Most global airlines fly into the Netherlands as part of their European network. Carriers include KLM, British Airways, Air France, Cathay Pacific, United, Continental and Delta. World Folklore Festival Brunssum 2008, Netherlands

Discovering the Netherlands

Your Dutch vacationing destination

Holland

So what is it it? The Netherlands or Holland? Its both. The official name of the country of course is the Netherlands, but internationally the country is commonly known as Holland. To complicate things further, the people, the lifestyle, and the culture is Dutch.

Nonetheless the Netherlands, or Holland, is a much travelled tourist destination and is most times included on visitors itineraries on trips to Europe.

The Netherlands capital of Amsterdam is a sought-after destination within the country, but the Dutch countryside, and the many other historic cities, towns, and villages, have their share of visitors. The Hague by the way is where the government sits and most of the government's administrative buildings are located there. As of course is the International Court of Justice. Her Royal Highness Queen Beatrix, who has been head of state since 1980, also lives and works in The Hague. 

The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, but the countryside abounds. Visiotrs can go back in time to explore the history, savior the white sandy beaches, go cycling or hiking, or visit one of the six monuments listed on the Unesco World Heritage list.

The facts

About

The Kingdom of the Netherlands was founded in 1815. In the year 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EC (now the European Union), and was a participating nation in the introduction of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) in 1999.

Type of government

A constitutional monarchy

Capital

Amsterdam 

Currency

Euro

Geographic area

41,526 square kilometres. The countri is approximately 300 kiometres from north to south, and 200 kilometres (approximately) from west to east. It should be noted too that 24% of the surface of the Netherlands area is situated under the average sea level 

Coastline

451 kilometres

Highest point

Vaalserberg (322 metres)

Population

16,318,199 (July 2004 est.).

Religions

Roman Catholic 31%, Protestant 21%, Muslim 4.4%, other 3.6%, unaffiliated 40% (1998).

Ethnic groups

Dutch 83%, other 17% (of which 9% are non-Western origin mainly Turks, Moroccans, Antilleans, Surinamese and Indonesians) (1999 est.).

Languages

Dutch (official language), Frisian (official language).

Time zone

Central European time. (Daylight saving time starts at the end of March and lasts till the end of October).

Weather

Temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters

Administrative divisions

12 provinces (provincies, singular - provincie); Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Noord-Holland, Overijssel, Utrecht, Zeeland, Zuid-Holland.

Terrain

Mostly coastal lowland and reclaimed land (polders); some hills in southeast

Dependents

Aruba, Netherlands Antilles.

Economy 

The Netherlands has a prosperous and open economy, which depends heavily on foreign trade. The economy is noted for stable industrial relations, moderate unemployment and inflation, a sizable current account surplus, and an important role as a European transportation hub. Industrial activity is predominantly in food processing, chemicals, petroleum refining, and electrical machinery. A highly mechanized agricultural sector employs no more than 4% of the labor force but provides large surpluses for the food-processing industry and for exports. The Netherlands, along with 11 of its EU partners, began circulating the euro currency on 1 January 2002. The country continues to be one of the leading European nations for attracting foreign direct investment. Economic growth slowed considerably in 2001-03, as part of the global economic slowdown, but for the four years before that, annual growth averaged nearly 4%, well above the EU average. The government is wrestling with a deteriorating budget position, and is moving toward the EU 3% of GDP budget deficit limit. (Geographic Guide - Netherlands).

Getting there

The Netherlands is easily accessed by air, train, car or sea. The most popular form of transportation of course is by air.

Airliens servicing the Netherlands include KLM, Finnair, Aer Lingus, Singapore Airlines,  British Airways, TAP, United, Czech Airlines, Martinair, Air France, Iberia, Delta, Condor, Meridiana,  Air Transat, Vueling Airlines, Alitalia, Royal Air Maroc, SAS, Swiss, Kenya Airways. Northwest Airlines, Air Berlin, Aeroflot, Lufthansa, Malaysia Airlines, SkyEurope Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, VLM,   Cathay Pacific Turkish Airlines, Austrian Airlines, China Southern, China Airlines, Flybe, Virgin Atlantic, Corendon, Ryanair, Continental Airlines, and Wizz Air.

Tourist Information Offices (VVV)

In almost every city or village, there is a tourist information office, which you will recognize by the blue and white VVV sign. Most VVV's provide local and regional tourist information, hotel booking services, souvenirs, brochures and maps. The VVV's, often situated in the centre of the city, have qualified, multi-lingual staff to help visitors locate a budget or luxury hotel, campsite or cottage. In general, the services VVV provide are free. Providing maps and brochures is routine. Brochures for hotels, local restaurants and attractions are generally free. Detailed maps for a city walk, cycling routes or larger, regional maps are often available at a small price.

Best month to see Dutch tulips blooming

April

Celebrating St Nicholas, Christmas, and New Year's Eve

Long before 5 December it’s on everyone’s mind. The Dutch vigorously prepare for St. Nicholas’ birthday. In November the steamship carrying St. Nicholas and his Black Peters to Holland arrives, and is met by thousands of people.

St. Nicholas is a renowned national saint about whom there is no reliable history information. He is thought to have been Bishop of Myra (Turkey) in the fourth century. Nicholas is the patron saint of students, children, cities and countries. Since the 9th century St. Nicholas has been worshipped in Italy. In the legends which circulated about him in Holland Spain replaced Italy. That explains his Moorish servant Black Peter.

Originally a feast for children, it has gradually become an occasion for the whole family, who exchange gifts which are usually accompanied by rhymes which mildly tease the recipient. Sometimes the presents are elaborately wrapped, making the unwrapping quite an adventure and a 'surprise'.

Christmas in Holland is most of all a religious event, spent with the family. Christmas trees can be found everywhere, in the houses, churches, shops and on the squares. Each family, of course, has its own way of celebrating Christmas, and sticks to the sometimes age-old customs of their ancestors that have become tradition.

As a rule presents are laid under, or hung up in the tree, to be distributed on Christmas Eve, accompanied by the light of the little candles. People go to church; there are at least two services a day for Protestants. The Catholic Church holds a special Night Mass.

New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands is a family occasion. Everyone gathers together after dinner and the whole evening is spent playing family games or watching television. At midnight the Dutch start off the New Year in with a bang. All over the country fireworks are let off and toasts are made with champagne. 

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