How diverse is Rotterdam?
In 2022, Rotterdam had a population of 655,468 and is home to over 180 different nationalities. Rotterdam is known for its university, riverside setting, lively cultural life, maritime heritage and modern architecture.
Rotterdam must be the center of multicultural diversity and ethnic communities. It has the highest percentage of foreigners in the Netherlands and non-industrial countries. It has 80.000 muslim citizens, making up 13% of its population.
The most important ethnic group – people born to parents of Dutch origin – makes up 52.4% of the city's inhabitants. Yet, by 2009 around 46% of Rotterdam's residents were of immigrant background.
The port of Rotterdam is a major international hub and a symbol of trade, innovation and maritime history. As one of the largest ports in the world, a boat tour around the harbour or a visit to the Maritime Museum Rotterdam is definitely recommended.
While the cities are similar in population, Rotterdam is approx. 100km sq larger in size than Amsterdam, meaning it is less densely populated. Rotterdam has a distinct city vibe while Amsterdam is more of a town.
If you've ever been to Amsterdam, you'll agree that it's a place like no other. With 180 different nationalities residing in one beautiful city, Amsterdam truly is a cultural melting pot.
With 47.7% of its population of non-Dutch origin, Rotterdam is proud of its multiethnic makeup, and in 2009 it further cemented its multicultral status after Ahmed Aboutaleb became the first Muslim mayor of a major Dutch city.
What is the racial mix of the Netherlands? Over 80% of the population of the Netherlands is white. Most of these are ethnic Dutch. However, many other people in the country come from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Thirteen per cent of the population in Rotterdam is Mus- lim (80,000 people). The largest of these communities are predominantly from Turkish and Moroccan backgrounds (75 per cent) and approximately two-thirds of these groups are Dutch citizens.
About 90% of the population is able to have a well spoken conversation in English. This is logical reasoning since the Dutch put an emphasis on learning English as a secondary language from a young age.
What is the vibe in Rotterdam?
Rotterdam has a unique urban vibe. The diverse and multicultural nature of Rotterdam's population is visible and tangible in its art, culture, nightlife, culinary culture, business community and literally on the streets.
While Amsterdam is one of the most visited cities in the world, you may prefer the calmer and more relaxed vibes in Rotterdam. Both destinations have a lot to offer. From vibrant nightlife and unusual attractions to historic neighbourhoods and cultural galleries, it's no wonder both cities are loved by tourists.
The cost of living in Rotterdam is generally lower than in other major European cities like Amsterdam or Paris. However, like any city, the cost of living can vary depending on factors such as housing, transportation, and lifestyle choices.
This rivalry began when these two cities first received their city rights in the 13th century. The football clubs are the pride of these cities; Ajax to Amsterdam and Feyenoord to Rotterdam.
The biggest port in Europe
The Port of Rotterdam is the largest sea port in Europe, handling almost twice the amount of cargo as the ports of Antwerp and Hamburg. Only in East Asia can you find larger sea ports and Rotterdam is the only European port amongst the top 10 busiest ports in the world.
As the cheaper of the two cities, Rotterdam tends to have more affordable areas to choose from for apartments than Amsterdam. However, both cities are home to a number of unique, vibrant neighbourhoods that offer a range of housing options for all prospective new arrivals.
The most ethnically diverse city in Europe is often considered to be London, United Kingdom. London is home to a wide range of ethnicities, cultures, and nationalities, making it a vibrant and diverse city. Other cities known for their ethnic diversity in Europe include Paris, France and Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Ethnic groups
Dutch 75.4%, EU (excluding Dutch) 6.4%, Turkish 2.4%, Moroccan 2.4%, Surinamese 2.1%, Indonesian 2%, other 9.3% (2021 est.)
Central Rotterdam is easily walkable. To reach neighborhoods that are farther afield, the city has an efficient underground metro, tram network, bus system and water-taxi service. The city is also well equipped for cycling.
In Rotterdam we have developed a Circular Economy Roadmap. The city encourages circular initiatives and sustainable investments by green entrepreneurs, start-ups and scale-ups, developing attractive circular products.
Why are there so many immigrants in Rotterdam?
In Rotterdam, around half of the population has a non-Dutch background, with many coming from countries such as Turkey, Morocco, and Suriname. This is partly due to Rotterdam's history as a major port city, which attracted immigrants from around the world for work.
Germans with swarthy or darker complexions were called "Black Dutch" (or Schwarze Deutsche or "black German"). According to James Pylant, who studied families claiming "Black Dutch" as part of their heritage: "There are strong indications that the original "Black Dutch" were swarthy-complexioned Germans.
About half of the city's inhabitants are indigenous Dutch; about one-tenth are of Surinamese origin; and there are significant Moroccan and Turkish minorities. Amsterdam has been a home to immigrants since the 16th century.
Orange is the colour of the Dutch royal family - the House of Orange-Nassau - and has thus been considered the national colour of the region for hundreds of years. The Netherlands national football team is not the only Dutch team that wears orange kits, with the tradition followed in hockey, rugby and other codes too.
The distance between Amsterdam and Rotterdam is 78 kilometers (48 miles).
