The good news is that there is an extensive system in place to keep the country safe from natural disaster. Through a complex system of dikes, pumps and sand dunes along the coast, the Netherlands stays above water. In fact, it has one of the most sophisticated anti-flood systems in place anywhere in the world.
I think over time, people have adapted very well to living in such an area. From permanent residents of the Netherlands, and Maastricht especially, people like that it is so isolated. Maastricht has a large student population, but also a large population of older adults. They really enjoy the peace and quiet of Maastricht and simply choose to enjoy the small city while being content with paying more for their fish or other seafood. Residents take advantage of how well connected this small city is to its surrounding countries. This is a benefit that many other small towns do not have. Although Maastricht is somewhat isolated from the rest of the Netherlands, it is so close to other parts of Europe which makes being here the perfect place for so many! I feel lucky to call it home right now!
