Little known facts about The Netherlands

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...

For the first time in years: skating on natural ice

Interesting facts about the netherlands

This scene brings back a lot of memories for me. I have skated on natural ice in most winters when it was possible, often with my mom. It's been a while, but this year it is once again possible.

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.

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curated content from YouTube

Vincent van Gogh - less well known work

Olive Trees, c.1889 Art Print
van Gogh, Vincent

Why is holland called The Netherlands?

The country is called 'The Netherlands' by the Dutch themselves (well actually we call it Nederland, but we don't expect foreigners to use that word).

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

Streetwise Amsterdam

by: Streetwise Maps

Avg. Customer Rating:

Amazon Price: (as of 11/24/2009)

Lonely Planet the Netherlands (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)

by: Neal Bedford

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Amazon Price: $14.95 (as of 11/24/2009)

The Undutchables: An Observation of the Netherlands, Its Culture And Its Inhabitants

by: Colin White, Laurie Boucke

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Amazon Price: $10.80 (as of 11/24/2009)

M.C. Escher - Day and Night

Not so famous art by famous Dutch artist

Day and Night Art Print Escher, M. C.

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

Woman Bathing in a Stream Poster
Rembrandt van Rijn

Weather in the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam

Current weather conditions in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Local Pollen Reports

13°C (Feels like 13°C)

Last update: 11/25/09 3:55 AM Local Time

Humidity: 72%
Visibility: 10.0 km
Dew Point: 8°C
UV Index: 0 (Lawn and Garden Weather)
Barometer: 1002.0mm falling
Moon: Rush Hour Traffic
Wind: 45km/h From: Airport Conditions

50% of the country is below sea level

What are the netherlands known for?

Actually, only about 50% of the country of The Netherlands is below sea level. The rest is above it and wouldn't go under if the dikes gave way.

Piet Mondriaan - two less well known paintings

Cool facts about The Netherlands

This is the Piet Mondriaan you probably know (though in tune with this page I chose a relatively unknown painting).

Mondrian, Piet Composition with Blue, 1935

Personally I like the early Piet Mondriaan better though - the following is an example of his impressionistic work:

Moulin au Soleil Rouge Art Print
Mondrian, Piet

The Dutch and the threat of water

Dutch culture facts

Still, a large percentage of the population is in threat of the sea.

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

One of the weird things foreigners note, who stay in The Netherlands for a while is this: Dutch people are hardly ever proud to be Dutch.

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

I do feel a bit weird writing the following, but I'm afraid it's the absolute truth.

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

Girl with a Pearl Earring Art Print
Vermeer, Jan

Guestbook / Gastenboek

Were these interesting facts about the netherlands?

So, how did I do? Ben ik iets vergeten?

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Shibamom Shibamom Nov 18, 2009 @ 6:59 am

My teenage son is Dutch on his father's side. He is extremely interested in the Netherlands. I am going to email your lens to him, I'm sure he'll enjoy it!.

Like other commenters, I also didn't realize MC Escher was Dutch, always assumed German....Never assume!

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WordCustard WordCustard Oct 26, 2009 @ 1:51 am

I'm visiting the Netherlands soon and found this very interesting. Even though Holland is a close neighbour, I learnt something new here. I'm looking forward to my visit.

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Tipi Tipi Oct 25, 2009 @ 1:36 am

Oh, its nice to visit this lens about the Netherlands once again.
Would love to be able to travel and see place like this.
Wanted to bless this lens, since a became an angel.
It really is very nicely done.
Best wishes to you,
Susie

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Pukeko Pukeko Sep 6, 2009 @ 3:41 pm

Fantastic and interesting. I didn't know that Escher was from Netherlands. There is a whole wall of his work at a Puzzling World (just down the road from us here in New Zealand). It was interesting all the way through. Even got a laugh out of the "rude" section.

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spirituality spirituality Sep 4, 2009 @ 1:49 pm | in reply to B.Hora Adema

Good point, have updated this to reflect that fact. I meant since fall of the Roman Republic and after the Middle Ages.

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B.Hora Adema B.Hora Adema Sep 4, 2009 @ 11:32 am

The first republic in Europe was the Roman Republic. It started 509 BC and lasted 450 years.

So Holland came much later and was the second republic.

B.Hora Adema, Amsterdam

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kiwisoutback kiwisoutback Jun 28, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

I never knew M.C. Escher was from the Netherlands. There's a lot of information here, extremely helpful. This lens, along with your group, were featured on the ExSquidtion Travel Journal today (and I'm Squid Angel blessing this lens!)

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ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen May 16, 2009 @ 5:52 am

The Netherlands would be fun to visit.
Thanks for sharing
Lizzy

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andrasnm andrasnm Mar 20, 2009 @ 9:25 pm

Great stuff!!! I love Holland. When I briefly worked and stayed in Luxembourg any time I had I drove up to Amsterdam....Great country!!!!

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Mary Mary Jan 17, 2009 @ 9:47 pm

I have visited The Netherlands four times, for roughly a month each time. I have Dutch friends who I met while they were living in Canada. I have enjoyed all my times spent with them but I have not enjoyed the consistent, shocking and unwelcoming rudeness I have experienced throughout the country. At first I thought it was a joke; soon I realized, "no, they are seriously this rude". Having lived in Canada for a while, my friends themselves noticed the rudeness when they returned home. They also mentioned that they missed how you could so easily become friends with strangers in Canada (I did not really understand this comment of theirs - how else do you become friends with someone?). I will never forget my first day in the country visiting a grocery store; customers were moving grocery carts through the store like Canadians would drive bumpers cars at an amusement park. I "no kidding" looked around for cameras, thinking a movie was being filmed. It wasn't!

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Shankspony Shankspony Jan 9, 2009 @ 5:42 am

Hi! I enjoyed your lens. Have got on well with the few Nederlanders I have met - friendly and thoughtful, as well as outspoken! And thanks for your help on forum.

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PatrickBernauw PatrickBernauw Jan 9, 2009 @ 2:01 am

Hé, dat is leuk!... Voel ik mij hier niet meer zo verdomde alleen op Squidoo!... Kan ik ook eens gewoon in 't Nederlands iets zeggen. (Of in 't Vlaams.) Leuke lens, trouwens, prima uitgewerkt!

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Rossman Rossman Jan 8, 2009 @ 11:27 pm

Several years ago, I went on Western Caribbean Cruise where I was lucky enough to pal around with a bunch of young Dutch tourists. These people were not at all rude. They were polite, considerate and very generous with others. It was one of the best vacations I ever had and I have that group of people from Holland to thank.

-Ross-

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awelldressedbullet awelldressedbullet Jan 6, 2009 @ 6:54 pm

What an absolutely fantastic lens, I loved my visit to the Netherlands, thank you. We have some very dear friends who are Dutch, and we always say they are very stubborn LOL Congratulations on your LOTD, most deserving! - Kathy

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MindGuru MindGuru Jan 6, 2009 @ 11:45 am

I loved learning about Nederland. Thank you for a truly educational lens.

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spirituality spirituality Jan 6, 2009 @ 3:00 am | in reply to rargiros

I certainly think it's possible. I've personally always thought of New York as sort of a twin to Amsterdam. After all - it used to be called 'Nieuw Amsterdam'. And Amsterdam has a very bad reputation as far as manners go within the rest of The Netherlands :)

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rargiros rargiros Jan 5, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

Especially enjoyed Dutch manners. Do you think New York's similar reputation could go all the way back to it's origins as a Dutch colony?

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hmsweaver hmsweaver Jan 5, 2009 @ 2:07 pm

Thank you for the interesting and educational peek into Dutch culture. I had some classmates from Nederland in graduate school, and they were lots of fun. Congrats on LOTD!

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spirituality spirituality Jan 5, 2009 @ 1:05 pm | in reply to kaylhew

Our first leader - prince William was a prince of Orange. Wikipedia notes: "Prince of Orange is a title of nobility, originally associated with the Principality of Orange, now in southern France.

It is carried by members of the House of Orange-Nassau, as heirs to the crown of the Netherlands, and is also seen carried by the pretenders by members of the House of Hohenzollern. It is currently carried by Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands (Orange-Nassau) and the pretender Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia (Hohenzollern)."

I assume the COLOR orange comes in because of the name. The original principality didn't have that color - but once it came into Dutch hands, the coat of arms included the color. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_of_Orange

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Wealthforum Wealthforum Jan 5, 2009 @ 11:33 am

Thanks for putting Holland on the map for those who have never given Holland much thought. And for those who have, it's a great lens too! I like the skating video. I remember skating on the the farmer's fields in the Veluwe when they were frozen over.
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THE Dutch Celebration: Sinterklaas

If you think that word 'Sinterklaas' sounds a bit like 'Santa Claus' you would be right: the word Santa Claus probably goes back to our word '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

This is to give an idea of a typical local celebration of Sinterklaas...

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.

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