What was New York City originally called?
New York City was originally a Dutch colony called New Amsterdam.
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Amsterdam Facts
Amsterdam facts and facts about amsterdams, from the Random Facts shelf.
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Is Amsterdam the seat of the Dutch government?
Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, but the government sits in The Hague.
Does Amsterdam have more bikes than people?
Amsterdam has more bicycles than people.
How many canals are in Amsterdam?
Amsterdam has about 165 canals, and its historic canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What is Amsterdam built on?
Much of Amsterdam is built on wooden piles. The Royal Palace alone rests on 13,659 of them.
Why are Amsterdam's houses so narrow?
Amsterdam's houses are narrow because property taxes were once based on width, and many have hooks on top for hoisting furniture.
Where is the Anne Frank House?
The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam preserves the hidden annex where Anne Frank wrote her diary.
Where is "The Night Watch"?
Rembrandt's "The Night Watch" hangs in Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum.
Where does Amsterdam's name come from?
Amsterdam's name comes from a dam built on the Amstel River.
How many bikes are pulled out of Amsterdam's canals?
About 12,000 to 15,000 bikes are pulled out of Amsterdam's canals each year.
Where was the first stock exchange?
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, which began trading Dutch East India Company shares in 1602, is considered the world's oldest stock exchange.
Where is the Van Gogh Museum?
The Van Gogh Museum is in Amsterdam.
Where is Rembrandt buried?
Rembrandt was buried in an unmarked grave in Amsterdam's Westerkerk.