Dutch colonies: The rise and fall throughout the centuries

By Kiri Scully

The Dutch Empire, known in Dutch as Het Nederlandse Koloniale Rijk, comprised of overseas colonies, enclaves, and outposts controlled and administered by Dutch chartered companies and eventually by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

All colonial ventures were initially trade-based merchant enterprises because the Dutch controlled many of international maritime shipping routes. This was done through strategically placed outposts, rather than acquiring territory.

Because small European trading companies often lacked the capital or the manpower for large-scale operations, the Dutch West India Company and the Dutch East India Company in the early 17th century were able to dominate global commerce. This became known as the Dutch Golden Age.

Despite the steady loss of colonies as a result of the Anglo-Dutch wars with the British Empire, some of the empire, for example, the East Indies and Dutch Guiana, survived until after World War II when global decolonisation began.

Former colonies that have chosen to retain their membership to the Kingdom of the Netherlands include Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. People of these islands are entitled to the same rights as those who hold a Dutch passport

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
follow us for regular updates:

Kiri Scully
Raised a global citizen, to an Irish father and American mother, Kiri has lived and worked in five countries over three continents. Fuelled by culture curiosity at an early age, Kiri chose to study Anthropology and Media Communications at Goldsmiths College, University of London, before delving into the world of journalism. Read more

For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.