The Netherlands is the second most densely populated country in the European Union, after Malta.

Omissions

• The Netherlands' density (530 persons per km²) is far below Malta's (1,817 persons per km²), so 'second' is correct but at a considerable distance from the leader.
• The claim is about EU member states; if the broader European continent is considered (including micro-states such as Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino), other entities would rank above Malta and the Netherlands. Within the EU, however, the ranking stated is accurate.

Sources

• PrimaryEurostat — Demography of Europe, 2026 editionMalta recorded the highest population density (with 1 817 persons per km²), followed at a distance by the Netherlands (530) and Belgium (389).
• PrimaryEurostat — Demography of Europe, 2024 editionThe highest population density was observed in Malta (1 693 persons per km²), followed at a distance by ...