Join the new world

General information


Population : 17.2 milion people (66th in the World,11th in Europe)
Total Area : 41,543 km^2 (131st in the World,32nd in Europe)
Official languages : Dutch
Official currency : Euro(EUR)
Capital : Amsterdam
Population density : 414,6 people/km^2 (30th in the World,11th in Europe)
Top 5 biggest cities : Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven

The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, administered under a parliamentary representative democracy as a decentralised unitary state. The head of state is the King, hailing from the House of Orange-Nassau. Unlike other monarchies, the King has more power in the Netherlands, having a role in the formation of government and in the legislative process.

The head of government is the Prime Minister, hailing from one of the political parties. It is important to note that Dutch politics and governance is characterised by a strive towards broad consensus.As such, many different political parties have to form a coalition in order to govern.

The Dutch Parliament, officially known as the States General of the Netherlands, consists of a House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer) and a Senate (Eerste Kamer). Both chambers are housed in the Binnenhof of The Hague and discuss proposed legislation and review of the actions of the cabinet. Only the House of Representatives has the right to propose or amend legislation while the Senate discusses its value regarding the Dutch law since the Netherlands have no constitutional court.

"Netherlands" literally means "lower countries", influenced by its low land and flat geography, with only about 50% of its land exceeding one metre above sea level.Most of the areas below sea level are artificial. Since the late 16th century, large areas (polders) have been reclaimed from the sea and lakes, amounting to nearly 17% of the country's current land mass.


The Netherlands is divided into twelve provinces, each under a King's Commissioner (Commissaris van de Koning), except for Limburg province where the position is named Governor (Gouverneur) but has the same tasks. All provinces are divided into municipalities (gemeenten), of which there are 388 (2017).

The country is also subdivided into 24 water districts, governed by a water board (waterschap or hoogheemraadschap), each having authority in matters concerning water management.The creation of water boards actually pre-dates that of the nation itself, the first appearing in 1196. The Dutch water boards are among the oldest democratic entities in the world still in existence. Direct elections of the water boards take place every 4 years.

The administrative structure on the 3 BES (Bonaire,Sint Eustatius, Saba islands, collectively known as the Caribbean Netherlands, is different. These islands have the status of openbare lichamen (public bodies) rather than municipalities and as administrative units are generally referred to as special municipalities. They are not part of a province.







National sport : Football

Field hockey


Ice skating





National animals : Lion(Panthera leo) - heraldic symbol

Black-tailed godwit(Limosa limosa)


National plant: Tulip (Tulipa spp.)



National instruments: Street organ






The significance of the 27th of April

The Dutch national holiday (Koningsdag/Koninginnedag) celebrates the birthday of the current king/queen. Since 2013, the holiday is celebrated on the 27th of April, the birthday of King Willem-Alexander.

Koningsdag is known for its nationwide vrijmarkt ("free market"), at which the Dutch sell their used items. It is also an opportunity for "orange madness" or oranjegekte, a kind of frenzy named for the national colour.













We all know about Santa Claus. But where did he come from? Who is he based on?

Well,modern Santa Claus is primarily based on the Dutch version of St.Nicholas :

Sinterklaas is based on the historical figure of Saint Nicholas (270–343), a Greek bishop of Myra in present-day Turkey. He is depicted as an elderly, stately and serious man with white hair and a long, full beard. He wears a long red cape or chasuble over a traditional white bishop's alb and sometimes red stola, dons a red mitre and ruby ring, and holds a gold-coloured crosier, a long ceremonial shepherd's staff with a fancy curled top. He traditionally rides a white horse. In the Netherlands, the horse is called Amerigo, and in Belgium, it is named Slecht Weer Vandaag, meaning "Bad Weather Today". Sinterklaas carries a big, red book in which is written whether each child has been good or naughty in the past year.



Sinterklaas is assisted by many mischievous helpers with black faces and colourful Moorish dresses. These companions are called Zwarte Piet ("Black Pete"). Zwarte Piet first appeared in print as the nameless servant of Saint Nicholas in Sint-Nikolaas en zijn knecht ("St. Nicholas and His Servant/Apprentice"), published in 1850 by Amsterdam schoolteacher Jan Schenkman; however, the tradition appears to date back at least as far as the early 19th Century.

Zwarte Piet's colourful dress is based on 16th-century noble attire, with a ruff (lace collar) and a feathered cap. He is typically depicted carrying a bag which contains candy for the children. The Zwarte Pieten toss their candy around, a tradition supposedly originating in the story of Saint Nicholas saving three young girls from prostitution by tossing golden coins through their window at night to pay their dowries.

Over the years many stories have been added, and Zwarte Piet has developed from a rather unintelligent helper into a valuable assistant to the absent-minded saint. In modern adaptations for television, Sinterklaas has developed a Zwarte Piet for every function, such as a head Piet (Hoofdpiet), a navigation Piet (Wegwijspiet) to navigate the steamboat from Spain to the Netherlands, a gift-wrapping Piet (Pakjespiet) to wrap all the gifts, and an acrobatic Piet to climb roofs and chimneys.

Traditionally Zwarte Piet's face is said to be black because he is a Moor from Spain.Today, some prefer to say that his face is blackened with soot because he has to climb through chimneys to deliver gifts for Sinterklaas.



The festivities traditionally begin each year in mid-November (the first Saturday after 11 November), when Sinterklaas "arrives" by a steamboat at a designated seaside town, supposedly from Spain. In the Netherlands this takes place in a different port each year, whereas in Belgium it always takes place in the city of Antwerp. The steamboat anchors, then Sinterklaas disembarks and parades through the streets on his horse, welcomed by children cheering and singing traditional Sinterklaas songs. His Zwarte Piet assistants throw candy and small, round, gingerbread-like cookies, either kruidnoten or pepernoten, into the crowd. The event is broadcast live on national television in the Netherlands and Belgium.

Following this national arrival, every other town celebrates its own intocht van Sinterklaas (arrival of Sinterklaas). Local arrivals usually take place later on the same Saturday of the national arrival, the next Sunday (the day after he arrives in the Netherlands or Belgium), or one weekend after the national arrival. In places a boat cannot reach, Sinterklaas arrives by train, horse, horse-drawn carriage or even a fire truck.
Sinterklaas is said to come from Spain, possibly because in 1087, half of Saint Nicholas' relics were transported to the Italian city of Bari, which later formed part of the Spanish Kingdom of Naples. Others suggest that mandarin oranges, traditionally gifts associated with St. Nicholas, led to the misconception that he must have been from Spain.


In the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas' Eve, 5 December, became the chief occasion for gift-giving during the winter holiday season. The evening is called Sinterklaasavond ("Sinterklaas evening") or Pakjesavond ("gifts evening", or literally "packages evening").

On the evening of 5 December, the main presents will somehow arrive, or a note will be "found" that explains where in house the presents were hidden by Zwarte Piet who left a burlap sack with them. Sometimes a neighbor will knock on the door (pretending to be a Zwarte Piet) and leave the sack outside for the children to retrieve; this varies per family. When the presents arrive, the living room is decked out with them, much as on Christmas Day in English-speaking countries. On 6 December, Sinterklaas departs without any ado, and all festivities are over.

In the Southern Netherlands and Belgium, most children have to wait until the morning of 6 December to receive their gifts, and Sinterklaas is seen as a festivity almost exclusively for children. The shoes are filled with a poem or wish list for Sinterklaas and carrots, hay or sugar cubes for the horse on the evening of the fifth and in Belgium often a bottle of beer for Zwarte Piet and a cup of coffee for Sinterklaas are placed next to them. Also in some areas, when it is time for children to give up their pacifier, they place it into his or her shoe ("safekeeping by Sinterklaas") and it is replaced with chocolate the next morning.

The present is often creatively disguised by being packaged in a humorous, unusual or personalised way.

Poems from Sinterklaas usually accompany gifts, bearing a personal message for the receiver. It is usually a humorous poem which often teases the recipient for well-known bad habits or other character deficiencies.
In recent years, influenced by North-American media and the Anglo-Saxon Christmas tradition, when the children reach the age where they get told "the big secret of Sinterklaas", some people will shift to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day for the present giving. Older children in Dutch families where the children are too old to believe in Sinterklaas anymore, also often celebrate Christmas with presents instead of pakjesavond. Instead of such gifts being brought by Sinterklaas, family members ordinarily draw names for an event comparable to Secret Santa. Because of the popularity of his "older cousin" Sinterklaas, Santa Claus is however not commonly seen in the Netherlands and Belgium.









Places to visit:


Amsterdam












One of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations, Amsterdam is widely known for its party atmosphere, cannabis practice and the red light district. With over 1500 fabulous monumental buildings and just as many bridges, visitors to Amsterdam spend much of their time exploring the eccentricities and marvelous museums dotting the 60 miles of canals across the city. The Anne Frank House and the Rijksmuseum Museum (3) are the most popular stops for history and art seekers, while the Prinsengracht area is one of the best places for shopping, gallery viewing, pub crawling, and checking out the unique coffee shops in Amsterdam.




Rotterdam







Once a mere 13th century fishing village, Rotterdam is the Netherlands most modern city today. Very bike friendly like Amsterdam, Rotterdam boasts several historic districts for visitors to explore. The popular Delfshaven district is where the pilgrims launched sail from in 1620, and the summertime festivals and carnivals there attract visitors from nearby European countries every year. Erasmus Bridge is highly unique and imposing, but highly regarded as a work of art, as it soars over Europe’s largest harbor. By far, the most popular visitor stop is at the Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen (4), where artworks on display span from the Middle Ages to modern times, including masterpieces by Dali, Van Gogh, Bosch, and Rembrandt.



The Hague








Best known for the contemporary art exhibits at the Gemeentemuseum Den Haag (3) and the Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis (4), The Hague is arguably one of the most extraordinary places to visit in the Netherlands. Known as the Royal City by the Sea due to its Dutch Royalty citizens, visitors often enjoy spending time along the North Sea in the warmer months at the sea town of Scheveningen. Several notable monuments and historic districts are easily traversable in The Hague, and travelers can peruse the luxury department stores, cozy shops, and international art galleries with ease. The Binnenhof (2), the seat of the government of the Netherlands is also located in The Hague even though Amsterdam is the capital. Other attractions in The Hague include the miniature city, Madurodam and a 360 degree panoramic view of the Scheveningen Sea in the 19th century at Panorama Mesdag.




Delft




From the Renaissance style City Hall building on the Markt Square to the city’s traditional Holland canals, architecture, and vibe, Delft is a progressive town that has worked diligently to restore its antiquated appearance. This unspoiled town is an ideal day trip destination or vacation destination if the busy streets of Amsterdam are undesirable for a long stay. Popular sites include The Prinsenhof (3), where the bullet holes still remain from the death of William of Orange. This museum tells the tale of the Eighty Years’ War and also features many intriguing artworks. Those looking for a Johannes Vermeer souvenir or print cannot miss stopping by Vermeer Centrum in Delft.




Maastricht



Best known for its dynamic city square, the Vrijthof (1), Maastricht in southern Holland is home to the impressive Saint Servatius Church (center 1), the Saint Jan’s Cathedral (2), and the old fortifications, or Vestigingswerkens, are huge draws for visitors here. Many annual festivals take place at the Vrijthof, with local favorites arriving in autumn and winter, and this bustling town square also boasts amazing cafes, hip bars, and interesting galleries and shops. Other popular attractions in Maastricht include the St. Pietersberg Caves and the Helpoort, the oldest surviving town gate of its kind in the Netherlands.




Utrecht



The rich Middle Age history of Utrecht is very apparent in the city’s architecture, with its most unique feature being the inner canal wharf system that was created to stave off parts of the Rhine River from invading the city center. Utrecht’s claim to fame may be the fact that it boasts the largest college in Holland, the University of Utrecht (4). Another notable visitor attraction in Utrecht includes the awe-striking Gothic Cathedral of Saint Martin (2), a 200-year structural feat that began in 1254. Architecture and museum enthusiasts should not miss the Dom Tower (3), the Rietveld Schroder House, and the Museum Speelklok, which boasts a vast collection of striking clocks, music boxes, and self-playing musical instruments.


Leiden






The picturesque city of Leiden is a great place to visit for its scenic, tree-lined canals that are marked with old windmills, wooden bridges and lush parks. A boat ride down one of these lovely canals makes for an unforgettable experience. Attractions in Leiden include the numerous museums that range from science and natural history to museums dedicated to windmills and Egyptian antiquities. The Hortus Botanicus (2) offers sprawling botanical gardens and the world’s oldest academical observatory. Visitors can also admire the beautiful architecture of the 16th century Church of St. Peter and check out its association with several historic people, including the American pilgrims.


Groningen



This culturally diverse university city is small but boasts two colleges, making it the main place to visit in the northern part of the Netherlands, especially concerning the arts, business, and education. Museum lovers never tire in Groningen, as the Groninger Museum (3) is one of the most innovative and modern in all of Holland, and there is additionally a graphical museum, comics museum, maritime museum, and a university (4) museum. Music and theater abound in Groningen, and many street cafes feature live entertainment. Because of its high student population, nightlife hotspots are a huge attraction, with The Grote Markt, the Peperstraat, and the Vismarkt being the most popular.







Inventions the Netherlands gave to the world!

*Microscope!
*Antonie van Leuweenhoek, 1670’s AD





*CDs and DVDs!
*the Philips company, in collaboration with Sony, 1982 and 1995



*EKG!
*Willem Einthoven, 1901




*Bluetooth!
*Jaap Haartsen, while working for the Swedish company Ericsson, 1994



*Eye test!
*Herman Snellen, 1862












Famous people from the Netherlands

Hendrik Johannes "Johan" Cruijff - Dutch professional football player and coach. As a player, he won the Ballon d'Or three times, in 1971, 1973, and 1974.Cruyff was the most famous exponent of the football philosophy known as Total Football explored by Rinus Michels, and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history.In the 1970s, Dutch football rose from near obscurity to become a powerhouse in the sport.Cruyff led the Netherlands to the final of the 1974 FIFA World Cup and received the Golden Ball as player of the tournament.At the 1974 finals, he executed a feint that subsequently was named after him, the "Cruyff Turn", a move widely replicated in the modern game.

(1947 - 2016)


Vincent Willem van Gogh - Dutch Post-Impressionist painter who is among the most famous and influential figures in the history of Western art. In just over a decade he created about 2,100 artworks, including around 860 oil paintings, most of them in the last two years of his life. They include landscapes, still lifes, portraits and self-portraits, and are characterised by bold colours and dramatic, impulsive and expressive brushwork that contributed to the foundations of modern art. His suicide at 37 followed years of mental illness and poverty.

(1853 - 1890)


Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn - Dutch draughtsman, painter, and printmaker. An innovative and prolific master in three media, he is generally considered one of the greatest visual artists in the history of art and the most important in Dutch art history. Unlike most Dutch masters of the 17th century, Rembrandt's works depict a wide range of style and subject matter, from portraits and self-portraits to landscapes, genre scenes, allegorical and historical scenes, biblical and mythological themes as well as animal studies. His contributions to art came in a period of great wealth and cultural achievement that historians call the Dutch Golden Age, when Dutch art (especially Dutch painting), although in many ways antithetical to the Baroque style that dominated Europe, was extremely prolific and innovative, and gave rise to important new genres. Like many artists of the Dutch Golden Age, such as Jan Vermeer of Delft, Rembrandt was also known as an avid art collector and dealer.


(1606 - 1669)



Tijs Michiel Verwest - knows as Tiësto, is a Dutch DJ and record producer from Breda. He was named "the Greatest DJ of All Time" by Mix magazine in a poll voted by the fans. In 2013, he was voted by DJ Magazine readers as the "best DJ of the last 20 years".He is also regarded as the "Godfather of EDM" by many sources.

(born 1969)


William of Orange - also widely known as William the Silent or William the Taciturn, was the main leader of the Dutch revolt against the Spanish Habsburgs that set off the Eighty Years' War (1568–164😎 and resulted in the formal independence of the United Provinces in 1581. He was born in the House of Nassau as Count of Nassau-Dillenburg. He became Prince of Orange in 1544 and is thereby the founder of the branch House of Orange-Nassau and the ancestor of the monarchy of the Netherlands. Within the Netherlands he is also known as Father of the Fatherland.

(1533 - 1584)







Traditional food


Stamppot



Stamppot is an old-style Dutch dish. It is made of mashed potatoes mixed with one or more vegetables like kale, carrots, endive or sauerkraut. ‘Stamppot’ is traditionally served during the winter and enjoyed best with ‘rookworst’.

Lekkerbekje / Kibbeling



This is the Dutch variaty of fish and chips, but without the chips. ‘Lekkerbekje’ and ‘Kibbeling’ refer to battered and deep-fried white fish, commonly codfish or whiting from the North Sea. The only difference between these two is that ‘kibbeling’ is cut into chunks, while ‘lekkerbekje’ is not. ‘Kibbeling’ is served with dipping sauces like a mayonnaise-based remoulade sauce (similar to tartar sauce) or garlic sauce. You can taste this delicious seafood at the same stands on the streets or market where ‘haring’ (herring) is sold.

Erwtensoep/Snert



Erwtensoep or snert is made of split peas, celery, leeks, carrots and pork. This pea soup is a very thick soup. The thick ‘erwtensoep’ is traditionally eaten during the winter with slices of ‘rookworst’ (smoked sausage) and rye bread with ‘katenspek’ (a type of Dutch bacon, first cooked and then smoked).
The Dutch consider that well-made ‘erwtensoep’ should be so thick that your spoon should stay vertically in it. That is why ‘erwtensoep’ is often eaten the next day when the flavors are better mixed and the soup got even thicker.



Bitterballen



‘Bitterballen’ are the Dutch favorite snack and can be ordered in almost every café and bar, because of its real tasty combination with beer. These savory meat-based balls are deeply fried and traditionally served with mustard. The ‘bitterbal’ has a crunchy breadcrumb coating with soft filling on the inside. Be careful when trying one, because the filling can be very hot. Inside the ‘bitterbal’ you will find a mixture of beef, beef broth, butter, flour for thickening and spices (resulting in a thick ragout).



Patatje oorlog



This variation of French Fries (which are actually Belgian) uses a combination of mayonnaise, raw chopped onions and peanut sauce.

Kroket



The ‘kroket’ is a deep fried roll with meat ragout inside, covered in breadcrumbs. The common English translation of’ kroket’ is croquette. The original Dutch ‘kroket’ is made from beef or veal, but there are many different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps, goulash or even a vegetarian ‘kroket’. You can eat a ‘kroket’ as a snack, but most of the time they are served on sliced white bread or hamburger buns with mustard on the side. Be aware; the ‘kroket’ can be quite hot inside.

Haring ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’



Haring or ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ (Dutch new herring) is probably the most famous Dutch food. If you like fish you should at least try it once. The raw herring is served together with chopped raw onions and gherkins. Also the way of eating is a real Dutch tradition. In the Netherlands new herring is eaten by lifting up the herring by its tail into the air and then take a bite upwards. Of course you can also enjoy this Dutch delight by eating it in little pieces or on a sandwich called ‘broodje haring’.
Herring can only be called ‘Hollandse Nieuwe’ if the fish is caught between May and July. Also the preparation is quite special and must be done according to the Dutch tradition. The herring is cleaned, the head is removed and it is conserved in a special way (with salt).



Traditional desserts

Stroopwafel



Popular throughout the world, the ‘stroopwafel’ is undoubtedly the most famous and popular pastry from The Netherlands. A ‘stroopwafel’ is a unique kind of cookie. It is a waffle made from baked batter and sliced horizontally. The two thin layers of the waffle are filled with special sweet and sticky syrup (the ‘stroop’) in between. The stiff batter for the waffles is made from butter, flour, yeast, milk, brown sugar and eggs.

Poffertjes



A traditional Dutch batter treat is ‘poffertjes’. They look like baby pancakes but much fluffier. They are made with yeast and buckwheat flour and typically served with a lump of butter and powdered sugar. Fresh ‘poffertjes’ are often made at an outdoor stand during winter. They are served on a small cardboard plate and come with a small fork. While butter and powdered sugar are the most common toppings; whipped cream, syrup and strawberries are also pretty common.

Drop



The Dutch love licorice or as they call it :‘drop’. With more than 2 kilograms per year per person the Dutch consumption of licorice is the highest in the world. You will come across it everywhere; the supermarket, the pharmacy, at the market and gas stations. ‘Drop’ comes in different flavors and sizes, but basically there are two major differences: salty licorice and sweet licorice.

Hagelslag



‘Hagelslag’ is a (sandwich) filling of sprinkles, although you can sprinkle it on many other types of food as well (desserts mainly). The Dutch love them, young and old, on their sandwiches for breakfast or lunch. ‘Chocolade hagelslag’ (chocolat sprinkles) are the most popular ones. Other varieties are anise (licorice) seed ‘hagelslag’ or fruit flavored ‘hagelslag’.

Pannenkoeken



‘Pannenkoeken’ are common around the world, but the Dutch version of the pancake is larger and thinner than the American pancakes, but thicker than a French crêpe. The Dutch like to eat their pancakes throughout the day (preferably for dinner), unlike in the United States where pancakes are served for breakfast. Another difference is that a Dutch pancake has the concept of a pizza. The pancakes are topped with one or more different items like slices of bacon, cheese, apple or raisins. A plain pancake is often eaten with sugar syrup or powdered sugar. Dutch pancakes are made of milk, flour and eggs.


Traditional drinks

Jenever (Dutch gin)



Goldstrike (cinammon flavoured spirit)



Beer



The Dutch make great beer. While Heineken is the most famous by far, my personal favourite is Amstel. The Netherlands is also home to two Trappist Breweries: La Trappe and Zundert.






Interesting facts about the Netherlands


1.Not all Dutch people are from Holland or from Europe: Holland is an area in the Netherlands that today is made up of the provinces of North Holland (Noord-Holland) and South Holland (Zuid-Holland). Historically Holland was the area that contributed the most to the Dutch kingdom's economy and wealth, thus becoming a common name to indicate the entire country, although incorrectly. In addition, due to a history of colonialism, three Caribbean islands are still part of the Netherlands: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba. Their citizens are Dutch and can vote in EU elections.
2.The Wilhelmus is the oldest national anthem in the worl😛 Both the words and music date from the 16th century, and in it the Dutch king speaks of his German blood and describes his loyalty to the Spanish crown.
3.Dutch men are the tallest in the worl😛 with a height of 182.5cm, while Dutch women rank as the second tallest in the world with a height of 1.69cm. Although Europeans and Americans towered over the average Dutch in the mid-18th century, Dutch males have grown some 20cm over the last 200 years compared to just 6cm that Americans grew. Researchers say it is not only due to Dutch DNA but also environmental factors such as low social inequality, universal healthcare and nutrition, specifically their heavy consumption of dairy products.
4.There are over 1,000 windmills still standing from 1850: traditionally used for a variety of purposes, from irrigation to grinding grain, only a few still operate commercially. The Kinderdijk area is a UNESCO World Heritage site home to 19 traditional windmills.
5.The Netherlands produces around 6 million souvenir clogs each year: the exact origin of wooden footwear is unknown – and not thought to be Dutch – although the oldest surviving clog in Europe was found in Nieuwendijk, Amsterdam, dating almost 800 years and resembling Dutch clogs today. Clogs are rarely worn although they are ingrained in Dutch culture, for example, there are many clog-related idiomatic expressions. Traditionally, klompen were used as protective footwear for labour workers as they're sturdy, waterproof and easy to clean, and in rural Netherlands they are still somtimes seen in the fields.
6.An entire province is made from land reclaimed from the sea: Flevoland became a province in 1986 and is largely made of land reclaimed from the Zuiderzee in the 20th century.
7.Almost 80 percent of the world's flower bulbs come from the Netherlands: the majority of which are tulips, making it the world's leading tulip exporter. In 2017 the tulip industry is expected to hit 2 million blooms for the first time, grown alongside millions of other blooms, all primarily for export (around 90 percent). Thousands of people flock to see the beautiful fields as they grow; Haarlem is home to many commercial fields as well as a Flower Parade and Keukenhof park, which display hundreds of flower varieties. All new tulips varities are recorded by the Koninklijke Algemeene Vereeniging voor Bloembollencultuur (KAV😎, which lists more than 8,000 types.
8.Tulips aren't native to the Netherlands: The tulip was imported from Turkey in the 16th century yet has played a vital role in Dutch culture. In the 1630s 'Tulip Mania' gripped the country, where prices rose until bulbs cost as much as houses and attracted many farmers to switch; when the industry suddenly collapsed, it left many in poverty. Yet it wasn't until the last winter of World War II when the starving Dutch discovered tulip bulbs as a food source. Now, every third Saturday in January, the Dutch celebrate National Tulip Day – the official start of the tulip season – with free flower picking and flower festivals.
9.Drugs aren't as easily available as you might think: While cannabis has been decriminalised, possession, cultivation and selling it to foreigners is illegal, even in coffee shops, as of 2012. However, this law is not enforced in either Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The police tend to ignore public possession of less than five grammes (30g in private) or cultivation of under five plants as this is considered personal use.
10.The Netherlands is home to more bikes than people: There are around 18 million bikes in the country, including the clever (if not so elegant) bakfiets which combine a bike and a wheelbarrow. Ideal for taking the kids to school, bakfiets are even occasionally used for moving house. Dutch cycle an average distance of 2.9km per day and use bicycles for more than a quarter of all trips, compared to just 2 perecent in the UK.






My 5 words when I hear about the Netherlands:
#Windmill,#Tulip,#Bikes,#Stroopwafel,#Dike

What are your 5?





Special thanks to the Dutch community!




I leave you with some Dutch memes:





For the end I want to say I am sorry for delaying this article and other 2 that are incoming but it was due to beeing busy in RL. Hope I will have the other articles on time.

Waiting for feedback , comments , opinions and if there is anyone that thinks I missed something , I could do something better or just wants to help me with this project , PM me !

Special thanks to Kariky for the spacers !!




Hope you enjoyed and see you next time!

P.S. Article 45/74!









P.S.2. Don't forget to push the flags !