The Dutch have begun voting in a parliamentary election that is seen a test of anti-immigrant and nationalist feeling across Europe.

In a year of crucial votes across the continent, the Dutch vote is being closely watched to gauge the strength of the tide of populism that swept Britain towards Brexit and Donald Trump into the White house has reached its peak.

Most of the focus has been on "Holland's Donald Trump", the controversial right-wing populist Geert Wilders, whose Party for Freedom is expected to perform well.

Casting his ballot in The Hague, Mr Wilders told reporters: "The common people, who are interested in getting their country back, and returning our national sovereignty, are hopefully voting today in huge amounts."

:: Who is Geert Wilders?


Image: People cast their votes in the Dutch parliamentary elections

The election in the Netherlands comes ahead of polls in France and Germany, when right-wing nationalists will also be key players.

During a final election debate among leaders from the parties vying for seats and control of the government, Mr Wilders kept up his anti-Islam rhetoric, while incumbent centre-right Prime Minister Mark Rutte sought to highlight his leadership experience.

:: Dutch election: How do you choose between 28 parties?

The election is held under a system of proportional representation that virtually guarantees coalition governments.

In a highly fragmented political landscape, Mr Wilders has virtually no chance of forming a government given that all the leading parties have ruled out working with him.

Still, a victory by his party would send a shockwave across Europe.

What you need to know about the Dutch election

The final days of campaigning have been overshadowed by a diplomatic crisis between the Dutch and Turkish governments.

Over the weekend, police used water cannon, horses and dogs to break up the pro-Turkey demonstration attended by hundreds as some activists threw bottles and stones.

The protest came after two Turkish ministers were stopped from campaigning in the Netherlands in favour of giving Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan more powers in a referendum.

Turkey's row with Netherlands escalates

Mr Rutte has driven through unpopular austerity measures over the last four years, but the Dutch economic recovery has gathered pace recently and unemployment has fallen fast.

Mr Wilders has been tapping into discontent among voters who say they are not benefiting from economic recovery.

While Mr Rutte's ruling VVD party holds a narrow lead over Mr Wilders in most polls, other parties are also still in the running and well placed to play a role in forming the next coalition.