Dutch population density keeps rising, highest in mainland EU

The Netherlands' population density has reached its highest point in mainland Europe, with 539 people per square metre at the beginning of this year, according to new statistics. This figure represents a 15% increase since the year 2000, as reported by the national statistics bureau CBS. The country's population has grown from 15.9 million to 18.1 million during the same period, making the Netherlands the most densely populated EU nation, following Malta.

The highest density is found in single-person households, with Wageningen having the highest proportion at 63%, followed by Groningen at 61%. Other towns surpassing 55% include Delft, Maastricht, and Leiden. Amsterdam has a density of 55%, while Utrecht and Eindhoven have a rate of 51%.

Zuid Holland province is the most crowded, boasting over 1,400 people per square kilometre, which is seven times more than Drenthe's 193. Flevoland has experienced the fastest growth in density, a 47% increase since 2000. In contrast, Limburg's density has hardly changed.

The Hague ranks as the most densely populated city, with 6,900 people per square kilometre, followed by Leiden (5,900) and Haarlem (5,800). Amsterdam has a density of just under 5,000, while Rotterdam lags behind due to its municipality encompassing the port, covering 12.5 hectares and stretching over 40 kilometres. The Dutch government forecasts a national housing shortage of 4.6%, or 384,000 homes, and expects the number of households to grow to 9.3 million by 2041.

Despite successive governments setting targets to build 100,000 new homes annually, these goals have not been met thus far.