The Netherlands is a northwestern European country located along the coast of the North Sea and borders Belgium, and Germany. Its capital is Amsterdam, but The Hague is a major governmental center.

Leiden is located in the province of South Holland and is known as a university city. One of Europe’s most important science centers, Leiden University was established in 1575.

Dort (or Dordrecht) is one of the oldest cities in Holland and has an important military defensive position for the country. Its history and culture are rich with folklore related to Carnaval.

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam reached its Golden Age in the seventeenth century, establishing Dutch colonies in much of the world, most notably the Dutch East India Company and Dutch West India Company.

Bern (Berne) is the de facto capital of Switzerland. The Old City has remained virtually unchanged since it was built in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. A number of meetings of The International Socialist Commission were held here.

A major trade center of Germany, Leipzig was once a major European center for music and publishing (Tauchnitz publishing house).