The Netherlands has a unique relationship with water: it is both our best friend and our worst enemy. The Netherlands has been fighting a battle against water for over 1,000 years. One third of the Netherlands is below sea level and if the dykes were to breach, half of the country could be flooded. Nowadays, water also provides many benefits: water sports, economic prosperity and unique landscapes. The Netherlands has put itself on the global map by building impressive structures such as the Delta Works and the Afsluitdijk.