| Introduction
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Introduction
The Hague (Den Haag), third-largest city in The Netherlands, is justly proud of its status as the political and royal capital
of the country and as a focus of international affairs. It lacks the fast pace and excitement of Amsterdam, yet a sense of
well-being and security underpins the rich cultural and political heritage.
The city's name derives from Gravenhage, which means “the Count's hedge.” In the 13th century the Count of Holland built a
hunting lodge among sand dunes - this is where The Hague's historic center, the Binnenhof (Inner Court) now stands. The settlement
that developed around the lodge was the Count's “hedge” sheltering him against the outside world.
In the 16th century the States General of the United Netherlands met at The Hague, and since then the city has been the seat
of Dutch government. The Hague Convention of 1907, which formulated laws governing warfare worldwide, gave this city international
status. The 1913 opening of the Peace Palace (Vredespaleis) further enhanced The Hague's standing, and it is today considered
a center of international diplomacy and business. The Permanent Court of Arbitration and the International Court of Justice
are located at the Peace Palace; numerous embassies, ministries and headquarters of international organizations also are based
here. In 1980, after the Dutch queen, Juliana, abdicated in favor of her daughter Beatrix, the royal residency was relocated
from Utrecht to The Hague.
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