After the War, in 1949, the Dutch East Indies in the Indian Ocean became Indonesia and Suriname , its territory in South America, gained independence in 1975. The Netherlands has a well developed system of water transport and and excellent ports. These facilities are complemented by Holland's railways , roadways and international airports such as Schiphol . The country has a strong economy and is highly industrialised with a mechanised farming sector. Holland is well-known for its production of bulbs such as tulips.
Fishing is a traditional industry.
Other industries include food processing, the production of electrical goods , chemicals, petroleum refining, cigar manufacturing and Delft pottery. The Netherlands is the headquarters for a number of multinational companies such as Unilever and Shell Nederland. The service sector, for example banking and tourism , is a major employer in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has many famous artists. Probably the most well-known early artist is the fifteenth century painter Hieronymus Bosch , whose works include the Adoration of the Magi and The Last Judgement.