The Hague

Overview

The Hague (Den Haag) sits on the North Sea coast in the western Netherlands, forming part of the Randstad urban network alongside Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Utrecht. While Amsterdam is the constitutional capital, The Hague is the country’s seat of government and a major center for diplomacy and international law. The city is widely associated with institutions such as the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court, giving it an outsized global profile for its size.

Economy & Business

The local economy is anchored by the Dutch government and an extensive ecosystem of embassies, international organizations, NGOs, and legal services. This creates steady demand for policy, security, translation, consulting, and professional services, and it supports a large international workforce. The Hague’s position within the Randstad also makes it well-connected to the broader Dutch economy—commuters and firms benefit from proximity to major ports, airports, and corporate hubs in nearby cities.

Lifestyle & Livability

Day-to-day life blends a formal, international character—shaped by diplomatic and institutional presence—with a relaxed coastal rhythm. Neighborhoods range from the historic core around the Binnenhof to greener residential districts and seaside areas like Scheveningen. On BestCityIndex measures, The Hague posts an Overall score of 7.8, supported by a strong Safety score of 8.1. Its Cost of living score of 5.9 suggests expenses that can be meaningful—particularly for housing—while still offering the practical advantages of Dutch urban life: strong public transport, cycling culture, and easy access to the rest of the country.

Notable Features

The city’s civic identity is inseparable from its concentration of international courts and diplomatic missions, and its built environment reflects that mix of statecraft and everyday livability. Cultural anchors such as the Mauritshuis and the governmental complex around the Binnenhof sit within a compact urban fabric, while the coastline provides a distinctive counterpoint to the city’s institutional role.