The big cities of the Netherlands are growing at an increasing rate, according to figures released on Tuesday by national environment watchdog Planbureau voor de Leefomgeving (PBL).

Between 2000 and 2014 Utrecht grew by 95,000 inhabitants, Amsterdam by 80,000, The Hague by 70,000, Groningen and Rotterdam by 25,000 each and Eindhoven by 20,000.

The PBL says the growth can be attributed to more students attending university and to young couples remaining in the cities, even when they start a family.

That young couples stay put is thanks to cities becoming safer and cleaner. In addition, the housing market is more attractive, the researchers say. Young families can find homes in neighbourhoods such as IJberg in Amsterdam, Ypenburg in The Hague and Leidsche Rijn in Utrecht.

The growth of the big cities is having a detrimental effect on smaller cities such as Zoetermeer, Spijkenisse and Nieuwegein, which are seeing very little growth and an aging population, the PBL says.