The history of Rotterdam dates back to 1270, when a dam was built at Rotte.
In 1340, Rotterdam received city rights from William IV, Count of Holland.
With a population of approximately 2.7 million people, the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area is the 10th largest in the European Union and the most populous in the country.
Rotterdam, a major logistics and economic center, is Europe's largest seaport.
In 2022, Rotterdam's population was 655,468 and is home to over 180 different nationalities.
Rotterdam is known for its university, coastal area, vibrant cultural life, maritime heritage and modern architecture.
The near-total destruction of the city center during the Rotterdam Blitz during World War II resulted in a diverse architectural landscape, including skyscrapers designed by architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Piet Blom and Ben van Berkel.
The Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt provide waterways into the heart of Western Europe, including the highly industrialized Ruhr.
An extensive distribution system involving railways, roads and waterways has earned Rotterdam the nicknames "Gateway to Europe" and "Gateway to the World".