Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It is also one of the most important ports in the country. The metropolitan area of Amsterdam (the northern part of the Randstad agglomeration) has a population of around 2.5 million people. The seat of government, however, is 50 km away in The Hague. Amsterdam is located in the North Holland Province. The city is connected to the North Sea through the Noordzeekanaal, and is protected from flooding by a dam; numerous Grachts (town canals) flow through the town.