The Dutch, occasionally referred to as Netherlanders—a term that is cognate to the Dutch word for Dutch people, "Nederlanders"—are a Germanic ethnic group native to the Netherlands.

They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language.

Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Aruba, Suriname, Guyana, Curaçao, Argentina, Brazil, Michigan, Canada, Australia,[ South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States.

The Low Countries in the Middle Ages are situated around the border of France and the Holy Roman Empire, forming a part of their respective peripheries, and the various territories of which they consist de facto become virtually autonomous by the thirteenth century.

The Netherlands under the Habsburgs are organised into a single administrative unit, and in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the Northern Netherlands gain independence from Spain as the Dutch Republic.

The high degree of urbanization characteristic of Dutch society is attained at a relatively early date.

The first series of large scale Dutch migrations outside of Europe takes place during the Republic.

Despite the small size of the Netherlands, the Dutch leave behind a legacy in excess of their mere numbers.

The Dutch people are generally seen as the pioneers of capitalism, and their emphasis on a modern economy, secularism, and a free market ultimately has a huge influence on the great powers of the West, especially the British Empire, its Thirteen Colonies, and ultimately the United States.

The traditional art and culture of the Dutch encompasses various forms of traditional music, dances, architectural styles and clothing, some of which are globally recognizable.

Internationally, Dutch painters such as Rembrandt, Vermeer and Van Gogh are held in high regard.

The dominant religion of the Dutch is Christianity (both Catholic and Protestant), although in modern times the majority is no longer religious.

Significant percentages of the Dutch are adherents of humanism, agnosticism, atheism or individual spirituality.