Amsterdam, the capital city of the Netherlands, has a rich and vibrant history dating back to the 12th century when it was a small fishing village. The city grew rapidly during the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, becoming a major port and center of finance, culture, and trade. Amsterdam is known for its historic canals, which were added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2010. The city played a significant role during World War II and the subsequent reconstruction period. Today, Amsterdam is a global city known for its artistic heritage, elaborate canal system, and narrow houses with gabled facades.