The Netherlands is divided into 12 provinces, with Amsterdam as its capital city. About 17 million people live in the country, around half of whose land area is below sea level, requiring extensive dike systems. Dutch is the official language, though Frisian has co-official status in Friesland province and languages like English and Papiamento have recognition in some municipalities. The Netherlands has a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, with Mark Rutte currently serving as Prime Minister and leader of the ruling political party.