Nearly half of Dutch population engaged in volunteer activities

Last year, 5.6 million Dutch in the age category 18 years and older (44 percent of the adult population) were active in volunteer work. Most voluntary workers are active in sports clubs. There are about as many male as female voluntary workers, but they are active in different organisations. Men, for instance, are frequently active in sports clubs, churches or mosques, whereas women tend to opt for volunteer work in schools or welfare services.

Most voluntary workers are aged between 35 and 44. The proportion of volunteers is higher in rural areas than in urbanised areas and there are more higher than lower educated voluntary workers.

Volunteer work, 2007