Amsterdam's name derives from
Amstelredamme, indicative of the city's origin around a dam in the river
Amstel. Originating as a small fishing village in the late 12th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world during the
Dutch Golden Age (17th century), as a result of its innovative developments in trade. During that time, the city was the leading centre for finance and trade. In the 19th and 20th centuries the city expanded, and many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were planned.
Amsterdam is the capital and most populous municipality of the Netherlands. Its status as the capital is mandated by the Constitution of the Netherlands, although it is not the seat of the government, which is The Hague.
Famous Amsterdam residents include the diarist
Anne Frank, artists
Rembrandt van Rijn and
Vincent van Gogh, and philosopher
Baruch Spinoza.
