Brief information about the country

Date of Independence

Official language

Dutch

Form of government

A constitutional monarchy

Territory

41,526 km² (132nd in the world)

Population

16 805 037 people (64th in the world)

Amsterdam

Timezone

Largest cities

Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam

$862.9 billion (15th in the world)

Internet domain

Telephone code

Or officially the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a European state that includes the mainland located in Western Europe and three islands in the Caribbean Sea - Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius. In addition, as members of the kingdom, the country includes three self-governing state entities occupying the islands of Curaçau, Aruba and Sint Martin.

Video: Netherlands

Basic moments

Thanks to perfectionism in matters of political correctness and a reverent attitude to everything related to individual freedom, this tiny piece of land has long been on the list of the most progressive countries in the world. It is in the Netherlands that the most high-profile court cases affecting the interests of entire states are heard, and the most unusual varieties of tulips are grown. It was here that same-sex marriages were first allowed and prostitution was legalized, providing "moths" with the same pension as other citizens. Adds spice to the image of the country and the legalization of soft drugs, which are allowed here not only to buy, but also to grow on your own windowsill.

Today's tourists fly to the Netherlands not only to visit the Van Gogh Museum, sail through the picturesque Amsterdam canals and take pictures against the backdrop of windmills. Recently, this corner of Europe has become popular for its tolerant attitude towards human weaknesses and an alternative view of moral and ethical standards. What in other states would have attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies, or at least caused outright condemnation, in the Netherlands has long turned into civil rights and freedoms. However, despite the ultra-progressive views, one can observe a truly reverent attitude towards the cultural past of their country among the Dutch. All architectural monuments, and there are many of them in the kingdom, are in excellent condition, so travelers hunting for antiquities and medieval flavor will definitely have something to do in the Netherlands.

Cities of the Netherlands

All cities in the Netherlands

Geography and climate

Most of the Dutch territories are located below sea level, and only in the southern part of the country is their relative increase observed. A certain amount of usable area, the inhabitants of the Netherlands literally won back from the sea, strengthening them with a complex system of dams. The locals like to joke about this, claiming that God created the earth, and the Dutch - the Netherlands.

As for the climate, it is close to a mild maritime type, so the local inhabitants are not overcome by either sweltering heat or severe frosts. But the Dutch sky does not skimp on precipitation, so rains, sleet and fogs in this part of Europe are commonplace. Ideal weather conditions and the absence of sharp temperature fluctuations can be observed near the coastal areas, while in the provinces remote from the North Sea the temperature curve is characterized by sharp fluctuations.

Clear weather in the Netherlands is in short supply: there are only 60 sunny days for the entire Dutch year, so the spring-summer season is considered the best time to get to know the “tulip kingdom”. In autumn, due to constant rains and overcast skies, local landscapes look frankly depressing and dull.

History of the Netherlands

Until the 10th century, the Netherlands remained a bunch of rival provinces, which now and then became the prey of more powerful neighboring powers. In particular, long time the territories of the "Lowlands" (literal translation of the word "Netherlands") were under the heel of Germany (at that time - the Holy Roman Empire). The only exception to the general rule was Friesland - today just a Dutch province, and in the Middle Ages - an independent and independent state.

In 1433, the Duke of Burgundy managed to sinfully unite the Dutch lands into a single whole, adding to them for a complete set the territory of modern Belgium. At the same time, local residents were not particularly in a hurry to show interest in their own independence, pushing this issue aside for almost 100 years.

In 1568, the Dutch nevertheless decided that it was time to finally set off on an independent voyage and declared war on Spain, which at that time had claims to these territories. The conflict dragged on for 80 years, confirming the fact that blitzkriegs are clearly not the strong point of the descendants of the Franks and Saxons. Nevertheless, the war ended in favor of the Netherlands: the country gained the desired freedom, albeit with restrictions.

The real heyday of the Dutch state is considered to be the 17th century. During this period, the legendary "tulip fever" broke out in the country, science and art began to actively develop, and local merchants mastered a new and incredibly profitable type of business for themselves - trading in live goods, that is, slaves.

Modernity

Today, just over 17 million people live in the Netherlands. The country has a constitutional monarchy, that is, formally there is a king in Holland, but in fact the cabinet of ministers and parliament deal with important state issues. By the way, the Dutch themselves cannot stand it when their country is called Holland, and all because Holland is only one of the 12 provinces of the kingdom, but by no means an independent state. Since 2013, the royal title in the Netherlands has been held by Willem-Alexander of Orange, who plays the role of a living national symbol. Before his subjects, the king appears at most several times a year in order to deliver the Throne Speech or simply to participate in events of national importance.

Economically, the country is doing very well. High taxes, developed industrial and agricultural sectors are actively helped by the banking system and low inflation, so the classic division into rich and poor is absent here as a fact. But with human resources, not everything is so rosy. The high standard of living that was so sought after in the Netherlands revealed itself from the most unexpected side, which is why the state is slowly but surely transforming into a country of pensioners.

Features of the national mentality

The right Dutchman is a sporty and fit owner of his own cottage, a desperate coffee lover (how else can you get your portion of endorphins in a country where cloudy weather lasts 300 days a year), a prudent, and sometimes frankly stingy owner, but at the same time very tolerant of anything that does not violate the laws of the country. By the way, despite the legalized “weed”, the smell of which has forever been absorbed into the streets of Amsterdam, there are no more truly drug addicts in the Netherlands than in other countries of the world. The only exceptions are the emigrant quarters, which in recent years have begun to multiply throughout Europe. Here, indeed, drugs are like daily bread.

Saving money in a country where taxes can “eat up” almost half of all earnings, and utility bills are getting sky-high and sky-high from year to year, is a tough necessity. Heating in the Netherlands does not "screw" unless the king himself. Little has been heard about hospitality here either, so you should not count on refreshments if you look into the Dutchman's house. However, this also has its advantages: locals do not sit too long at a party, and masterfully dodge offers to sit down at the table. Otherwise, the people in the "tulip kingdom" are quite friendly and benevolent, although by and large closed.

Language

Dutch, as well as one of its dialects, called West Frisian, are declared official state languages ​​in Van Gogh's homeland. Both of them are an interesting mix of borrowings from German, French and Swedish. In addition, in some provinces they continue to be faithful to traditions, preferring to speak in local dialects that have been formed since time immemorial.

The Dutch and English are excellent, so you don’t have to acquire a Russian-Dutch phrasebook before the trip. Such popularity of Shakespeare's language is primarily due to government policy: in the Netherlands universities, certain disciplines are taught exclusively in English, and British and American films are shown in the original language.

The main tourist destinations in the Netherlands

The bulk of tourists coming to the Netherlands are dispersed in three directions - Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. It is clear that the capital with its authentic architecture, picturesque canals and a record concentration of museums and art galleries per square kilometer is best suited to get acquainted with the cultural values ​​and national color of the country. However, they come to Amsterdam not only for the sake of spiritual food, but also with much more prosaic goals. For example, to sit in numerous coffee shops, where the tourist will definitely be offered to “score a joint”, or to assess the level of skill of the inhabitants of the famous Red Light District.

Rotterdam, which has its own airport, is also not losing popularity. Some are attracted by the annual festival of alternative cinema, others are the property of the local art museum in the form of infernal paintings by Hieronymus Bosch, as well as paintings by Rubens, Van Gogh and Pieter Brueghel.

The Hague is, in fact, the second capital of the country. The city hosts a parliament that decides the most important state issues, and the very International Court of Justice, known for its resonant processes, is also located here.

It so happened that the phrase "beach vacation" in relation to the Netherlands is almost never mentioned. However, this type of entertainment does take place. Dutch beaches are characterized by almost sterile cleanliness, good infrastructure and, last but not least, free entry. It is better to splash in the sea from August to September and without children, since the water temperature off the coast, even in the high season, does not rise above +17 ... +20 ° С.

Among the most popular places for swimming, Zandvoort in North Holland can be noted: the place is somewhat provincial, therefore calm and romantic. It makes sense to take a ride to The Hague to sunbathe on the glamorous Scheveningen, which was once promoted on their canvases by the main postmodernist of the kingdom, Van Gogh and marine painter Mesdach. The latter, by the way, sold out so much that he sketched a whole 120-meter panorama glorifying the sand dunes of Scheveningen. Another place for swimming in the vicinity of The Hague is Kyikdaun Beach.

The shores of Tessel Island, notable for its windy weather, are traditionally stormed by surfers and ecotourists. Almost the entire area of ​​this piece of land is occupied by pastures, which will appeal to fans of a measured rest in a rustic style. Getting to Tessel is easier on the ferry that runs between the island and the city of Den Helder. By the way, the final episode of the cult drama of the 90s “Knockin' on Heaven's Door” was filmed on Tessel.

If you are interested in non-trivial places, you should look at the local nudist beaches. Those who like to show themselves in all their glory gather on the coast in the vicinity of Zandvoort and Rotterdam (the northern part of Rokanje beach). As an alternative to sea beaches, rest on the rivers and lakes of the Netherlands can be considered. So, for example, in August it is recommended to splash in the artificial Zuiderzee lake or the Essel river.

Attractions

In terms of cultural and entertainment program, the Netherlands is almost ahead of the rest. Medieval castles, fortresses, and sometimes entire villages, which have fully preserved their historical face, have long become part of everyday life in this country. At the same time, in the kingdom they try not to avoid the progressive creations of modern architects, if possible, allocating the best places for them. To verify this, it is enough to look into Rotterdam, where the famous Cube House, the Erasmus Bridge and the Euromast are located.

Of the truly ancient buildings, the De Haar Castle, the royal palace in the capital, the Delft City Hall, the Muidersloot Castle, Slangenburg and the impregnable Louvestein prison castle stand out. Each of these objects will be of interest not only to certified historians, but also to ordinary travelers, especially since over the hundreds of years of their existence, the walls of buildings have accumulated an incredible amount of exciting stories and legends.

You can talk about Dutch museums for a long time and a lot, but it’s hardly possible to convey the charm and uniqueness of their exhibits in words, so don’t waste your time and try to get around at least a dozen of the very best of them. In particular, do not miss the Van Gogh Museum and be sure to stroll through the halls of the Rijksmuseum, where you can admire the wonderful paintings of Rembrandt and Vermeer, as well as study in detail the miniature masterpieces of the "little Dutch". By the way, about Vermeer: ​​the master lived and worked in Delft, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the country, but at the same time his works are scattered throughout Holland. So, for example, the replicated "Girl with a Pearl Earring" is in the Mauritshuis Gallery, in The Hague.

To see the world-famous mills, which have become one of the crown tourist attractions along with the Amsterdam canals, go to the Zaanse Schans open-air museum, which is located in the vicinity of the city of Zaandam. Well, or take a ride to the village of Kinderdijk, where there are also several mills built back in the 19th century. In the same Zaandam, you can drop into the house of Peter I, in which the Russian monarch lived in 1697, combining work at a shipyard and observing the life of the Dutch. Another cult place in the country, which owes its popularity to the diary of an ordinary Jewish girl, is the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. By the way, it also contains the original of the very impromptu chronicle that the schoolgirl kept during the German occupation.

An incredible riot of colors, “flavored” with delicious aromas, awaits all guests of the Netherlands in the Keukenhof park, where about 100 varieties of tulips alone are planted, not to mention other flowering plants. Well, for a nice bunch, which will cost a non-European modest amount, you should go to the Blumenmarkt flower market.

Desperate revelers and seekers of "adult" entertainment usually settle in the De Wallen area (Amsterdam), better known as the Red Light District. The legendary place where you can buy love and "grass" non-stop all 365 days a year, makes good money on its scandalous reputation. This, of course, is not the only quarter of its kind in the whole of Holland, but it is the Amsterdam brothels among the tourist fraternity that are unconditionally considered the most attractive.

All sights of the Netherlands

Money

Since the Netherlands is part of the Eurozone, they abandoned their own currency here, replacing it with the euro. Banks, as well as public and private exchangers located at the airport and hotels, are in charge of currency exchange in the country. In the latter, it is extremely undesirable to change money (unfavorable exchange rate + high commission). It is much more expedient to bring with you the necessary amount in euros.

Relatively good exchange options are offered by bank branches, which are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00, and post offices: they have both the official exchange rate and more adequate commissions. Another way to convert foreign currency into euros, as well as cash checks and funds from credit cards, is the "Central System of Exchange Offices" or simply GWK. Representative offices of the company are usually located near railway stations and work from 8:00 to 20:00 (on Sundays from 10:00 to 16:00).

Transport

The Netherlands is a country where trains continue to be the most popular mode of transport - we are talking about intercity trips, and in the city, as before, bicycles "rule". Bus service in the kingdom is extremely poorly developed: there are no direct routes connecting major cities at all, and the bus schedule itself is extremely inconvenient. Rail transport in the Netherlands is divided into high-speed (rarely seen at intermediate stops) and conventional. Train tickets are purchased from special machines at railway stations (the most economical option), at ticket offices (50 euro cents more expensive than from a machine) or from conductors (the most extortionate fare with an overpayment of 35 euros).

The cities have developed a unified public transport system - GVB, which includes trams, buses, trolleybuses and metro (Amsterdam and Rotterdam). Tickets for travel in Holland are valid for a certain time period. So, for example, an hourly travel card costs around 2.9 euros, a daily option will cost 7.5 euros, and a card with a weekly travel limit - 34 euros.

The prices for a taxi, which is not in great demand in this country, are about 7 euros for landing and the first 2 km of the journey, plus an additional charge of 2.2 euros for each subsequent kilometer. True Dutch patriots prefer to ride bikes, since in most cities special road lanes and even parking lots are allocated for cyclists. Renting a bike in the Netherlands will cost from 6 to 20 euros, without a deposit.

Hotels

If you plan to stay in the capital or another big city, it is better to book a hotel in advance. In most large settlements in the Netherlands, all kinds of holidays and festivals are constantly organized, which attract crowds of spectators. Accordingly, it will be simply unrealistic to find a free room in a decent hotel during such periods.

Housing prices in the Netherlands cannot be called democratic, and this applies not only to luxury hotels, but also to mid-level hotels. For the most ordinary number in the Amsterdam "three rubles" from the tourist will take at least 70 euros. The same level of service, but in Rotterdam it will cost 40-45 euros. A slightly more economical option is Stayokay youth hostels. Here, the overnight rate fluctuates around 25-30 euros, but keep in mind that for this money you can only count on a regular bed. Approximately the same can be obtained in the hostels of The Hague and Amsterdam, the cost of a bed in a common room is 15-30 euros.

Cuisine of the Netherlands

National Dutch cuisine truly pleases only a healthy digestive system. Pea stew with smoked meats, mashed potatoes with carrots and fried onions, “seasoned” with a good piece of beef, a calorie bomb in the form of mashed root vegetables with the addition of bacon and fatty smoked sausages - all this heavy gastronomic artillery continues to be prepared in local taverns, but for the most part for tourists. The natives of the Netherlands themselves less and less conjure over such solid dishes, preferring to survive with multi-layered sandwiches and pickled herring. Local cheeses also have outstanding taste characteristics: surprisingly, the technology for the production of Dutch "gouda" and "edamer" has not changed much over several centuries.

From drinks in the Netherlands, it is recommended to experiment with juniper vodka jenever, orange brandy Bitter Orange, sweet liquor on yolks Advocat, and of course, the legendary Heineken beer. Those who are indifferent to alcohol will be warmed by tea, coffee and hot chocolate, which are served with stroop wafers with a caramel layer.

You can discover the national cuisine of the Netherlands both in restaurants and in ordinary cafes, the main thing is to stay away from establishments through which the main tourist routes run. They usually cook in them so-so, but at the same time they are not shy about inflating prices. The list of the most “delicious” places in the kingdom most often includes restaurants De Silveren Spiegel (Amsterdam), Restaurant Spijs (The Hague, Scheveningen), In den Rustwat IDRW (Rotterdam), Restaurant Fitzgerald (Rotterdam).

They have their own permanent clientele and establishments with an international menu, which are kept mainly by emigrants. Recently, locals have been happy to spend evenings in Thai, Indonesian, Turkish and North African restaurants, where you can have a pretty good meal for 15 euros. Street fast food in the country is represented mainly by fried potatoes with all kinds of additives (from 5 to 7 euros per serving).

Holidays

Being stingy with emotions in ordinary life, the Dutch really open up on holidays, which are very unusual in this country. What is only worth one "Pink Saturday", on which the Amsterdam canals fill boats with representatives of the LGBT communities discharged to smithereens.

April 30 is an official public holiday called the Queen's Birthday. On this day, every Dutch patriot considers it his duty to buy himself an orange outfit (the color of the royal house of Orange) and go to trade on the city streets with everything that comes to hand.

The day of the cyclist in the kingdom is celebrated more modestly: there are just a little more bike owners on the streets, hurrying to a picnic or to the nearest park.

Every year, in mid-June, a music festival with the deceptively pop name Pinkpop kicks off in Landgraf. By the way, the hardest rock "rules" at this reckless event.

shopping

It is customary to bring small souvenirs from Holland in the form of toy windmills and wooden shoes, cheeses, Delft porcelain (insanely beautiful and just as expensive), funny things from local sex shops, and of course, bulbs of the main symbol of the kingdom - a tulip. The latter can be purchased at the capital's Blumenmarkt market at a very tempting price - about 3 euros for a pack of 10 bulbs.

Unpretentious shopaholics in the homeland of Van Gogh are waiting for shops of democratic youth brands like Zara and H&M. If you find extra cash in your wallet, you can dig into local brands like Easy Comfort and Bandolera (women's clothing), as well as State of Art and J.C. RAGS (men's clothing). A great place to look for non-trivial souvenirs is city flea markets, where you can always bargain and get the desired thing for a nominal fee.

The working day in retail outlets in the Netherlands starts at 9:00, however, in small provincial towns, shops can open at 10-11 o'clock. Workaholism is not welcome in the kingdom, so most shops are closed on Sundays. Well, after the weekend it is supposed to have a good rest and gain strength, so you can catch Dutch sellers at the workplace on Monday not earlier than 11:00-13:00. Supermarkets have a different system. The usual opening hours of chain grocery stores are from 9:00 to 19:00 (plus or minus an hour), but one day a week (Thursday or Friday), the staff works right up to 22:00.

There are subtleties in the very system of commodity-money relations. So, for example, local shopping centers are very selective about bank cards: where they pay with Visa, MasterCard will not work, and vice versa. In some places, only the "plastic" of domestic banks is accepted at all. But cards without chips are unanimously denied everywhere. The local sellers are also capricious with regard to cash: in some stores they may not accept hundreds of banknotes, and in some places they will not take a banknote with a face value of 50 euros.

Security

In terms of security, the Netherlands can be called a backwater. Of course, even in respectable Europe there were some street thieves, but if you take at least minimal precautions, you won’t have to worry about lost things. But for lovers of mink coats and all kinds of accessories made of genuine leather, it is better to change your wardrobe to a more budget one before the trip. Attacks on fur wearers and public "cremations" of fur coats are not uncommon in the Netherlands.

In the most scandalous district of Amsterdam, the Red Light District, tourists are welcomed with open arms, however, they are loved here exclusively as customers. They are openly hostile to curious onlookers with photo lenses at the ready in the abode of voluptuousness, so if you are not eager to experience the power moves of local bouncers, do not try to persuade the "girls" to take a photo shoot.

Those who come to the Netherlands to have a good time and experiment with marijuana are usually not advised to resort to the services of street drug dealers. The offers of these smiling guys are, of course, tempting, but the goods they advertise are not of the highest quality. It’s better to look for an official coffee shop nearby, where you will be treated to certified hallucinogenic mushrooms and elite “weed” will be weighed.

Useful information: if necessary, you can call the police, ambulance or firefighters in the Netherlands by calling the single emergency number 112. Operators speak English.

Connection

The best rates for cellular communication in the Netherlands should be sought from the operators Lebara and Ortel. For 10 euros from Lebara you can get unlimited on-net communication, a relatively low cost per 1 Mb of Internet (about 1 euro cent) and a discount on international calls (a minute of conversation with any Russian operator starts from 15 euro cents). For the same amount, an Ortel subscriber receives 1 GB of Internet traffic and the opportunity to call home at a price of 99 euro cents per minute.

Payphones in the Netherlands are usually located near railway stations, metro stations, as well as near popular tourist attractions. Payment methods may vary. So, for example, KPN machines are happy to "eat" both credit cards and telephone cards purchased at post offices, while Telfort payphones "use" only small change.

Restaurants, parks, hotels and airports in the Netherlands almost always have a free Wi-Fi hotspot. If you don’t have a smartphone or tablet in your hands, it makes sense to look into local Internet cafes, where you will be charged only 1 euro for half an hour of online surfing.

Tulips Holland

Visa Information

Since the Netherlands is part of the Schengen area, you will need a visa to enter the country. Reception of documents for issuing a "pass" is carried out either at the Consulate General or at visa centers, in particular:

• at the embassy and consulate in Moscow (station "Arbatskaya", per. Kalashny, d. 6);
• at the Consulate General in St. Petersburg (Moika Embankment, 11);
• at the Consulate General in Murmansk (Sofya Perovskaya St., 5);
• at the honorary consulate in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (Chekhova street, 80);
• at the visa application center in Moscow (Schipok st., 11, office 1);
• at the visa center in Yekaterinburg (Kuibysheva st., 44);
• at the visa center of Rostov-on-Don (Semashko lane, 117 G).

The fee for the preparation of documents is 35 euros. In addition, starting in 2015, fingerprints will be required to obtain a visa.

Customs

In the Netherlands, unlimited import and export of foreign currency is allowed, but amounts over 10,000 euros will have to be declared. It is strictly forbidden to import explosives, weapons, dairy products and chocolates into the country. Medications will only be passed if you have a prescription for them.

Despite the fact that narcotic substances are looked through in the Netherlands, tourists will not be allowed to bring them, and even more so to take them with them when leaving as a “souvenir”. The same rule applies to non-canned meat products.

Among other things, the following products are not subject to duty:

• cigarettes (in an amount not exceeding 200 pieces);
• strong alcohol (no more than 1 liter);
• toilet water (no more than 250 ml per person);
• tea (up to 100 g);
• coffee (up to 500 g).

How to get there

There are three major airports in the Netherlands: in Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam.

Direct flights from Moscow to the capital of the Netherlands are carried out by Aeroflot (ticket price from 175 euros) and KLM (200 euros one way). A better offer is from the Turkish Onur Air (about 105 euros), departing from Zhukovsky, and the Belarusian Belavia (125 euros) with a flight from Domodedovo, but you will have to get there with transfers in Istanbul and Minsk.

From St. Petersburg, only KLM offers direct flights to Amsterdam (from 350 euros one way). Connecting options can be found with Belavia, Airbaltic, LOT and SAS (the cost of the flight is from 105 to 180 euros).

Things are a little worse with Eindhoven Airport: there are no regular flights that would connect the city with other European countries. The only way out is the “airplane and bus” routes organized by major carriers like KLM and Pobeda (from Moscow via Amsterdam) and Vueling (from St. Petersburg via Barcelona). The cost of such a trip ranges from 90 to 195 euros.

You can fly to Rotterdam from the Mother See and the Northern capital with the same Vueling company, the ticket price is 105 and 220 euros, respectively.

Airfare low price calendar

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If you want to apply for a visa to Holland, then the consulate will understand you, of course, but you still have to go to the Netherlands. Why is this happening? The thing is that there was a little confusion in the name of one country.

Country in the north of Western Europe and its name

The Netherlands is a kingdom (state) in Western Europe. The Russians began to call this country Holland with the light suggestion of Peter the Great. Arriving in the Netherlands, Peter studied the provinces of the country. And by coincidence they were called South and North Holland.

Arriving home, Peter the Great told the boyars a lot about the achievements that are in Holland. And he did not mention the real name of the kingdom. So in Russia the name "Holland" was fixed. Russians rarely use the Netherlands in colloquial speech. Indeed, even in literature and art, it is precisely Dutch artists and writers that are known.

What applies to Holland, and what about the Netherlands?

Such modern things as euthanasia, legalized abortion, legal soft drugs and official same-sex marriage in the media are attributed to the Netherlands.

But the Dutch school of painting, Dutch potatoes and flowers are associated with Holland. It seems that these are two different countries, where art and culture flourish in one, and in the other, the innovations of our time rule the ball. But it's not. The country is one, just the names are different.

The world community recognizes only the name "Netherlands". For the whole world, this is a state that includes the lands between Germany and Belgium, as well as islands in the Caribbean. And also the colonies that are part of the Antilles.

The term "Holland" is used only by those who speak Russian. The rest of the world knows this kingdom under the proud name of "Netherlands".

Southern and Northern provinces

The Netherlands has 12 provinces. Those that served as prototypes in the creation of the Russian myth about the name of the country are located in the west of the state.

South Holland is distinguished by the following aspects:

• Endowed with an area of ​​3418 square kilometers;
• Located on the North Sea;
• It is considered the most developed province of the country in terms of economy;
• It includes the port of Rotterdam, which is one of the largest in the world;
• More than 119 museums have been built in this province.

What is so special about North Holland? Let's consider its features in more detail:

• Territory - approximately 4000 square kilometers;
• Major city - Amsterdam;
• Officially a peninsula;
• It has many cultural and architectural objects that are historical sights.

These two provinces impressed Peter the Great so much that he began to consider the Netherlands "Holland".

Unusual and interesting facts about "Holland"

The Netherlands has the status of a world leader in the development and implementation of high-tech equipment, as well as nanotechnology.

94% of the country's population are active Internet users. And this is also a world record.

This state was also awarded the championship in the field of organization of water transport.

Holland is considered the leading supplier of tulips and other flowers to all countries of Europe and Asia.

And in the cultivation of onions, this kingdom has succeeded more than others. So many products are exported from Holland that the state ranks second in this area after the States.

Every inhabitant of the Netherlands has a bicycle. And everything possible has been done for the convenience of cyclists in Holland. During World War II, the Germans removed almost all bicycles from the Netherlands. And the Dutch still remember this negatively colored act.

In the houses of Holland, it is allowed to grow 5 cannabis bushes for personal use. And in the apartments and ladies of Holland almost never close the windows with curtains.

The average height of a Dutchman is about 182 centimeters. Therefore, the inhabitants of the Netherlands are called the highest nation in the world.

In this state, the law is very respected. And they rarely break it. Most shops in the Netherlands are open until 6 pm.

391 people per square meter is the population density in the Netherlands. And it is considered the highest in Europe.

Fireworks in Holland are only allowed on New Year's Eve. And the Dutch police officers who maintain order on the roads almost never take bribes.

Having admired the Netherlands in his era, Peter the Great would have been greatly surprised at what the Netherlands managed to achieve after the end of his reign. Living in the Netherlands has many advantages, but there are also significant disadvantages. For example, the climate of this country is humid and harsh. And the consumption of natural resources is going too fast. But all this pales before Dutch culture and Dutch freedom.

What is the difference between Holland and the Netherlands? The Netherlands is made up of 12 provinces, but many people say "Holland" when referring to the Netherlands.

• Two provinces - North and South Holland - together form Holland.
• The 12 provinces together form the Netherlands.
• The name "Holland" is often used to refer to all of the Netherlands.

The official name of the country is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The head of state is King Willem-Alexander. The name "Holland" actually refers to only two provinces: North Holland and South Holland. Nevertheless, the word "Holland" is often used to refer to all of the Netherlands.

A Brief History of the Netherlands and Holland

Between 1588 and 1795, the Republic of the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands was located in what is now the Netherlands. In 1795, it was conquered by the French and became known as the Batavian Republic. In 1806, Napoleon appointed his brother Louis as king, making the republic a kingdom. The Netherlands remained a kingdom after the victory over Napoleon. At that time, the area called Holland made a major contribution to the economy and welfare of the entire country. And so it happened that this name began to be used to refer to the whole country.

Holland nature

Holland is located on a plain. This landscape is ideal for cycling and hiking. Numerous natural parks, each with its own special style, delight with picturesque landscapes. Visit the Ostwardersplase nature reserve or the De Hoge Veluwe park and get to know their unique flora and fauna.

Holland is known for long coastlines with magnificent beaches. Due to the abundance of water, this country is at risk of flooding. The government is taking protective measures: the Afsluitdijk dam has been built and the Delta project has been implemented. These unique structures are definitely worth a visit.

Typical images of Holland

You probably associate Holland with tulips, windmills and cheese. These and other symbols can be found throughout the country. The provinces of Friesland and Zeeland are excellent for cycling, in North Brabant and Gelderland you can get acquainted with the work of Vincent van Gogh, Bosch and other Dutch masters, and in Limburg you can try traditional cheese. A striking place in Holland is Drenthe, home to prehistoric ruins, including a megalithic tomb called dolmens. With the onset of severe cold weather, ice skating enthusiasts can register on "Tour of 11 cities". This route follows frozen canals through eleven cities in Friesland. These cities are worth visiting even in warm weather when there is no ice.

Holidays in Holland

Each country celebrates its own holidays. The most famous holidays in Holland are Sinterklaas and King's Day. Sinterklaas is celebrated in December, and children who have behaved well are given gifts. On King's Day, the people of Holland celebrate the birthday of their king. This national holiday is mainly celebrated with street festivities, and musical performances attract many tourists every year.

We heard about Dutch artists, tulips and even wooden shoes. We know that there are a lot of museums and the tallest people in the world live there. Prostitution is legalized in the state, and night butterflies pay taxes on an equal basis with all citizens. A beautiful bouquet of flowers from this country can be purchased for a penny. The territory differs in its laws and principles of life from many of its neighbors.

It is believed that the Dutch live by the rules, but for some reason bicycles are stolen very often there. Almost the main mode of transport. In an unusual and free country, people never close the curtains in their houses and can grow hemp near the house for their own use. We can even go to this amazing and very interesting Holland. But a visa will be opened for us in ... the Netherlands. Why is Holland called the Netherlands? Is this the other name of the country? Or are they different states?

Today, in this area, much attention is paid to the social rights of all segments of the population. It has the highest unemployment benefits and pensions. This is one of those rare places where residents are almost 100% satisfied with their government and laws. For example, prostitution and the sale of weed are legal here.

Thus, The Netherlands is a full-fledged state. With its own language, with its territory, history, culture. The country has its own way of development, its own view of the life of its population. Then why is the Netherlands called Holland? Where exactly are the two countries that are so often confused?

most developed province

Holland is a province of the Netherlands. Surprisingly, this is a fact. one of the provinces. Or rather, two. Because there is a difference between North Holland and South Holland.

The northern part of this area was territorially isolated in the sixteenth century. South - much later, at the end of the eighteenth. But here we will talk about Holland in general. To make it easier.

So. From the sixteenth to the eighteenth century, Holland is the most important province of an amazing country, the most developed in many respects. She was known to all states that had trade relations with the Netherlands. So they called the whole territory as a whole “Holland”.

Russian people also did not think much about how one name differs from another. Widespread in the everyday life of the Slavs "Holland" after the visit of Peter the Great to the northern country. The Russian tsar praised only the technically advanced part of the country. He did not even mention the name of the entire state in his stories. Writers and poets contributed to the rooting of "wrongness" in Russian minds. It has remained so to this day.

There is some fairness here. Take at least the capitals of the Netherlands, official and unofficial. The official capital, Amsterdam, is located in the northern part of the country. Here the monarch swears allegiance to the Constitution. Unofficial, actual - The Hague - in the South. The royal residence is located here, the Government meets, and many foreign embassies are located. I.e, the most important events in the Netherlands take place in the provinces of Holland.

But still. How should you choose the right name when mentioning this amazing area?

In official speeches, documents - "Netherlands". On tourist sites, in fiction, in a museum of painting, in a flower shop - "Holland". By the way, the second name is used more by the Russian-speaking population than by other-speaking people.

The Netherlands is a country located in Western Europe. It borders with Belgium and Germany. Washed by the North Sea. The length of the coastline is four hundred and fifty one kilometers. The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes the territory of the Netherlands Antilles and the islands of Aruba.

Amsterdam is the capital of the country. Other important cities in the Netherlands are The Hague, Rotterdam, Utrecht, Eindhoven. The first three cities listed together with Amsterdam form the Randstad agglomeration. Its population is approximately seven and a half million people.

According to 2008 data, the population of the Netherlands exceeded 16.4 million people, in terms of population the Netherlands took the sixtieth place.

The Netherlands is famous for its cultivated tulips (this flower is one of the symbols of Holland), this country even has a flower festival - September 6, when cars, fences and houses are decorated with garlands and bouquets consisting of fresh flowers. Other Dutch holidays include the Queen's Birthday on April 30th, Dutch Liberation Day on May 5th, and Carnival on February 13th. Traditional holidays such as New Year, Easter, Labor Day are celebrated here.

The Netherlands is Holland. That is how this country is often called. However, this is not officially true. The Netherlands has twelve provinces, two of which are North and South Holland. These provinces have long been the most developed, and therefore many countries associated the Netherlands with Holland. As for Russia, this name became widespread after the visit of the Netherlands by the Russian Tsar and later by Emperor Peter the Great.

Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, the monarch takes the oath of allegiance to the constitution. As for the government and parliament, they are located in another Dutch city - in The Hague. The history of Amsterdam goes back to the end of the twelfth century. It was at this time that a small fishing settlement arose on the banks of both the Amstel River and the Ii Bay. Subsequently, it grew and became the largest city in the Netherlands. Currently, Amsterdam is also the cultural and financial center of the state.

The Netherlands is a unique state. Its name in translation means "lower lands", which, in general, is true. Indeed, almost one second of the Netherlands is below sea level, which is considered a unique natural situation. Moreover, there is no other similar country on the political map of the world.

Polders are an important concept for the Netherlands. Polders are lands taken from the sea and drained with the help of dams and other complex structures; polders make up a significant part of the territory of the Netherlands. The lowest level - seven meters above sea level - is the lowest level, which is ranked as a world record.

The Netherlands is a country with a temperate maritime climate. This country is characterized by rather warm winters (average January temperature is 2 degrees Celsius) and cool summers (average July temperature is 17 degrees Celsius).

The Netherlands is a country of famous artists. Jan Stein Johannes Vermeer, Rembrandt van Rijn (seventeenth century), Piet Mondrian, Vincent van Gogh (nineteenth and twentieth centuries) created their brilliant works of art here.

The Netherlands is a sports country. Football is very popular, but other sports are also of great importance (field hockey, golf, speed skating, volleyball, cycling, tennis, handball, etc.). In the Netherlands, there is far from a weak school in martial arts. We are talking about karate, Thai boxing, kickboxing, etc. Korfball was invented in the Netherlands. Korfball is essentially a very simplified form of basketball that requires a high degree of athleticism. In relation to the population in all kinds of sports, the Netherlands wins a large number of medals.

The Netherlands is a country of interesting facts. Women and men of this country have the highest growth in the world. The Netherlands is famous for its Dutch cheese. But not only: also Dutch herring. Population growth in the Netherlands is small - as a rule, one family has only one child. The Netherlands is a state with a reputation for tolerance for any dissent, even same-sex marriages are allowed in this country. In the Netherlands, euthanasia is practiced, and soft drugs are legalized (such as hashish and marijuana), but the crime rate in this country remains low.

Windmills are one of the attractions of the Netherlands. It's been that way since ancient times. Currently, windmills diversify and decorate local landscapes. In addition, they work - they generate electricity.

Amsterdam is a city with a large historical center. It really occupies a large area compared to other European cities. The formation of the historic center of Amsterdam took place mainly in the seventeenth century. This age is called the Golden Age of Holland. At that time, the current appearance of the Dutch capital was largely set - the city center was surrounded by a number of concentric semicircular canals, along which they found a haven a large number of wonderful mansions and houses. Mostly all houses are residential, and only a few of them serve as offices or public buildings.

Amsterdam is a city that can captivate its guests extremely quickly. More than a thousand Amsterdam bridges give an unforgettable touch to the city, and they are especially beautiful at night, when in the dark you can see a huge number of small lights illuminating these bridges. The atmosphere of the city is created by its cobbled streets, beautiful parks, curved buildings, tree-lined canals, and more.

Amsterdam is a city of museums. Indeed, Amsterdam will provide an opportunity for an inquisitive tourist to plunge into the world of history by looking into one or more of the museums available here. You should definitely pay attention to the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, the Rijksmuseum, the Rembrandt House Museum, the Stedelijk Museum. Amsterdam has its own world-class symphony orchestra.

In Amsterdam, you can admire the tulips to your heart's content. Here are their entire plantations, because it’s not just that Holland is called nothing more than the country of tulips. Before the eyes of the tourist will open a huge number different types these wonderful flowers. The Dutch even arrange a real flower parade, and everyone can buy tulip bulbs at the local bazaar. It will be a real living souvenir brought home from Amsterdam.

Artis Zoo is the oldest in the Dutch capital. Founded in 1838, the zoo currently contains almost one and a half thousand varieties of animals. Visitors will be able to see giraffes and wolves, lions and leopards, tigers and monkeys, peacocks and penguins and many other animals. The Artis Zoo also boasts a savanna created here in miniature. On the territory of the zoo there are zoological and geological museums, as well as a planetarium, a visit to which is included in the price of the main ticket.

The Hague is the second largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam. In fact, The Hague does not belong to the second, but to the third place in terms of size. The Hague is inferior not only to Amsterdam, but also to Rotterdam. The Hague is located in the western part of the Netherlands and is the capital of the province of South Holland. The Hague has been the seat of the government of the Netherlands for a very long time, the Queen of the country lives here, and in the city center there are a large number of government buildings. In the center of The Hague, you can see many magnificent squares and parks, luxurious mansions and excellent museums. Many of the mansions located here are the property of embassies and ambassadors of different countries. Three royal palaces give The Hague a unique touch.

The Hague is a seaside resort. Of course, not the city itself, but the two beach areas available here. One of them is Kaikdayun. This seaside resort is located in the southwest of The Hague. Mostly it is visited only by locals. The second seaside resort is Scheveningen. It is located in the northwest of The Hague. Scheveningen occupies a larger area than Kaikdaun and is popular in the Benelux countries.

Delft is the most beautiful city in Holland. Nestled between The Hague and Rotterdam, this city is the country's oldest garrison town. Its beauty has its own history, since it was created during the Renaissance. The streets of Delft abound with gothic-style buildings, and the air has absorbed silence and tranquility. Leaning lindens and flower beds add a sense of tranquility. The soft beauty of this city was the reason for the stay here of the Dutch artist Vermeer, who spent a considerable part of his life in Delft. Its main attraction is the central market square. By visiting it, the tourist will be able to see the New Church and the Town Hall. An unusually beautiful panorama of Delft opens from a hundred and nine meter tower. Other attractions in this city include the Royal Armory, the Old Church Museum and the Prinzenhof royal court. The latter is currently a museum. The tombstones of Delft have preserved a significant part of the history of Holland. Karl Naudorff, William the Silent, navigator Martin Tromp, Admiral Piet Hein, painter Jan Vermeer and many other prominent people are buried in Delft. The atmosphere of Delft can be felt only by wandering through its streets - every corner of Delft could become a place of inspiration for painters. Hiking around the city can be diversified by traveling along the canals. Water taxis are plentiful here during the summer. A leisurely journey on them on the water will give many of the most positive impressions.

Delft is a university city. In 1842, a technical university was founded here. Its founder was King William II. Thanks to this illustrious university, there are always a lot of young people in Delft today, but due to the technical specialization of the university, the number of boys far exceeds the number of girls.

Blue and white is the symbol of Delft. This city is famous for its ceramic products of this color, these products are purchased by tourists as traditional souvenirs in memory of Delft. Particularly inquisitive can visit the porcelain factory. In this case, the tourist will be able to see the method of making ceramic products that came from ancient times, as well as become a witness of hand-painted.

The city of Maastricht is a city with a rich history. This city is the capital of the province of Limburg and is located in the south of the country. The historical heritage of Maastricht is indeed great. This is not surprising, because the city was founded by the Romans in 50 BC. Maastricht is currently recognized as the oldest city in Holland. "Wade across the Meuse" - this is how the name of the city is literally translated from Latin. The Meuse River divides Maastricht into two parts. The main sights of the city include the preserved remains of the Van du Moulin defensive line, the beautiful churches of St. John, Onze-liwe-Vrau and Sint-Servaskerk, the Maastricht bridge built at the end of the thirteenth century. Sint-Petersburg caves are a natural masterpiece. The number of corridors in the vast labyrinth of these caves exceeds twenty thousand. The city of Maastricht is also famous for its extraordinary beauty. A tourist will be able to wander through the streets of the city, enjoy the splendor of numerous historical buildings, as well as relax in one of the restaurants or cafes and buy souvenirs in tourist shops. In addition, if you come to Maastricht in February, then, most likely, you will become a witness to the carnival held here every year, which is considered the most famous in all of Holland. Its program includes a procession of people dressed in bright carnival costumes.

Rotterdam is the industrial heart of the Netherlands. This is the second largest city in the country (second only to the capital of the Netherlands - Amsterdam). Rotterdam is located in the province of South Holland. Every year, the Europort of this city serves a large number of ships. Moreover, it is rightfully considered the largest port in the world. In addition, Rotterdam is considered the most modern city in the state. Rotterdam has a lot of spacious shopping arcades, modern buildings, etc., which, in general, is completely uncharacteristic for other Dutch cities.

Initially, Rotterdam is a small settlement. Its name comes from the Rotte River. The birth of Rotterdam is usually associated with the tenth century. It was then that a small group of Rotterdamers settled on the banks of the aforementioned river. It took a long time before Rotterdam became an international center of industry, transportation and trade. During the Second World War, the center of Rotterdam was significantly damaged, so immediately after the end of the war, all efforts were focused on its restoration. Currently, tourists come to Rotterdam to see the famous architecture of the city, which is represented by the avant-garde style. The cultural life of Rotterdam is extensive. A tourist can visit the many museums available here. The most famous museum is the Boijmann van Beuningen Art Museum. It contains a rich collection of paintings by such prominent artists as Titian, Dali, Rubens and Rembrandt. An international film festival is held every February in Rotterdam.

Utrecht is an ancient city in the Netherlands. It was founded by the Romans in 47 BC. Initially, Utrecht was a fortress, but now Utrecht is the fourth largest city in terms of size and is the capital of the Utrecht region. The historical center of the city is represented by a large number of medieval religious buildings, as well as museums. Among the latter, the Central Museum, the Railway Museum, the Museum of the Society of Art and Science, and the Museum of Coins stand out. The Central Museum included paintings by Dutch artists. The main attraction of Utrecht is the Domkerk, the oldest Gothic cathedral in the Netherlands. Its feature is the presence of the highest spire in Holland. The special appearance of Utrecht is also associated with the fact that its center is completely riddled with two-tiered canals, which, of course, adds a specific shade to the atmosphere of Utrecht. At the end of summer, a world-class event takes place in Utrecht. This is where the early music festival takes place. The music of the Renaissance and Baroque eras fills the buildings of churches. At this time, the best world performers are drawn to Utrecht to plunge into the rich cultural life of the city.

Haarlem is a city of flowers. The "City of Flowers" is located at some distance from Amsterdam - twenty kilometers from it, in the west of the Netherlands. Haarlem is the capital of the Dutch province of North Holland. Haarlem is located in a very picturesque place. Near this city there are beautiful coastal dunes and world-famous tulip fields. In addition, Haarlem is an ancient city, so the tourist will be amazed by the abundance of mysterious medieval buildings. The Teyler Museum, located in Haarlem, is the oldest art gallery in Holland.

Keukenhof is the most famous flower park in the Netherlands. The history of its creation begins in the distant fifteenth century. During the period from 1401 to 1436, Countess Jacobe of Bavaria set up a huge garden here. In this garden, vegetables and a wide variety of greens were grown, which were intended for the count's cuisine. It was this circumstance that was the reason that the park received such a name, because Keukenhof in translation means a kitchen garden. The modern layout of the park was received in 1850. It was at this time that a park was laid out on the territory of the garden, a system of lakes and canals was built, and beech alleys were planted. This was done according to traditional English customs by the famous park architect Zocher. As for the modern look, the park received it in 1949, when several flower breeding companies decided to demonstrate their products on the territory of this extraordinary park. It is also unusual that the Keukenhof park currently attracts up to eight hundred thousand tourists from different parts of the world during the spring. And this is not surprising, because the area of ​​thirty-two hectares is completely planted with more than six million bulbous flowers, which miraculously border the numerous reservoirs of the park, delight the eyes of visitors on sunny lawns and along shady alleys. Moreover, the Keukenhof park has become the site of the works of twenty-eight famous sculptors of the Netherlands. Sculptures can be seen in the most secluded corners of this park.

One of the specific character traits of the Dutch is politeness. The Dutch are very tolerant of the opinions of others. There are sayings about their politeness. Even in public places it is customary to greet people present, not to mention business offices.

The Netherlands is an animal protection country. There are really a lot of people here who strive in every possible way to protect the animal world. That is why it is recommended not to wear products made of genuine leather or, for example, fur coats.

The Dutch are hospitable. This is almost the main character trait of the locals. It is worth at least remembering the huge windows of the Dutch, which are rarely covered with curtains even if they face a noisy street. But without warning, you should not come to visit. This is not accepted.

The Dutch are a frugal people. The desire to have as much money as possible is very typical for the Dutch. In particular, the passion for excessive economy is characteristic of the inhabitants of the northern part of the country. In Amsterdam, for example, there is no such thing as a "dinner party". If the invitation is made, then, most likely, we are talking about a restaurant or cafe. Moreover, having accepted the invitation, you will also have to visit the restaurant "in Dutch style". This means that everyone pays for himself. "Restaurant traditions" oblige all participants in a common feast to pay only their share in it. Although a plentiful table in the Netherlands is not accepted even at parties and festivities. Perhaps it is precisely because of such prudence and frugality that the Dutch have for a very long period of time occupied far from the last place in the international economic arena. These people know how to make money. In Amsterdam, it is not customary to dress with chic. The latter is considered a sign of extravagance. This is bad tone. Moreover, the native Amsterdammers are a common people. It is not supposed to achieve something with your wealth and flaunt it here.

The Dutch love cleanliness. Often on the streets of Amsterdam, and on the streets of any Dutch city, you can see a picture when women with washing powder wash the sidewalk in front of their house. The Dutch penchant for cleanliness is a long tradition. Back in the seventeenth century, all travelers who arrived in the Netherlands noted the extraordinary cleanliness of the streets of this country. Every day for the hostess began with cleaning around her house. There is evidence that Monday and Tuesday were spent on thorough washing of floors in bedrooms and living rooms, Wednesday - on cleaning the whole house, Friday was dedicated to cleaning the cellars and the kitchen. It was obligatory to wash the pavement, since the opposite was not encouraged even by justice and was a serious offense.

The Dutch are punctual. That is why any visitor must strictly observe the time frame. When inviting or meeting, it is necessary to be absolutely accurate in time.

Fish dishes are the basis of Dutch cuisine. She presents fish dishes in abundance. This is especially true of herring, which is served in a peeled and cut form. National dishes include smoked eel and smoked herring. Soups are very popular. They must be included in the daily diet. The main dish is often all kinds of stews. Traditional Dutch dishes include: hot asparagus with ham, mashed potatoes with vegetables and slices of stewed pork, mussels cooked in white wine, dumplings with meat. As a dessert, as a rule, sweet cream made from eggs and milk, pancakes with jam (by the way, this is a traditional Sunday meal) or cherry or apple pie. As for pancakes, specific "dinner pancakes" are prepared in the Netherlands. They differ from ordinary pancakes in larger sizes. There is an opportunity to have a bite to eat in the Netherlands directly on the street - for example, on the streets of Amsterdam there is a rich assortment of seafood and fish dishes. And in the Netherlands they are very fond of sandwiches, so in all kinds of eateries this product is available in large quantities, however, at a relatively high price. The national drink of the Dutch is juniper vodka. It is customary to drink it standing up, and in small establishments, which are made from the inside in accordance with the rustic interior.

In the Netherlands, three meals a day are accepted. Far from it. They eat here five times a day. Breakfast - early in the morning. Lunch is in the afternoon. Dinner - approximately at 18.00. in addition, there is a mandatory coffee break between breakfast and lunch and a mandatory tea break between lunch and dinner. How can this be explained? Most likely, the addiction of the indigenous people to a variety of sandwiches.

In the Netherlands, the national costume is still worn. This is not so, although it fell into disuse not so long ago - at the beginning of the twentieth century. Residents of several fishing villages, as well as the inhabitants of the island of Marken, wear national costumes to this day. Tourists make real pilgrimages to such "ethnographic reserves". Largely due to this, the national costume is preserved in these areas. A dark jacket with narrow sleeves that fits the figure and a dark skirt are the main elements of the women's national costume in the Netherlands. The national shoes in this country are recognized as wooden clogs, which can now sometimes be seen in the countryside, and in cities there are even workshops for their manufacture (in modern Netherlands, a pair of wooden shoes plays the role of a souvenir).