The state, which is located in Western Europe - the Netherlands, attracts many people to move to permanent residence. Of course, in order to get accustomed there, you need to either be an expert in some sought-after area, or have enough money with you. Motivated by the move, immigrants hope to start a new life, similar to a fairy tale, but will Holland give them what they expect from it? Maybe.
Phrase "Needed where was born"No longer inspires anyone, now people are working hard to improve their living conditions and settle in the most decent and cultural place. The Netherlands is worth considering for those who love beautiful and clean, kind people, prefer high-quality medicine, decent salaries, etc.
Whether you are going to move or are simply interested in different countries - not the point. If you are here, then you want to know interesting facts about the Netherlands. We will gladly provide them to you.
10. The name translates as "lowlands"
It may surprise you that The Netherlands means “lowlands»although the state is in the North. In fact, the explanation for this is quite simple - with this name the Dutch emphasize that the vast areas of the country's land are literally conquered from the sea, fenced by dams and below sea level.
If you often see bucolic mills in the photographs against the background of the Netherlands, which are one of the symbols of the country, then you will be interested to know - they were built not at all to process grain, but to pump out water. And it inevitably accumulates in areas below sea level.
9. For each resident - on a bicycle!
The bike infrastructure of Holland is simply amazing! There are more bicycles than residents. To say that they love bicycles is to say nothing ... Cycling in the Netherlands is not just a way to travel safely, it is a way of life.
We are used to having people moving by car, but the inhabitants of the Netherlands, wherever they go: on a visit, for a walk, at work, etc., get on a bicycle. Moreover, not only ordinary residents use it, but even ministers and members of parliament.
The Dutch feel confident on bicycles - along the way, they can simultaneously talk on the phone or read the latest newspaper. By the way, theft of bicycles is not uncommon in Amsterdam. Sometimes very funny models come across - some ladies decorate their bikes with all kinds of bows, ribbons and flowers.
8. St. Nicholas Day is the main holiday
St. Nicholas Day is celebrated annually in the Netherlands on December 6. Most of all, the young generation is looking forward to this holiday. On the evening of December 5, people beautifully arrange gifts and give them to each other, remaining anonymous.
According to the "Dutch mythology" Sinta - Sinterklaas - Saint Nicholas - A close relative of Santa Claus. On December 6, St. Nicholas delivers gifts to children through the pipe (or hangs them in socks around the house), and those who do not obey are punished - St. Nicholas may be outraged and even flog them with a whip. He has with him a book in which he writes about all the bad and good deeds of the child over the past year.
7. Many mistakenly call the country Holland
The country of the Netherlands and Holland is one, but not the same. Holland combines 2 provinces: Southern and Northern, and in the Netherlands there are more than 10 provinces. The name “Holland” “stuck” to the whole country as a result of the fact that North and South Holland were historically the most developed, and therefore were more by ear.
This name took root in Russia under the reign of Emperor Peter I, since developed countries and regions were part of his interests. Peter's Embassy visited precisely this part of the Netherlands, and after his return the emperor himself and his entourage began to call the whole country Holland.
6. The highest population density in Europe
Compared to other European countries, the population of the Netherlands has grown rapidly over the past century and a half: in 1850 the number exceeded 2,900 million inhabitants, in 1900 over 4,900, and by 2000 it already amounted to 16 million.
The Netherlands is the most populated region among the countries of the European Union, according to data, per square meter. km population density is 475 people. In Finland, by contrast, the lowest population density.
5. Rainy and windy weather
The weather in the Netherlands is good because no one here is languishing from the heat and does not suffer from the cold - the climate is temperate. The sunniest month is May, at this time beautiful tulips bloom, which people on bicycles enjoy watching, and in November it is most gloomy, which melancholyans and lovers of “darkness” like.
In the kingdom it is always windy, in winter dank winds especially blow. Fog, humid air and temperature fluctuating from +1 to +4 degrees not everyone likes it, and if you add rain mixed with snow (which is typical for Dutch winters) even more so. The fact is that the Dutch are very fond of skating, so they are more pleased with the harsh winter, but frost in Holland is a rarity.
4. From 1890 to 2013, only women were on the throne
Now Willem-Alexander Klaus Georg Ferdinand, the king, one of the youngest modern monarchs of history, is at the head of the state.
However, from 1890 to 2013, the throne was exclusively occupied by women - Queen Wilhelmina (mother of Juliana), Beatrix (great-great-granddaughter of the female line of the Russian emperor Paul I.) and Julian. For 126 years, Willem-Alexander is the first man to sit on the throne of the Netherlands.
3. Homeland of many famous artists
Enkhausen - the birthplace of many famous artists, including the 17th century. Maybe you are told about something by such names as: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Vincent Van Gogh? They were born in the Netherlands, and there they painted their own paintings, which became world-famous. In addition, Spinoza was born in the Netherlands, and Descartes wrote his main works here.
Interesting fact: The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam is one of the most visited cultural attractions in the Netherlands.
2. The Dutch speak English better than their native language
Of course, the Dutch speak their native language - Dutch, but almost all speak English. So if you know this international language, but don’t know Dutch, when you visit this wonderful country you will be able to interact with the residents.
In Europe, it is considered normal to speak several languages, and no one is surprised if a person speaks 2-3 languages besides his native language.
Interesting fact: the Dutch are very keen on learning languages, including Russian. You will be in Holland - you can give lessons!
1. There are no cars or roads in Githorn Village
As you already learned, in the Netherlands, people love to get on bikes, but nobody canceled cars. However, in the isolated village of Githorn (Dutch Venice) there are no roads, respectively, and cars too, only channels. Therefore, in this area the main transport is a boat - hence such a unique, comfortable and peaceful atmosphere.
There is silence and complete relaxation ... Residents can only be envied - every corner here is saturated with the foundations of a Dutch village of the XVIII century. A great place for those who do not like noisy and stuffy cities.