The Netherlands, also commonly called Holland, is a Benelux country and a founding member of the European Union. The Netherlands is low-lying territory, with one-quarter of the country at or below sea level. Many areas are protected from flooding by dykes and sea walls. Much land has been reclaimed from the sea, the Flevoland polder being the most recent example. The Netherlands is a densely populated country. It is known for its traditional windmills, tulips, cheese, clogs (wooden shoes), delftware and gouda pottery, for its bicycles, and in addition, traditional values and civil virtues such as its social tolerance. The country has more recently become known for its liberal policies toward drugs, prostitution, homosexuality, and euthanasia. Being one of the first parliamentary democracies, the Netherlands was a modern country from its very foundation. Among other affiliations the country is a founding member of the European Union, NATO, OECD, WTO, and has signed the Kyoto protocol. For traveling around the country, you can rent a car; you will find car Rental Company in all major cities and at Amsterdam and Rotterdam Airport. The Netherlands has had many well-known painters. The 17th century, when the Dutch republic was prosperous, was the age of the Dutch Masters, such as Rembrandt van Rijn, Johannes Vermeer, Jan Steen, Jacob van Ruysdael and others. Famous Dutch painters of the 19th and 20th century were Vincent van Gogh and Piet Mondriaan. The Netherlands is also the country of philosophers Erasmus of Rotterdam and Spinoza. All of Descartes' major work was done in the Netherlands. Dutch traditional cuisine is basic. However, due to influences from Indonesian, Surinam, Chinese, Turkish and African immigrants there is an abundance of food cultures to choose from.