 Economic growth In 2016, the Dutch economy grew at a higher pace than the average across the European 2011-I=100 120 Union (1.8 percent). The Netherlands’ national GDP growth (2.2 percent) exceeded growth in 110 Germany (1.9 percent) and the United Kingdom (1.8 percent). GDP growth was also lower in 100 Belgium (1.2 percent) and in France 90 (1.1 percent).

0 I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV In 2016 revenues from taxes and national 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 insurance contributions increased by over 17 billion euros. VAT revenues rose by nearly 4 billion euros, and the private sector paid

Eurozone Belgium Japan USA nearly 5 billion euros more in corporate tax. The Netherlands Germany UK wage and income tax including social insurance Source: Eurostat contributions was nearly 7 billion euros higher. Public expenditure saw a slight decline, partly 2.43 Public revenue and expenditure due to the 3 billion euro reduction in bn euros contributions to the European Union which took 350 effect over the last few years. 300 The interest burden dropped by around 1 billion 250 euros due to historically low interest rates and 200 decreasing debt. In 2016, the government had a 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016* general surplus revenue for the first time since 2008, to the amount of 2.9 billion euros or 0.4 percent of GDP.

Revenue Expenditure

Economy 87 Consumer confidence improved further in 2016. 2.44 Con dence It declined over the first few months of the year % positive answers and % negative answers but then recovered rapidly, reaching the highest 30 level in over nine years by the end of 2016. Consumers considered it a favourable time to 20 make large purchases and were positive about 10 their own financial situation over the next 12 months, leading to increased consumer 0 spending in 2016. Q4 growth in consumer –10 spending was the highest in nine years. –20 Producer confidence already improved in the first half of 2016, reaching its highest level in –30 over five years in June. This was followed by a –40 drop but then a rebounce, ending at levels similar to the spring of 2016 by December. –50 The positive mood among producers is in line J A J O J A J O J A J O J A J O J A J O J A J O J A with output levels in the manufacturing 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 ­industry.

Consumer confidence Producer confidence

88 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 In 2016, natural gas extraction generated the natural gas production. The adverse affects 2.4 billion euros in government revenues. of gas extraction in Groningen province have This is nearly 13 billion euros lower than in led the government to downward adjustment of 2013 and the lowest level since 1975. Natural the gas production ceiling. gas revenues contributed 0.8 percent to total The annual volume of extraction from gas fields government revenue, the lowest share in the Dutch part of the North Sea has also since 1969. decreased steadily. The decline in government The fall in natural gas revenues over the past revenues from natural gas extraction is few years has partly been the result of cuts in furthermore the result of lower prices.

2.45 Natural gas revenues bn euros % 16 16

12 12

8 8

4 4

0 0 1969 1978 1987 1996 2005 2014 2016

Natural gas revenues Share in total government revenue (right-hand scale)

Economy 89 Manufacturing 2.46 Turnover in manufacturing industries, 2016

After falling turnover figures in nine consecutive Petroleum and chemical products quarters, manufacturing turnover rose by Electrotechnical products and machinery Textiles 1.1 percent in Q4 2016 year-on-year. The Metal Food, beverages and tobacco sharpest rise was recorded in the furniture Paper and printing industry: 8.2 percent. Turnover growth in the Furniture Transport equipment industries producing petroleum derivatives, Wood and construction chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and rubber and Total manufacturing plastic products contributed to the upward trend -12 -8 -4 0 4 8 12 in the industry as a whole. Despite the increase year-on-year % change in Q4, manufacturing turnover decreased by 2.9 percent in 2016.

Output prices in industry were 2.5 percent up in 2.47 Output prices in manufacturing, 2016 Q4 2016 year-on-year. The OPEC agreement was responsible for price increases in the petroleum Petroleum and chemical products industry. Furthermore, prices went up in the Paper and printing Electrotechnical products and machinery industries producing (basic) metals, food and Metal chemical products as well as in the automotive Textiles Transport equipment industry. The sharpest price drop was seen in Food, beverages and tobacco Furniture the electrotechnical and machinery industries: Wood and construction

2.9 percent. On an annual basis, however, prices Total manufacturing dropped by 3.6 percent. -12 -8 -4 0 4 year-on-year % change

90 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.48 Bankruptcies in manufacturing The number of pronounced bankruptcies in manufacturing has fallen considerably since 1,000 2013. In that year, 839 businesses went 800 bankrupt versus only 365 in 2016, representing 600 a decrease of 56.5 percent. 400

200 Out of every one euro earned by the Dutch

0 manufacturing industry, 70 euro cents are 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 generated by exports. In 2015, manufacturing added over 71 billion euros in value, of which nearly 50 billion euros were on account of exports. The chemical industry is 92 percent dependent on foreign markets. By contrast, the furniture industry is much more focused on 2.49 Industrial products sold abroad domestic demand. Its export dependence amounts to 29 percent. Germany, Belgium, the % of value added in manufacturing United Kingdom, France, the United States and 80 Italy were the most important export 60 destinations in 2015, similar to 2006. China 40 occupies seventh place and is a key runner-up.

20 China’s share in the manufacturing industry’s total export earnings has increased from 1.3 to 0 2.9 percent since 2006. 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015

Economy 91 Prices 2.50 Producer prices in manufacturing

2010=100 In the period January 2005-December 2016, 150 manufacturing prices rose by more than 25 percent while prices in the food industry increased by nearly 40 percent. Within the food 125 industry, the sharpest price rise relative to

January 2005 was in edible oils and fats with 100 96 percent.

75

50

0 I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Food industry Food fats and oils industry Manufacturing

92 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 At the beginning of 2017, producer prices started picking up again in nearly all sectors after a four-year decline. This trend was mainly determined by price developments in the petroleum industry, which recorded a year-on- year increase of 60 percent in the first quarter. Chemical industry prices rose by 12 percent year-on-year. Prices of chemical products are greatly influenced by price changes in the petroleum industry.

2.51 Producer prices year-on-year % change 100

50

0

-50

I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I

2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017

Manufacturing Petroleum industry Chemical industry

Economy 93 In 2016, prices of services rose by 0.4 percent on 2.52 Prices of commercial services and transport average relative to one year previously. 2010=100 The average price level was therefore over 120 6 percent higher than in 2007. Not all services became more expensive; prices fell in some 110 market segments within the transport and storage sector as well as the information and communication sector. 100

90

0 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Real estate activities Administrative and support services Transport and storage Total commercial services and transport Liberal professions and scientific and technical services Information and communication

94 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.53 Prices of real estate related services In 2016, prices of real estate services increased by 1.9 percent on average, a sign of sustained year-on-year % change recovery as of 2015. The malaise on the 6 residential and commercial property markets 4 was felt by all service providers in the years

2 after 2008: movers, real estate agents and architects all suffered from falling prices. Real 0 estate agents experienced the strongest decline -2 at 12 percent relative to 2007. Only removal -4 services have more or less returned to their pre-crisis price levels. -6 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 CPI inflation in the Netherlands according to the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP)

Removals Brokerage services Architects averaged 0.1 percent in 2016, the lowest inflation rate since 1997. Eurozone inflation 2.54 Consumer price changes in Europe (HICP) amounted to 0.2 percent on a yearly basis.

% The European Central Bank (ECB) uses this 6 information to make monetary policy decisions.

4 In the pursuit of price stability, the ECB aims at maintaining inflation rates below, but close to, 2 2 percent over the medium term. 0 ‘97 ‘00 ‘03 ‘06 ‘09 ‘12 ‘15 ‘16

Eurozone Netherlands ECB target Source: CBS, Eurostat.

Economy 95 In 2016, prices of existing owner-occupied 2.55 Price changes existing owner-occupied dwellings dwellings were on average 5 percent up from 2010=100 2015. General price levels on the markets for 130 existing homes in Amsterdam, Utrecht and

Rotterdam have already surpassed pre-crisis 120 levels. House prices reached a record high in August 2008, followed by a record low in June 110 2013 and an upward trend since then. In 2016, 215 thousand dwellings were sold, 100 the highest number of transactions since 1995. These transactions involved a record amount 90 exceeding 52 billion euros. 80

0 I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I IIIIV 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Amsterdam Utrecht Rotterdam Source: CBS, Kadaster.

96 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.56 Turnover in retail trade Trade, hotels and restaurants year-on-year % change 6 Retail trade posted a turnover growth of 1.9 percent and a growth in sales volume of 4 1.4 percent in 2016. It was the third consecutive year of turnover growth and represented the 2 highest increase ever recorded. Nevertheless, turnover was still 4 percent below the highest 0 2015 I 2015 II 2015 III 2015 IV 2016 I* 2016 II* 2016 III* 2016 IV* level on record before the crisis (2008). The strong growth in 2016 can be attributed to an outstanding fourth quarter, when turnover rose

Turnover Sales by 4.3 percent. The volume of sales surged as well by 3.2 percent. Quarterly growth figures of this size 2.57 Turnover in wholesale trade were realised in retail trade around ten years ago. Non-food retail in particular performed year-on-year % change well; consumers spent large amounts in clothes, 8 DIY and furniture shops. For grocery stores and 6 online shops, turnover grew strongly as well 4 relative to the previous quarters.

2 Turnover in wholesale trade continued to grow 0 in 2016, by 2.9 percent year-on-year. In Q4, -2 turnover growth even reached 7.0 percent. -4 Virtually all sectors recorded more turnover at 2015 I 2015 II 2015 III 2015 IV 2016 I* 2016 II* 2016 III* 2016 IV* year-end. The highest peaks were seen in the

Economy 97 raw materials sector, trade in non-food retail 2.58 Turnover in car and motorcycle trade (especially sporting goods), metal goods (+18.8 percent) and heating equipment Company cars (+8.4 percent). On the other hand, trade in ICT equipment Motorcycles showed a different development and recorded a Car service companies turnover decline of nearly 2 percent. Trade in car parts

Turnover in the car and motorcycle trade was up Passenger cars by nearly 2 percent in 2016 relative to the previous year. Passenger car trade recorded a Importers slight turnover increase, despite falling sales of new cars. Other sub-sectors of the car industry Total car and motorcycle trade did achieve considerable turnover growth in -10 0 10 20 2016, especially trade in company cars year-on-year % change (+11 ­percent) and motorcycles (+9 percent). 2016 2015 Car service points and auto part suppliers recorded growth as well. Growth figures in 2016 were even the highest since 2002.

98 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.59 Number of webshops The number of retail shops has dropped by 4.4 percent over the past decade. There are x 1,000 35 mainly fewer shops selling DVDs and CDs, photo 30 cameras as well as baby and children’s clothing 25 relative to 2007. On the other hand, the number 20 15 of online retailers has increased fivefold in this 10 period. 5 In 2016, there were over 95 thousand brick and 0 2007 2010 2013 2016 mortar shops in the Netherlands, down from 100 thousand in 2007. Many computer shops and shops selling small electronic equipment, such as DVD and CD players, have disappeared with a 20 percent decline since 2007. The number of clothing shops fell by 5 percent, while the number of telephone shops has risen by 37 percent since 2007. The number of 2.60 Dutch consumer purchases in EU webshops department stores, fishmongers and second- bn euros hand shops rose by more than 30 percent. 1.5 ­Clothing shops nowadays represent the majority of all brick and mortar shops. 1.0 In 2016, Dutch consumers bought over 1 billion 0.5 euros worth of goods through EU webshops: a 25 percent increase compared to 2015. They 0 2014 2015 2016 mainly bought clothing items and shoes. German webshops topped the list with a share of more than 50 percent in total related

Economy 99 ­purchasing value. Great Britain ranked second at 2.61 Turnover hotels and restaurants, 2016 around 12 percent, followed by Belgium and Italy at approximately 8 percent each. The other Hotels and 20 percent was spent in webshops from across restaurants the entire European Union. Hotels

Online purchases are those which are made by Snackbars Dutch consumers from companies located within the European Union but outside the Restaurants

Netherlands. Cafés

In 2016, hotels and restaurants recorded the -40 -20 0 20 40 % change compared to 2007 strongest turnover growth in ten years, namely Turnover Sales 6.5 percent. This represents an increase of 18.7 percent relative to 2007. The strongest turnover growth was realised by snackbars (+36.6 percent), followed by restaurants 2.62 Turnover in the fast food industry

(+21.9 percent) and hotels (+20.1 percent). year-on-year % change However, turnover declined for cafés by 8 2 percent in 2016 relative to 2006. The sales 6 volume declined by nearly 25 percent as prices rose steeply (nearly 30 percent). 4

2 Snackbars, which include fast-food chains, food 0 delivery services, lunchrooms and ice cream 2015 I 2015 II 2015 III 2015 IV 2016 I* 2016 II* 2016 III* 2016 IV* parlours, realised nearly 10 percent more turnover growth in 2016, the highest annual growth since 2006. The volume of refreshments Dutch customers Foreign customers

100 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.63 Nights spent in hotel accomodation sold accounted for 7.5 percent of this growth. These sales have risen again (substantially) x million 15 since Q1 2015.

10 The number of overnight stays at hotels went up by 3 million in 2016, from 41.6 million (2015) 5 to 44.6 million (2016). The increase in overnight stays was almost equally divided between 0 2015 I 2015 II 2015 III 2015 IV 2016 I* 2016 II* 2016 III* 2016 IV* Dutch guests and foreign guests.

Dutch guests Foreign guests

Economy 101 Transport by Dutch freight vehicles in 2016 Transport

In 2016, Dutch transport companies recorded a 2.64 Transport sector turnover 0.3 percent decline in turnover relative to the year-on-year % change previous year. It was the first decline in turnover 10 since 2009. While turnover fell in waterway transport and aviation, it rose instead in 5 101 million tonnes haulage (including rail and road transport). The strongest turnover growth in 2016 was recorded 0 by removal and courier companies. Transport to/from NL -5 Dutch lorries carried 657 million tonnes of 529 million tonnes goods in 2016, 2.5 percent up from one year -10 previously. The rise was entirely on account of domestic transport (+4%), while international -15 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016* road transport declined by 3.3 percent in 2016. 18 million tonnes Half of all goods in road transport are Domestic transport agricultural and food products or building materials. International cabotage

9 million tonnes Aa Transport of third-country goods

102 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Transport by Dutch freight vehicles in 2016 Transport

In 2016, Dutch transport companies recorded a 2.64 Transport sector turnover 0.3 percent decline in turnover relative to the year-on-year % change previous year. It was the first decline in turnover 10 since 2009. While turnover fell in waterway transport and aviation, it rose instead in 5 101 million tonnes haulage (including rail and road transport). The strongest turnover growth in 2016 was recorded 0 by removal and courier companies. Transport to/from NL -5 Dutch lorries carried 657 million tonnes of 529 million tonnes goods in 2016, 2.5 percent up from one year -10 previously. The rise was entirely on account of domestic transport (+4%), while international -15 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016* road transport declined by 3.3 percent in 2016. 18 million tonnes Half of all goods in road transport are Domestic transport agricultural and food products or building materials. International cabotage

9 million tonnes Aa Transport of third-country goods

Economy 103 Last year, the total volume of freight transport 2.65 Air freight transport to and from Dutch airports grew again after a million tonnes slight decrease in 2015. This growth was 2 confined to transport within Europe. Intercontinental freight transport saw a

2.4 percent volume decline in 2016. Air cargo 1 transport is predominantly intercontinental (86 wpercent), although this share has declined continually over the past few years. 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

The volume of goods carried by railway hauliers in 2016 exceeded 42 million tonnes. This represented an increase of 4.5 million tonnes Intercontinental Continental over 2015. Railway transport has grown steadily since 2012, entirely on account of international 2.66 Rail freight transport transport. Between 2012 and 2016, outward million tonnes transport grew by more than 11 percent and 60 inward transport even by 20 percent.

40

20

0 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Outward Inward Domestic Transit

104 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 2.67 Inward shipping, 2016 In 2016, inland shipping companies carried 366 million tonnes in goods. Inward shipping Total 66.7 million tonnes accounted for 66.7 million tonnes; over 1.8% 6.0% 90 percent of these goods were transported Belgium over rivers from Belgium or Germany. Inward Germany shipping from Belgium mainly consists of France refined petroleum products. Shipments from Other countries Germany mainly include container goods and 50.5% minerals such as sand and gravel.

41.7% After a three-year increase, the volume of goods unloaded at Dutch seaports declined in 2016 to 398 million tonnes, for example 2 percent less than one year previously. The bulk of goods 2.68 Goods unloaded at seaports, 2016 unloaded at Dutch ports were crude oil and petroleum products with a volume of Total 398 million tonnes 164 million tonnes, representing a year-on-year Crude oil and petroleum products decline of almost 3 percent. Another year-on- 28.5% Coal and lignite year decline among unloaded goods that year Ores was in coal transport (–5 percent). 41.5% Chemical products Other products

7.4%

8.9% 13.7%

Economy 105

3. Labour and income Trends

Flexible employment One-third of ‘flex workers’ indicate they prefer Flexible forms of work are on the rise in the flexibility or have no need for job security. Netherlands. In 2016, more than 1.8 million However, the majority of flex workers state they people – i.e. over one-fifth of the Dutch labour have no other choice: they were hired recently force – were in flexible employment, up from by their employer (38 percent) or have not been merely 1.1 million in 2003. Between 2003 and successful in securing permanent work 2016 the number of on-call (standby) and (30 percent). The disadvantages of flexible replacement workers even more than doubled, employment are a greater lack of employment while the number of permanent workers and income security compared to a permanent declined from nearly 5.7 million (2003) to just contract; a lower income on average, compared over 5.2 million (2016). to permanent employees; as well as highly variable income levels on average depending Flexible arrangements offer employers the on type of contract. This variability is related to possibility to hire more staff during peak differences in number of hours worked, age, demand and reduce personnel costs in less educational attainment level and branch of favourable times. Employees themselves may industry (other factors not precluded). also regard flexible arrangements as positive.

Labour and income 107 3.1 Employees 3.2 Flex workers, by age, 2016 x million % 6 100

5 80 4 60 3 40 2 20 1 0 0 Temporary contract On-call and Temporary Permanent 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 with prospects replacement agency workers contract, workers flexible hours

Permanent contracts Flexible contracts 15–24 yrs 35–44 yrs 55–64 yrs 25–34 yrs 45–54 yrs 65–74 yrs

3.3 Flex workers, weekly working hours, 2016

% 100

80

60

40

20

0 Temporary, On-call/ Temporary Permanent, with prospects replacement agency worker flexible hours worker

Less than 12 hrs weekly 20–34 hrs weekly 12–19 hrs weekly 35 hrs or more

108 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 Di erences between younger and older generation, 2016

68% 10.8% 51% 3.5%

5.6% 26% 1.9% 28%

15–24 yrs 45–74 yrs How many in How many Unemployed Employed losing permanent jobs? unemployed? finding jobs their jobs

Labour and income 109 Who are these flex workers? Flex workers are defined as people who have sector. Slightly under 54 percent work less either a fixed-term contract or flexible hours. than 20 hours per week. This group comprises seven different categories: 3. Among workers hired through temporary temporary employees with prospects for employment agencies, the share of male permanent employment and a fixed number of workers (62 percent) and the share of hours; temporary employees with a fixed-term workers with a non-western background contract for 1 year or more and fixed hours; (31 percent) are relatively high. They are temporary employees with a fixed-term contract often middle-aged, while half are medium- for less than 1 year and fixed hours; on-call and skilled workers. Over half work full time and replacement employees; workers hired through 63 percent work for a large company, often temporary employment agencies; permanent in manufacturing or construction. employees with flexible hours; and temporary 4. The group on-call and replacement workers employees with flexible hours. This chapter includes 67 percent young people (15 to highlights four of the categories which are more 25 years). Six in ten are in either secondary easily distinguished due to differences in age, or tertiary education. Over half work less educational attainment and working hours: than 12 hours per week. Compared to other 1. Temporary employees with prospects for flex workers, relatively many work in the permanent employment and fixed hours are hotel and restaurant sector, in trade and in often relatively young (25 to 35 years) and the care sector. highly educated. They mostly work full time. 2. Permanent flex workers with flexible hours: this group has an equal male/female ratio. Almost half are under the age of 25, over half are no longer in education. They are relatively often employed by small trading companies and in the hotel and restaurant

110 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.4 Flex workers, education levels, 2016 Gross wages much lower than when permanent % Temporary employees with prospects for 100 permanent employment are the highest-earning 80 among all flex workers. The average gross 60 annual income from labour is 35.8 thousand euros (2015). This income is still almost 40 30 percent lower than among permanent 20 employees (50.8 thousand euros). Measured by 0 income level, the second highest-earning are Temporary contract, On-call and Temporary Permanent contract, with prospects replacement agency workers flexible hours temporary agency workers (24.1 thousand workers euros) and permanent employees without fixed hours (23.4 thousand euros). On-call workers are the lowest earning by far at 9.3 thousand Low Medium High Unknown euros annually.

3.5 Flex workers, average income levels, 2015 Income is determined by multiple factors including age, educational attainment level, 1,000 euros (personal primary income) 40 seniority and sector of industry. The number of hours worked determines income to a great 30 extent, of course. Among flex workers who 20 work full time, the permanent employees 10 without fixed hours earn most at an average

0 64.1 thousand euros, but income differences are Temporary contract, On-call and Temporary Permanent contract, with prospects replacement agency workers flexible hours relatively minor when they are compared to the workers other types of contracts. The lower pay for on-call employees can be explained by looking

Labour and income 111 at all these factors: they are often young (half Temporary workers with flexible hours at are in secondary or tertiary education), most higher risk of poverty work part time and less than 20 hours per week, Someone’s financial situation may not only and they often work in lower-earning sectors depend on his or her own income, but also the such as retail trade and the hotel and restaurant income of a partner or other family member. sector. The highest earning flex workers tend to Even with a second income, those in flexible be the full time employees. Their age is also employment are at risk of poverty. Over higher on average than most other flex workers. 6 percent of flex workers are members of a The factors listed above – which partly low-income household, versus 2 percent of determine annual income – are not exhaustive. permanent employees. In other words, half of Another important factor is occupation, while all employees living in low-income households some flex workers are out of work for part of are flex workers. the year.

Few on-call and replacement workers are economically independent Due to the fact that flex workers have (much) lower income levels than permanent employees, they are much more likely to be economically dependent. No more than 20 percent of the on-call and replacement workers are able to support themselves financially. This group includes many young students. Even when these students are excluded, only 35 percent of on-call and replacement workers are financially independent.

112 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.6 Labour and income Figures average, in 1,000 euros, price level 2015 40 Income and expenditure

35 The average standardised household income 30 for 2015 was virtually the same as for 2014. 25 Income rose during most of the period 1995– 20 2008, except between 2001 and 2005 when 0 the economy deteriorated. Due to the recent 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 economic crisis, income fell in each year between 2008 and 2013 (aside from a trend break in 2011). Household expenditure Standardised income (before revision) Disposable income (before revision) (adjusted for inflation) rose from nearly Standardised income Disposable income 30 thousand euros in 1995 to 34 thousand Expenditure euros in 2015.

3.7 Household expenditure, 2015* Average household spending amounted to 34 thousand euros in 2015. Over 31 percent was

Total spent on housing costs. Households with a main

Age of main breadwinner breadwinner between the ages of 45 and 64

<25 yrs had the highest spending, as these are

25–44 yrs generally the largest households with an

45–64 yrs average size of 2.4 persons.The youngest

65 yrs or older households, with an average size of 1.4 persons also the smallest households, spent the least. 0 14 28 42 1,000 euros Total expenditure Housing/water/energy

Labour and income 113 In 2015, nearly 9 percent of households 3.8 Low-income households (626 thousand) had to survive on an income below the low-income threshold, facing the risk of poverty. This percentage is slightly lower than Total in 2013 but higher than in 2011. The risk of poverty was reduced among young and old Age of main breadwinner between 2013 and 2015 while it remained <25 yrs unchanged among 25 to 64-year-olds. In 2015, 3.3 percent of households had been on a low income for at least four years. 25–44 yrs

45–64 yrs

65 yrs or older

0 10 20 30 % 2011 2013 2015

114 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.9 Median household wealth, 1 January Median household wealth in the Netherlands picked up again in 2015 for the first time since 1,000 euros the outbreak of the economic crisis in 2008. 50 40 The total net worth of households – for example 30 total assets minus total liabilities – increased, 20 mainly as a result of rising house prices. 10 If ­people’s own homes are left out of the 0 equation, net worth in 2015 was just as high as 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 in 2014.

In the period 2011–2015, the home ownership Assets excluding owner-occupied dwelling assets Assets rate declined among the youngest age group (the under-25s) as well as in the age group 3.10 Home ownership rates 25 to 44 years. The economic crisis posed obstacles for (first-time) home buyers. However,

Age of main breadwinner home ownership did increase among households with a main breadwinner aged 65 <25 yrs or older, up to 50 percent in 2015. This is mainly due to the influx of post-war baby-boomers into 25–44 yrs the group of over-65s, as they are often already home-owners. 45–64 yrs

65 yrs or older

0 25 50 75 % 2011 2013 2015

Labour and income 115 In 2015, home owners in Rozendaal (Gelderland 3.11 Median mortgage debt levels, 2015 province)had the highest average mortgage debt nationwide at 295 thousand euros. Less than 135 (thousand euros) Average mortgage debt was more than 135 to 150 (thousand euros) 150 to 165 (thousand euros) 250 thousand euros as well in Laren and 165 to 180 (thousand euros) Bloemendaal (Noord-Holland) and Wassenaar 180 or more (thousand euros) (Zuid-Holland). Mortgage debts are lowest in Delfzijl (Groningen) at 110.5 thousand euros. Municipalities with low average mortgage debt levels are mostly located in the border regions of the Netherlands, in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Limburg and Zeeland. In these regions, average house prices as well as average household income and capital are lower than elsewhere in the Netherlands.

116 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.12 Jobs Labour x million 12 In 2016, the number of jobs in the Netherlands 10 amounted to 10 million. This included 8 7.9 million employee and 2.1 million self- 6 4 employed jobs. In comparison with 1970, the 2 number of jobs has increased by 68 percent. 0 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016 The share of self-employed jobs has risen from 18 percent to 21 percent since 2003. It was even higher in the 1980s, namely 23 percent.

Employees Self-employed The combined sectors education, care and public administration contribute significantly to 3.13 Jobs by sector, 2016 employment. Over one-quarter of all jobs are found in one of these sectors. The number of jobs is also significant in trade, transportation, Public administration, education, care hotels and restaurants, as well as in business Trade, transport, hotels and restaurants Business services services. The majority of self-employed people Manufacturing and energy work in business services. On the other hand, Construction agriculture and fisheries have the highest share Culture, recreation, other services of self-employed jobs: six out of ten jobs in this Information and communication sector are held by self-employed. Agriculture and fisheries Financial services Real estate activities

0 1,000 2,000 3,000 x 1,000 Employees Self-employed

Labour and income 117 In 2016, nearly 50 percent of all employee jobs 3.14 Employee jobs were held by women. This was 27 percent in x million 1970. The number of employee jobs for women 9 has quadrupled since then. For men, it has 8 7 increased by 22 percent. More than three-­ 6 5 quarters of all employee jobs held by women 4 are part-time jobs. The share of part-time jobs 3 2 among men lags far behind but is still 1 0 significant at 33 percent. 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2005 2010 2016

In 2016, 66 percent of the Dutch population aged 15 to 74 (the labour force) were in Men Women employment. Nine out of ten persons were working 12 or more hours per week. Young people in the age category 15 to 18 years 3.15 Employed labour force, 2016 usually have small jobs of less than 12 hours x 1,000 per week. Over the age of 60, considerably 300 fewer people are in employment.

200

100

0 0 yrs 10 yrs 20 yrs 30 yrs 40 yrs 50 yrs 60 yrs 70 yrs 80 yrs 90 yrs

Employed >= 12 hours per week Not employed Employed < 12 hours per week

118 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.16 Unemployment, 2016 In 2016, 6 percent in the Dutch labour force were unemployed. An unemployed person is

Total defined as someone who does not have a job 15–24 yrs but is looking and immediately available for 25–34 yrs work. Unemployment is highest among young 35–44 yrs 45–54 yrs people aged 15 to 24 with nearly 11 percent 55–64 yrs out of work. The unemployment rate is also 65–74 yrs relatively high among older people in the age 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 category 55 to 64: over 7 percent. % of labour force The total number of unemployed in 2016 was more than one and a half times higher than in 3.17 Unemployed by unemployment duration 2008, namely 538 thousand. The increase was x 1,000 particularly sharp in long-term unemployment 700 (one year or longer). The number of 600 unemployed has declined since 2014. Although 500 the number of long-term unemployed fell by

400 43 thousand in 2016, this group was still more

300 than twice as large as in 2008 (216 thousand against 95 thousand). 200

100

0 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

Short-term unemployed Unknown Long-term unemployed

Labour and income 119 Around mid-year 2008, the number of job 3.18 Job vacancies and unemployed vacancies and the number of unemployed had x 1,000 balanced out: labour market tension was high. 700 Then, the financial crisis caused the number of 600 job vacancies to plummet while unemployment 500 400 went up. By the end of 2013, the number of 300 unemployed had eventually become over seven 200 times higher than the number of job vacancies. 100 0 The ratio of unemployed people against job 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 vacancies has fallen back since then. At the end of 2016, there were on average 2.9 unemployed persons per unfilled vacancy. Unemployed labour force Job vacancies

In Q4 2013, the number of unfilled vacancies was at a low, but it has risen since then. Most unfilled vacancies are seen in the provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland: 33 thousand, while Zeeland has the lowest number. Compared to 2013, relative growth is highest in Overijssel (+87 percent) and lowest in Drenthe (+68 percent). Relative to the size of the labour force, Utrecht has the highest number of unfilled job vacancies and Friesland the fewest in 2013 as well as in 2016.

120 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.19 Un lled job vacancies In both 2015 and 2016, CAO (Collective Labour Agreement) wages increased more sharply than consumer prices. In the four preceding years, Zuid-Holland however, the wage increase fell behind Noord-Holland consumer price developments due to the economic crisis. Wages increased by 1.8 percent Noord-Brabant in 2016. Only in 1987 and 2009 during the past Gelderland thirty years, the increase in CAO wages was far above consumer price developments similar to Utrecht 2016. Overijssel 3.20 CAO wages and consumer prices

Limburg year-on-year % changes

Groningen 3.0 2.5 Friesland 2.0 1.5 Drenthe 1.0

Flevoland 0.5 0 Zeeland 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

0 10 20 30 40 x 1,000 CAO wage per hour including special incentives Q4 2013 Q4 2016* Consumer prices

Labour and income 121 Social security 3.21 Income support, end of quarter

x 1,000 persons The number of people claiming income support 300 has increased by 162 thousand since 2008, to 506 thousand at the end of Q3 2016. There are 200 more women than men on income support, but 100 since 2008, the sharpest increase has been 0 among men. At the beginning of 2008, there I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III were still 1.7 women on income support for 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016** each male claimant; this ratio dropped to 1.3 in Q3 2016. Men Women The number of people who have lived on income support for five years or more has decreased. In Q3 2008, they still accounted for 3.22 People on income support, duration as much as 48 percent of all income support % claimants, versus 33 percent in Q3 2016. In that 100 quarter, half of the claimants had been on income support for less than three years. 75

50

25

0 2008-III 2009-III 2010-III 2011-III 2012-III 2013-III 2014-III 2015-III 2016-III**

0 to <12 months 1 to 2 yrs 3 to 4 yrs 5 yrs or more

122 Trends in the Netherlands 2017 3.23 Unemployment bene ts, end of quarter Since the start of the recession at the end of 2008, the number of unemployment benefit x 1,000 persons 450 (WW) recipients has seen a primarily rising 400 trend: from 150 thousand in September 2008 to 350 over 400 thousand on 31 December 2014. The 300 250 number started falling again in 2015 and stood 200 at more than 350 thousand at the end of 150 100 September 2016. 50 0 I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III I III The retirement age for the AOW state pension 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* 2014* 2015* 2016* has been raised gradually since 2013. It was increased by three months in 2016 and by one month in each preceding year. The effects are evident from falling numbers of state pension 3.24 People on state pension bene ts, end of quarter claimants at the beginning of each reporting year. Nevertheless, the number of people 2013-I=100 110 receiving AOW benefits continues to rise, slightly 108 more among men than among women. 106 104 102 100 98 0 I II III IV I II III IV I II III IV I II III 2013* 2014* 2015* 2016*

Women Men

Labour and income 123 The Occupational Disability Insurance Act (WAO) 3.25 Disability bene ts was replaced by the Work and Income according x 1,000 persons to Labour Capacity Act (WIA) with effect from 900 2005, but continues to exist for people who are already receiving a disability benefit or, within five years after termination of the benefit, become disabled again for the same reason. The number of people on disability benefits has therefore fallen dramatically, whereas the 600 number of people on benefits under the Work Resumption Scheme for Partially Disabled (WGA) or Income Provisions for Completely Disabled (IVA), both part of WIA, has increased.

300

0 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013* 2014* 2015* 2016*

WAO IVA (part of WIA) Wajong

WGA (part of WIA) Waz

124 Trends in the Netherlands 2017