The third-largest city in the Netherlands feels a world apart from the country’s capital, considering its global purpose. Home of the Dutch royal family, the Peace Palace and the International Criminal Court, where the UN International Court of Justice rules on international law, The Hague keeps an impeccable order. Its university ranks #9 and healthcare system an impressive #11. Top 10 Labour Force Participation is powered by the fact that almost 30% of local jobs are provided by the Dutch government or international institutions. It’s also a private-sector dynamo, ranking #39 for Business Ecosystem with national icons like PostNL, Aegon and NIBC Bank based here, and regional offices ranging from Saudi Aramco to T-Mobile. It’s packed with 13th-century architecture, like the Binnenhof complex, where you’ll find the Dutch government offices right in the heart of the city. Its large fountain and pond add to the overall storybook vibe. Art museums are everywhere, as are attractions for all ages (ranked #60 only from a lack of awareness), ranging from the Madurodam Miniature Town to the Children’s Book Museum in The Hague Library and the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Not surprisingly, the population has grown almost 30% over the past 35 years.