Little known facts about The Netherlands
Ranked #168 in Travel & Places, #10,444 overall
Dutch culture facts, info about Holland
Learn about working women in The Netherlands, our royalty, or relationship with water, some history and a lot more. Like: isn't your country called 'Holland'? Well sort of, I'll explain below... Isn't half the country below sea level? Well no, but the threat of water is still great...
You will also find Dutch art by famous Dutch artists - but the paintings themselves may be new to you...
And what the Dutch think about themselves: we are always glad to share what we aren't proud of...
Where is The Netherlands? Yes, somewhere in Western Europe...
THE Dutch Celebration: Sinterklaas
Sinterklaas is Dutch for Saint Nicholas. This saint from what's now Turkey has his saints day on December 6th. His birthday is celebrated on December the 5th with gifts for kids and songs and a live Sinterklaas who shows up on tv and people's living room.
Dutch mythology has it that Sinterklaas lives in Spain, with his friends (aka servants) Pieterbaas (or Piet). Each year Sint and Piet come from Spain in their steamboat to the Netherlands. This event is nationally televised. For kids this is a very exiting event. That is: for kids who still 'believe' in Sinterklaas.
Racist
One of the harder parts of the Sinterklaas celebration is the obvious racism of the elderly and white Sint being served on by youthful black (very black, not brown skinned or anything) Pieten. The imagery obviously derives from slavery. However, the imagery is too entrenched for anything to be changed. Some years politically correct programmers introduce Piets who are not just painted black, but red, blue and yellow as well - to make it clear that they are a fictional character.
Another perspective is the following: since even people of color get their skin painted when they transform into Piet, this is not (or rather: no longer) a racist thing: the main point is the painted skin and the rest of the dress up.
My opinion on this
I wish I had an opinion on this issue. On the one hand I feel the black piets are obviously racist. Changing their color doesn't really change anything. On the other hand - I don't see people changing this custom any time soon: they enjoy it too much. I played Piet when I was younger, and it was a great experience. Jerking around with the kids etc.
It's a bit like carnival in that people play out the relationship with Sinterklaas (a saint, though few people are Christians) and Piet etc. But as I'm not a person of color and the paint goes off my face at the end of the day... I don't have the perspective of having to face discrimination daily or anything like that. Then again - parents and kids from a minority background join right in the fun. They too get dressed up, with wigs and their face painted.
All in all: Sinterklaas is a tradition the Dutch people aren't going to let go of easily, and if I were a parent, I would let my kid go along with it just like the other kids. It's one of the few celebrations we feel is truly Dutch: for better or worse. I guess a bit of nationalistic pride comes in after all.
Sinterklaas celebration in a local community centre
Sint comes to a local community center where he and the Pieten will give presents, make jokes and sing songs.
This video also shows very well how the kids respond, what the usual dress of Sint and Piet is like and so on.
Dutch fans on their way to the first Soccer World Cup game 2010
Our flag is red-white-blue. Orange stands for the house of Orange, which is one of the names of our royalty.
For the first time in years: skating on natural ice
Interesting facts about the netherlands
It's a Dutch tradition: we skate on natural ice as soon as the weather permits. With all the warm winters in past years, most of us haven't skated for a while either. Below a video of people ice-skating in the winter of 2008. You can see seasoned skaters as well as kids.
The ice was so good this year, that some people even got into ice saling. Too scary for me, but there you go.
Early 2010 brought skating weather too, though not as good...
Vincent van Gogh - less well known work
Why is holland called The Netherlands?
There are two provinces called 'Holland'. Holland was the largest most powerful province in the Dutch Republic when it got started. It's the province that contains both Amsterdam, nominal capital and The Hague (Den Haag), official capital where the government is.
The province Holland was cut in two in order for its power to be less compared to the other provinces. So these days Amsterdam is in Noord Holland (North Holland). Den Haag (or The Hague, or 's Gravenhage) is in the province of Zuid Holland (South Holland).
Why are the people in the Netherlands called 'Dutch'?
Online Etymology tells me the term Dutch stems from the Germanic term 'duutsch' - which referred to the germanic people. The germanic people were all the people speaking germanic languages - now Dutch, German, Friesisch and various dialects in the region.
The 'Pensylvania Dutch' is a term that derives from the old meaning - these are people who emigrated from what's now the Netherlands and Germany to what's now the USA.
Dutch people call Germans 'Duits' - which makes the term 'Dutch' for ourselves a bit weird.
Currently the term 'Dutch' is used in English both for the people of The Netherlands, and the language they speak. Both are called 'Nederlands' in Dutch.
Bet you didn't know that about the Netherlands
- Nederland: the Netherlands was the first European Republic since the Roman republic, and we didn't get royalty till the 19th century.
- 75% of Dutch women work part time. This is the highest figure in Europe: the average is 32%. (2008)
- The population of the Netherlands is nearly 16.5 million people (2008). Twice as much as the city of New York (2007).
- Our most popular entertainer has a registered relationship with another man. Together they have adopted two kids from the USA. (Paul de Leeuw)
- We have an excellent public transportation system. But the Dutch themselves complain about frequent delays - by which they mean delays of occasional delays of 5 minutes to half an hour (though sometimes longer). Not much by American standards to be sure. (More about complaining and manners below)
Books about The Netherlands
Dutch food: pannekoeken, aka pancakes
Like the Americans, the Dutch don't really have a very exciting cuisine. When we go out to a restaurant, we'll end up eating Chinese (Indonesian), Indian, Italian, American (McDonalds etc.) and the like. I can't think of very specifically Dutch recipes or meals.
However, a reader here reminded me: our pancakes do have a different style from UK, American and (probably) German pancakes. I think there's probably a band of pancake eaters throughout northern Europe, but each locale probably has their own style. The Dutch pancakes certainly do.
Pancakes are a popular enough food that we have special pancake restaurants, great for outings with kids. However, you'll see groups of all adults in such restaurants, or on them: they're often on a ship. Not that they will usually move about. However, the picture here was provided by a pancake tour boat. Can you get more Dutch than that? A tour boat, where the main food is pancakes? And no, I don't think they mainly cater to tourists. It's probably something for parties and receptions as well.
Dutch pancake recipes are a bit like pizza in that all kinds of ingredients get mixed into the dough. A standard pancake is eaten with syrop, however fine sugar or simply butter is also an option. My favorite pancake is a cheese pancake, but other popular options include bacon and raisins. At home the cheese will be melted ONTO the half finished pancake, while in restaurants they'll usually put grated cheese in the dough. Either way they're delicious. In the Dutch supermarket you'll find pre-made pancakes in various varieties, including a whole grain one (and no, you won't taste the difference).
M.C. Escher - Day and Night
Not so famous art by famous Dutch artist
Royalty not very popular
Dutch culture facts
At future queen Beatrix's Wedding on March 10th 1966 there were riots (see the picture on the right). She was marrying a German and many Dutch people didn't approve. At her inauguration in 1980 there were riots again, though these did not reach the Dam (Dam Square) where the inauguration was held.It's not that Dutch people would want to do without royalty - but we aren't very proud of them and they will not get a lot of support just for being there.
Maxima, the Argentinian wife of our future king Willem Alexander, is very popular. But she earned that popularity with tears at the right moments, learning to ice-skate, and looking appropriate and fresh at all times.
A survey held in 2008 for instance made it clear that 50% of the Dutch people feel the queen should not be part of the government. Right now she still has a crucial role in the formation of the government after each election.
Not so famous Dutch Art - woman bathing in stream, Rembrandt van Rijn
20% of the country is below sea level
What are the netherlands known for?
(This figure made the news early February 2010)
Piet Mondriaan - two less well known paintings
Cool facts about The Netherlands
Mondrian, Piet Composition with Blue, 1935
Personally I like the early Piet Mondriaan better though - the following is an example of his impressionistic work:
The Dutch and the threat of water
Dutch culture facts
There are two reasons for that.
First of all: the country is so flat, that even land above sea level will go under if the sea level rises even a meter.
The second reason is that the most highly populated area's in the Netherlands are under sea level or near sea level.
The following map shows the area of the Netherlands in threat of water (under 10 meters above sea level), and the relative population of each area:
As you can see: the most populated area's are below sea level and most of the country IS in threat of the water, even if it isn't at present below sea level.
Proud to be Dutch? Yes, I am, but is that something to be proud of?
Dutch culture facts
I live in one of the richest countries in the world - the only reason we aren't in the G10 is because it's so small (only 16 million people: that's less than live in New York). We conquered our country from the water and have some of the best universities in the world (that is: in the top 100 on some lists).
And we pride ourselves on our tolerance - though perhaps that's something we should not brag about any more, because violence against Jews and Gays is on the increase. (writing 2008)
But the whole bragging thing is undutch. Ask a Dutch person about a famous Dutch meal - they won't be able to do it. Ask a Dutch person what they like about their country - and they will instead talk about all that is going wrong. Ask who the national hero is... National hero? Don't expect an answer: we don't have a national hero.
Dutch kids don't learn the Dutch prime ministers by heart. Dutch kids learn as much European and world history as they learn Dutch history. There are few typically Dutch rituals (except Sinterklaas and dressing in Orange when the Dutch soccer team plays).
Where do Dutch people go on holiday? France, Spain, Morocco and Turkey.
I personally feel very lucky to have been born Dutch. I can't think of a country I would rather have grown up in, but I'm afraid my sentiment is not shared by too many of my fellow Dutch citizens. Perhaps that's because they have only seen other countries when on holiday?
Dutch manners - or perhaps our lack of manners...
Aka - outing the Dutch
Dutch people are outspoken by any world wide standard. Honesty is the best policy gets transformed into an excuse to be rude to police officers, taxi drivers, teachers etc.
In other words: by any international standard Dutch people are simply rude. Yet those of us who manage to learn some manners become good managers. Our outspoken and democratic nature is a blessing in countries like France. Employees actually get listened to and heard.
But in our own country rudeness is definitely the norm. Recent complaints from the Dutch about the Dutch include:
- The inability to make room on the escalator for those who want to catch the train.
- The crowding in front of the train doors so those inside can get out (after which those outside can get in).
- Rude gestures on the highways are normal.
- Cursing is normal
- Aggression at police officers and train conductors is at an all time high.
- There has been media attention drawn to our online forums: they are supposedly more violent and less considerate than similar forums in the USA.
People have been writing in the comments that in their experience the Dutch aren't rude at all... Well, maybe we're nicer to those polite tourists that hang out at squidoo? Obviously not all Dutch are impolite. And even those things we complain of amongst ourselves are perhaps not as bad as we make them sound - did I mention we love to complain?
Jan Vermeer, Girl with a Pearl Earring
Famous Dutch Art
Biking is normal
Guestbook / Gastenboek
Were these interesting facts about the netherlands?
So, how did I do? Ben ik iets vergeten?
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Amsterdam-Apartments
Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:37 pm | delete
- Very interesting to read about the Netherlands in such manner. This lens is a most read for tourists/travellersthis to get their education on the Netherlands on the rails.
Maybe you could post an architecture theme about it's housing in Amsterdam and other cities? Might be of interested!
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DonD
Jan 25, 2012 @ 11:35 pm | delete
- Netherlands is an interesting place to visit. I just added it on my vacation lists. You have a great lense.
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Lindrus
Dec 28, 2011 @ 1:04 am | delete
- Very interesting lens! I though I knew a lot about Netherlands, but I learned some new things. Thanks!
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audiovideo
Dec 25, 2011 @ 6:33 am | delete
- Leuke lens, goede mix van typisch Nederlandse dingen. Wat er wellicht ook bijpast is onze lunchcultuur (of het gebrek daaraan).
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MindMart
Dec 18, 2011 @ 12:05 am | delete
- Thanks for giving an honest representation of your country warts and all. So many people ignore the bad and brag on the good. For the record, the old Dutch masters are my favorite artists of all time.
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stefie_school@live.nl
Dec 5, 2011 @ 9:24 am | delete
- niet helemaal mee eens, er is een vrij grote groep mensen die wel degelijk trots zijn om nederlands te zijn of iets beroemds te noemen de mensen die ik ken in zaandam zijn allemaal trots om hier te zijn
en nationaal zijn er inderdaad niet veel gebruiken maar als je kijkt per provincie of plaats zijn nederlanders onderling zo verschillend met apparte gebruiken ikzelf kom uit zaandam en toen ik in brabant was,was alles zo anders alsof ik in een andere wereld was
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Katherine G.
Dec 1, 2011 @ 3:32 pm | delete
- I really love the Netherlands!
I have been studying here for the past 3 years and I have to say, it really is one of the few lucky countries! I personally consider the Dutch to be quite lucky with their country and everything that they have. Their systems, structure, attention to nature (such as parks), decent standard of living for everyone (even the poorer), proper education systems and POSSIBILITIES FOR ALL STUDENTS to go to College and University! Really, these things are harrrdly found in any other countries besides the EU.. The equality and little corruption. I think the Dutch should be proud of its country in many different aspects.
Heck, I even have a bike and try to integrate myself as much as I can!
I really dislike it when foreigners come and don't try to adapt to the culture, specially when there is so much you can learn, specially from the Dutch!
Dutch tend to call themselves lazy, but if you actually look at it (older Dutch), they enjoy their time, while being productive. The best of both worlds, unlike Germans. (no offense to them)
But I really do Love the netherlands! But hey, Its like one of my Dutch friends told me... The Dutch have it soo good, that it'sjust human nature to have a need to find something to complain about, so what's there left? The weather! haha :)
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Dutch expat
Nov 8, 2011 @ 10:55 pm | delete
- Super. Ik mis Nederland en realiseerde mij dat pas nadat ik geemigreerd was! Ik ben erg trots dat ik Nederlandse ben. Je beschrijving van "De Nederlander" is on point en ook de gebruiken komen mij zeer bekend voor. Wel mis ik de dropjes, bitterballen, frikandellen, de kazen en de tulpen die ons ook zo beroemd maken in je relaas!
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spirituality
Nov 9, 2011 @ 2:20 am | delete
- Well, this page is called 'little known facts about the Netherlands' not 'what the Netherlands is famous for'...
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pheonix76
Oct 22, 2011 @ 9:51 pm | delete
- This has been an interesting read! Thanks for sharing this information about your country, it has certainly been insightful. I would love to visit the Netherlands one day as some of my ancestors were from there. :)
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Oct 22, 2011 @ 5:16 am | delete
- Ik woon en werk in Nederland dus als je vragen hebt kan je het altijd vragen geen probleem.Ik vind het leuk om te zien hoe dat jullie bezig zijn met Nederland.Ten eerste Nederland is maar een klein landje op de kaart maar we hebben hier wel heel veel culturen door elkaar heen lopen.En ook het eten is hier erg verschillend omdat hier zoveel culturen aanwezig zijn.Maar inderdaad stampot en erwtensoep met rookworst zijn hier in de winter erg geliefd.En als je het over pannenkoeken hebt die kan je op verschillende wijze eten zoals met stroop of met jam of met kaas of met appel of met spek en ga zo maar door. Ik vind het leuk dat je dit stuk over Nederland hebt gemaakt.My englisch is not very good but you can translate it by google.
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ajgodinho Oct 8, 2011 @ 5:30 pm | delete
- Wow, I learned a lot about Netherlands (or should I say Nederland) ;) It's always interesting to learn about different countries, their culture, history, language, food and all those interesting facts. Well well done and thorough lens. Blessings! :)
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BookNow
Oct 1, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
- Mooie lens! Thumbs up! Can you add a bit about the "Elf stedentocht" at the part of skating? Its a great ice skating tournement.
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seeker2011
Sep 23, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
- A very nice lense. een zeer mooie lens.
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Shadrosky
Aug 14, 2011 @ 9:03 pm | delete
- I learned a ton about The Netherlands from this, and its nice because I am fascinated by Europe in general. Excellent lens!
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ClaireBerlin
Jul 11, 2011 @ 1:55 pm | delete
- okeeee, sorry maar dit is bestwel slecht. nederlanders niet trots? nederlanders zijn het trotste volk op aarde. as being said to me: "dutch people are the most patriotic people on earth!" en dit is echt wel waar.
nederland heeft niet veel tradities? wat dacht je van onnodige dagen als koninginnedag, vlaggetjesdag, prinsjesdag, ETC. je moet ff je bronnen checken voordat je zo'n groot artikel plaatst. verder prima stuk
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Fransisca
Oct 22, 2011 @ 4:45 am | delete
- Mag ik vragen waar jij vandaan komt. Kom jij uit Nederland dan want je weet er wel het een ander vanaf zo te horen.
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Oct 22, 2011 @ 5:01 am | delete
- Hallo claireberlin ik ben het niet helemaal met je eens want er zijn wel tradities in nederland wat dacht je van het sinterklaasfeest.En ik vind koninginnedag helemaal geen onnodige dag.Ik vind het juist goed dat er nog dagen zijn die in nederland in ere worden gehouden.Alles verdwijnt hier zo langzamerhand en dat is ook niet goed daar moeten we juist voor oppassen.En dat we een trots en nuchter volkje zijn dat klopt dat ben ik echt met je eens dat zal ook nooit veranderen.
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PaulOnBooks
May 29, 2011 @ 9:14 pm | delete
- Fascinating view on The Netherlands from a perspective rarely seen: Angel Blessed.
If anyone's thinking of visiting - one of the most civillised countries/peoples I've even been to,
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MomwithAHook
May 28, 2011 @ 3:55 pm | delete
- I would still love to visit - I might not like the rudeness at first but I'd rather be around outspoken honest people than candy coated liars. Blessed.
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The UnDutchables:
an observation of the netherlands, its culture and its inhabitants
The UnDutchables: an observation of the netherlands, its culture and its inhabitants
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 02/14/2012)
The authors have clearly looked much farther than wooden shoes and tulips... Even the way the Dutch stir sugar in their coffee has not escaped their notice and not until you read this book from cover to cover do you understand how much Dutch behavior, that we consider as completely normal ourselves, borders on insanity for a non-Netherlander.
Everything in it is true, and only the humor with which it is written makes it at all palatable for for Dutch people themselves.
