| | I amsterdam - Then & Now (Site not responding. Last check: 2007-10-02) |
 | | Between 1570 and 1640, Amsterdam's population increased from 30,000 to 139,000 and over the centuries, the thriving trade industry brought with it waves of various cultures, making the city a haven to diverse groups of refugees. |
 | | By 1806, Amsterdam had finally earned its title as the Dutch capital and was booming by the end of the century. |
 | | In spite of the devastation of World War II, Amsterdam was even more determined to remain an international crux of culture and trade. The airways opened with the construction of Schiphol airport -- which now ranks high among European airports in terms of volume and service. |
| www.iamsterdam.com /introducing/then_now (949 words) |