Dordrecht, Netherlands

Capital City

With a population of just 122,070, Dordrecht may seem like a sleepy Dutch backwater, but the reality is a heavy tax burden and persistent bureaucratic headaches. This historic city, the oldest in Holland, was once a major trading hub, but its economic importance has steadily declined over the centuries. Today, shipbuilding, wood, and steel industries provide the backbone of the local economy. However, the city's strategic location, once an asset, has become a liability as Rotterdam has surpassed Dordrecht as the region's commercial powerhouse. Those drawn to Dordrecht's rich culture and medieval charm should be prepared to navigate its complexities.