The Dutch see their country as the most tolerant in Europe. This reflects a long history of welcoming refugees seeking religious and political asylum. In the 20th century, immigrants from former colonies have settled in the Netherlands and are fully accepted as citizens. The first wave came from Indonesia, followed by settlers from the Dutch colonies in the Caribbean and South America, Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles. The small Turkish community, however, does not enjoy full citizenship, but has guest worker status similar to that of its counterparts in Germany.
The tradition of tolerance is also reflected in liberal attitudes to sexuality. Dutch homosexuals have the same rights, including the same age of consent, as heterosexuals.
The state does not try to impose a particular morality on its citizens. Drug taking is seen in the Netherlands as a matter of personal choice.
Women enjoy equal rights but they are not well represented at boardroom level.
