The Netherlands is, per capita, one of the richest nations in the world. The wealthiest group are oil executives, stock-market traders and businessmen. A progressive taxation system and extensive social welfare mean that wealth is quite evenly distributed. There is a small elite who have considerable inherited wealth, but extravagant displays of wealth are rare.
Class does not play a big part in Dutch society. Most citizens would consider themselves middle class. Immigrant communities are the exception; they often live on the edges of towns in deprived areas. The poorest group are illegal immigrants.
