Facts and Figures
There are almost as many bikes as inhabitants in Amsterdam. Some claim the number is even higher. Attention trivia buffs, the numbers are in: 2,500 houseboats, 654 gable stones, 6 windmills and 1 Skinny Bridge.
Amsterdam and Mokum
Founded in the late 12th century, Amsterdam’s name originates from a dam on the Amstel River. The city’s nickname, Mokum, is derived from the Hebrew word ‘Makom’, which means ‘place’. The city is also often called ‘Venice of the North’, due to the many canals.
Amsterdam in Numbers
| Inhabitants: | 747,290 |
| Inhabitants in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area: | 2,158,592 |
| Nationalities: | 175 |
| Mayor: | 1 |
| Bicycles: | 600,000 |
| Trees: | 220,000 |
| Flower bulb in parks and public gardens: | 600,000 |
| Parks: | 28 |
| Trams: | 232 |
| Ferries: | 9 |
| Markets: | 21 |
| Floating flower market: | 1 |
| Shops: | 6,179 |
| Antique shops: | 165 |
| Diamond polishing factories: | 24 |
| Canals: | 165 |
| Bridges: | 1,281 |
| Wooden drawbridges: | 8 |
| Skinny Bridge: | 1 |
| Glass-topped canal boats and saloon boats: | 110 |
| Houseboats: | 2,500 |
| 16th, 17th and 18th century buildings: | 6,800 |
| Gable stones: | 654 |
| Royal Palace: | 1 |
| Statues and sculptures: | 302 |
| Windmills: | 8 |
| Museums: | 51 |
| Art galleries: | 141 |
| Paintings by Rembrandt: | 22 |
| Nightwatch: | 1 |
| Civic Guard Gallery: | 1 |
| Paintings by Van Gogh: | 206 |
| Wax statues at Madame Tussauds: | 140 |
| Animals at Artis Zoo: | 6,100 |
| Barrel organs: | 4 |
| Carillons: | 9 |
| Historical church organs: | 42 |
| Concerts and theatrical performances per year: | 16,000 |
| Concerts and theatrical performances per day: | 40 |
| Theatres and concert halls: | 55 |
| Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra: | 1 |
| Muziektheater: | 1 |
| Cinemas: | 61 |
| Cafés and bars: | 1,215 |
| Discotheques: | 36 |
| Restaurants: | 1,250 |
| Hotel beds: | 41,000 |
| Campsites: | 5 |
Weather
Due to the influence of the nearby North Sea, Amsterdam has a moderate climate with mild winters, cool summers and a fair bit of rainfall. It can become quite windy, especially in the spring and autumn. During the summer, daily highs are an average of 68°F / 20°C, and you can expect some rain. Days with temperatures in excess of 75°F / 24°C are considered hot. Click here for the weather forecast.
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