🇳🇱 Netherlands
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a small country located in northwest Europe. It is bordered by the North Sea to the west and north, Germany to the east, and Belgium to the south. The Netherlands is known for its flat terrain, with much of the country lying below sea level, protected by a system of dikes and dams. Its capital is Amsterdam, and the official language is Dutch.
The Netherlands has a long history, dating back to the Roman era. In the Middle Ages, the country was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and in the 16th century it became a republic and a major trading power. The Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century saw the country become a global colonial power and a center of art, science, and commerce. During World War II, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany, but it was liberated in 1945.
After the war, the Netherlands became a founding member of the European Union. Today, it is known for its liberal social policies, its strong economy, and its highly developed infrastructure. The Netherlands is also famous for its canals, windmills, tulip fields, cheese, bicycles, and its art and architecture, with some of the famous artist like Van Gogh and Rembrandt.
Netherlands Travel Taboo
The Netherlands is generally a very liberal and tolerant country, and there are few things that are considered taboo when it comes to travel there. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting:
- Drug use: The Netherlands is known for its relaxed attitude towards drugs, but it's important to remember that possession and use of most drugs, including marijuana, is still illegal. Some coffee shops in the country are allowed to sell small amounts of marijuana for personal use, but it is only for the citizens and residents, not for tourists.
- Prostitution: Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands, but it is regulated and there are strict rules in place. Visitors should be aware that sex workers are not allowed to solicit customers on the street, and that brothels and red-light districts are only found in certain areas.
- Bike Culture: Bicycles are very popular in the Netherlands and it is the main transportation, respect the traffic rules and be aware of bike lanes, before crossing and look both ways, as well as be careful when opening car doors.
- Tolerance and Respect: Visitors should always be respectful of local customs and traditions, and avoid offending the locals, especially when it comes to sensitive issues such as religion.
- Overall, the Netherlands is a welcoming country for tourists, but visitors should always use common sense and be mindful of local laws and customs.
Netherlands Local Food
The Netherlands is known for its rich culinary heritage, and there are many traditional Dutch foods that are worth trying. Some popular local dishes include:
- Stamppot: A traditional Dutch comfort food, Stamppot is made by mixing mashed potatoes with other vegetables such as carrots, onion, and kale. It is usually served with a meat, such as sausage or bacon.
- Hutspot: A traditional Dutch dish consisting of a mixture of mashed potatoes, carrots, and onions. It is usually served with a meat, such as roast beef or stewed pork.
- Erwtensoep: Also known as pea soup, this is a thick and hearty soup made from split green peas, ham, and various vegetables such as carrots and onions. It is often served with smoked sausage or smoked bacon.
- Kibbeling: Kibbeling is a popular Dutch snack consisting of deep-fried chunks of white fish, usually cod, often served with a tangy garlic mayonnaise or a remoulade sauce.
- Poffertjes: Poffertjes are tiny, fluffy pancakes, usually served with butter and powdered sugar, or with a variety of sweet or savory toppings.
- Oliebollen: a Dutch pastry traditionally eaten on New Year's Eve, is a deep-fried dough ball, sometimes filled with raisins or currants and dusted with powdered sugar.
Netherlands Festiaval
The Netherlands has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many local festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Some popular festivals include:
- King's Day: Celebrated on April 27th, King's Day is a national holiday in the Netherlands, celebrating the birthday of King Willem-Alexander. The whole country comes alive with street parties, parades, and outdoor markets.
- Viering van de Vrijheid: On May 5th, the Netherlands celebrates the end of World War II with a national holiday called "Viering van de Vrijheid" (Celebration of Freedom). It is a day of reflection and remembrance, and there are many events and activities, including parades and speeches, held throughout the country.
- De Parade: The Parade is a traveling theatre festival which happens during the summer, it offers a wide range of performances, from plays and dance to music and comedy. It takes place in different cities in the Netherlands, and the festival has something for everyone.
- The Keukenhof: The Keukenhof is a famous flower garden that opens in late April, it is a beautiful place to see tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and many other spring bulbs. It is considered as one of the largest flower gardens in the world and a must-see for any visitors who come to the Netherlands during the springtime.
- Grolsch Blues Festival: The Grolsch Blues Festival is a blues festival that takes place in the city of Grolsch every August. It features blues musicians from around the world, and it's a great opportunity for blues enthusiasts to see some of their favorite performers.
- Dutch Design Week : The Dutch Design Week happens annually in Eindhoven, it is one of the biggest design events in the world, featuring hundreds of events showcasing the latest developments in design. It's an opportunity to see works from the brightest Dutch designers, including fashion, graphic design, product design, and architecture.
- Overall, the Netherlands has a wide variety of festivals and events for all tastes, there is always something happening throughout the year, so visitors can find something that interests them and experience the local culture.
Netherlands History
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, has a rich history that spans many centuries. The region has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it has been ruled by various different groups over the centuries.
- In the Middle Ages, the Netherlands was part of the Holy Roman Empire, and it was ruled by a series of dukes and counts. In the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the Dutch Revolt against the rule of the Habsburgs began and ended up with the formation of the Dutch Republic in 1581, led by William of Orange. This republic was one of the most powerful and prosperous in Europe, and it became a major center of trade and commerce.
- During the 17th century, the Netherlands was known as the Dutch Golden Age, a period of great prosperity and cultural achievements, it was a major colonial power, with territories around the world, including present-day Indonesia. Also, this era was famous for its painters, like Rembrandt, Vermeer and Frans Hals.
- In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Netherlands' power and influence declined, and it lost many of its overseas territories. But it remained a prosperous and politically stable country, and in 1815, the Congress of Vienna formalized the country's independence as the United Kingdom of the Netherlands.
- In World War II, the Netherlands was occupied by Nazi Germany, but it was liberated in 1945. After the war, the country rapidly reconstructed and industrialized, and it became a founding member of the European Union. Today, the Netherlands is known for its liberal social policies, strong economy, and highly developed infrastructure.