Netherlands Internet Users
Individuals using the Internet IT.NET.USER.ZS
Netherlands's internet users was 96.69% in 2025, ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's internet users stood at 96.69% in 2025, a decline of +0.32% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 96.69% by 2025. Netherlands ranked 43rd globally.
Netherlands’ internet penetration has risen from a modest 0.33 percent in 1990 to 96.69 percent in 2025, placing the country 43rd globally according to World Bank data. The trajectory accelerated in the early 2000s, reaching an all‑time peak of 97.01 percent in 2023, a level only marginally above the latest figure and comparable to peers such as Belgium (96.85 percent) and the Russian Federation (96.88 percent). Over the 35‑year coverage period, the Dutch market has moved from near‑zero connectivity to near‑universal access, reflecting sustained investment in broadband infrastructure and high digital literacy. The slight dip from the 2023 peak may stem from methodological adjustments or temporary saturation effects, but the upward momentum remains evident. Continued expansion of ultra‑fast fiber networks and the rollout of 5G services are likely to push the proportion of users above the current level, maintaining the Netherlands’ position among the world’s most connected economies.
Data & projection
| Year | Internet Users | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 97.55% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 96.69% | - | - |
| 2025 | 96.69% | −0.32% | #43 |
| 2023 | 97.01% | +4.49% | #17 |
| 2022 | 92.52% | +0.47% | #32 |
| 2021 | 92.05% | +0.72% | #31 |
| 2020 | 91.33% | −1.96% | #29 |
| 2019 | 93.29% | +1.40% | #14 |
| 2018 | 91.89% | −1.31% | #13 |
| 2017 | 93.20% | +2.79% | #17 |
| 2016 | 90.41% | −1.31% | #18 |
| 2015 | 91.72% | +0.06% | #12 |
| 2014 | 91.67% | −2.29% | #10 |
| 2013 | 93.96% | +1.10% | #6 |
| 2012 | 92.86% | +1.44% | #4 |
| 2011 | 91.42% | +0.70% | #4 |
| 2010 | 90.72% | +1.09% | #3 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw internet users improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Netherlands's internet users was 96.69% in 2025. Ranked 43rd globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Netherlands's internet users peaked at 97.01% in 2023.
The lowest internet users in Netherlands was 0.33% in 1990.
Netherlands ranks 43rd globally in internet users as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.NET.USER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's internet users is projected to reach 96.69% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The internet users of Netherlands in 2025 was 96.69%. This ranks 43rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_internet-users,
title = {Netherlands Internet Users},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/internet-users/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}