Guide to 'General developments' section

The main forces behind pressure on the environment are the size of the population and the development of the economy.

General developments index

• Dutch population and number of households, 1980-2002
  Contains data for the Netherlands and changes in the number of inhabitants per province.
• Gross added value and employment in the Netherlands, 1980-2002*
• Dutch imports and exports, 1990-2002*
• Meteorological data for the Netherlands, 1990-2002
• National Accounts (explanatory note)

Relevant sections and indicators in the Environmental Data Compendium

• Index Societal developments by target sector
  Here, you can find information about added value for the economy, energy use and water consumption for industrial purposes, consumers, energy companies and other environment-policy target sectors.
• Index Resources
  The earth's natural resources, in particular fossil fuel resources, fresh water and wood, are a basis for all human activities, and therefore for our prosperity and welfare.
• Index Environmental pressure
  All sorts of undesirable substances are released during the production and consumption of goods, the transport of goods and people, and the use of resources such as water, energy and wood. The release (emission) of these substances into the soil, water and air or disposal of waste by means of incineration or landfill place a burden on the environment (environmental pressure).