Ensconced between verdant pastures and a belt of dunes shielding it from the harsh North Sea winds, lies The Hague. Not only is it the largest Dutch city on the North Sea, it is also famed for being the ‘City of Justice’. The Hague’s incredibly well educated residents (two-thirds of its workforce has completed higher education) lend it a distinct dynamism. The hustle and bustle is balanced by a dignified calm found in the city’s expansive avenues, rose-scented squares, elegant architecture, and myriad tinkling streams that meander throughout. Close to half of the city’s residents are either expats or immigrants, representing roughly 100 different nationalities. The Hague hosts no fewer than 131 international organizations, over 90 non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and hundreds of European organizations. Consequently, English is the city’s second language. This intellectually and culturally stimulating city has recently turned its focus to health and environment. The Hague boasts over 400km of cycle paths, which see you end-to-end in less than 24 minutes. With nearly every street flanked by a cycle path, you’ll find that opting for two wheels over four is often the fastest commuter option. Boasting a population of 495,000, this modest city extends across a land area of 100km2, of which one-third comprises green space. This ‘green city by the sea’ has no fewer than 70,000 trees lining its streets, stretches along 11 km of coastline and boasts two popular beach resorts. The city’s current mantra, ‘Let’s Move’, is part of a healthy lifestyle campaign targeting obesity among children. The city is paring down its ‘carbs’ both socially and environmentally; it aims to be carbon neutral by 2040 and has invested heavily in renewable energy, solar power in particular. Intelligent, inspiring, interesting and healthy, as ‘great places to live’ go, The Hague ranks very high indeed - as evidenced by its burgeoning expat community.