Netherlands Map

The Netherlands, officially known as the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a nation situated in the Northwestern portion of Europe. It is also often referred to by the name of Holland. It is bordered by Belgium to the southern front, the North Sea to the northern front, the western front, and Germany to the eastern front.

Forming the largest of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the nation in itself is an amalgamation of twelve provinces. The seat of capital is occupied by Amsterdam, whereas the seat of government lies in the Hague.

Headed by a parliamentary form of democracy, the kingdom was formed by the compilation of former colonies in the Lesser Antilles, which included Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Saint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.

Lined by large expanses of seas, rivers, and lakes, the land was actually reclaimed from the sea along the coastal line, as a result of which the landmass is extensively low lying. In addition to this, the country is known for its picturesque windmills, tulips, and vibrant cities.

History

Maastricht is known to possess traces of the earliest form of human life (Neanderthal). The years of the early age were dominated by the rule of Celtic and Germanic tribes as well as Romans who arrived around 800 BC.

The nation has a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. The era witnessed frequent annexation attempts to gain subsequent control over the adjoining territories and to expand the area under control. Around the 1000 AD, with the coming up of various interventions, the agriculture sector started to flourish and the economy grew at a rapid rate. This led to the growth of market areas, which eventually culminated in the rise of educated and socially aware middle classes.

Amidst these developments, the Roman powers slowly declined and were replaced by the Habsburg and Spanish empires. This era saw the development of trade routes and mercantilism, which finally paved the way for the arrival of the Dutch in the 17th century, which is also termed the Dutch Golden Age.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the country became a major maritime power and played a dominant role in global trade. The Dutch East India Company and the Dutch West India Company were established during this time and helped establish the Netherlands as a global economic power. Soon their powers faded in the backdrop as the wave of the British Empire stood as a strong contender in the era of expedition and colonization.

In 1815, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established, which included Belgium and Luxembourg. However, in 1830, Belgium gained independence, leaving the province with its current borders. Owing to the Belgian Revolution as well as the Java War, the nation was brought to an edge of bankruptcy. During World War II, the nation was occupied by Germany for five years before being liberated by Allied forces in 1945.

In 1954, the nation was forced to decolonize as a result of the increasing international pressure. Upon independence and finally becoming a free territory, the nation spread its influence by becoming a significant member of international organizations such as Benelaux and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

The nation as a whole still continues to grow, fuelled by the structures of the past and the advancements of the present. Its economy primarily centers on finance, banking, and tourism, which generate almost 70% of the gross domestic product of the country.

Culture

The culture is a unique blend of both traditional and modern influences. The nation draws from various threads to create a colorful fabric that is not only reflective of the past events that led to its creation but also the modern-day aspects that continue to shape it even till date.

The Dutch are known for their liberal attitudes and open-mindedness, which is reflected in their art, music, and lifestyle. The Dutch painters have created their own glory that stands on a high pedestal, a level that has only been reached by a few during their lifetime. The painters who are world famous for their pieces include Vincent van Gogh and Rembrandt van Rijn. Rembrandt was popularized for his mastery over light and shadow techniques, whereas Van Gogh presented a modern style of art in front of the world.

Though the section of music has not provided the world with many notable musicians, music as an art has been deeply celebrated in the nation. These include performances of orchestras and the conduct of events such as the Amsterdam Concertgebouw Orchestra, Residentie Orchestra, and North Sea Jazz Festival. The International Film Festival Rotterdam is the leading film festival held in the country.

The country is famous for its cheese, with Gouda and Edam being two of the most popular varieties. In addition to this, the cuisine is also known for dishes such as pancakes and pastries such as banket, oliebollen, and speculaas. A popular form of candy that dominates the market is licorice, which is salty in terms of its flavors.

Cycling is also an integral part of Dutch culture, with bicycles being a popular mode of transportation. The Dutch are also known for their love of football (soccer), with the national team consistently ranking among the best in the world. Other popular sports that have gained importance over the years include field hockey, tennis, and ice skating.

The country also celebrates festivals full of vigor and color, and the notable ones that are celebrated include Queen’s Day on April 30, Remembrance Day on May 4, and Liberation Day on May 5. The other holidays of Christian tradition are also celebrated every year.

Language

The primary language of the nation is Dutch, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Dutch is a Germanic language that is closely related to German and English. In addition to Dutch, many Dutch people also speak English, especially in urban areas.

Geography

The geography of the Netherlands is characterized by flat, low-lying land, with more than a quarter of the country situated below sea level. The country as a whole can be divided into three geological regions, which comprise the coastal zone, the delta zone, and the eastern regions. While the coastal areas are comprised of sandy textures, the delta regions are fertile, and thereby most of the population resides therein.

Much of the country owes its origin to the estuaries of the three European rivers, namely, the Rhine, the Meuse, and the Scheldt. The Dutch have a long history of water management, with a complex system of dikes, dams, and canals designed to prevent flooding.

The territories of Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten possess the status of being a constituent state. In addition to this, the nation is actually divided into twelve provinces some of which include Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, and Utrecht.

The climatic conditions are temperate maritime in nature and are characterized by mild winters and cool summers. The average temperature ranges around 10°C, and the annual precipitation amounts to 800 mm.

Due to a quarter of the nation lying below sea level, changes in climate as well as the continuing rise in sea levels all over the world remain a serious concern for the nation. The region has also been prone to frequent flood occurrences as well as natural disasters, which have led to large-scale destruction of both life and property.

Composed of 21 national parks and over hundreds of other nature reserves, the nation has advanced its emphasis and role to preserve the existing native species of flora and fauna that are endemic to the region.

Apart from its diversity of natural species, the country is also laced with various mineral resources such as natural gas, oil, limestone, salt, clay, and peat. These minerals help in the functioning of various industries, such as the use of limestone in the cement industry, clay in ceramics and brick production, and peat used as fuel.

Shaped largely by its historical locations, water management techniques, and diverse landscapes, the Netherlands is a site that needs to be explored. The nation in the 21st century continues to build upon its technological advancements and supplement them with a focus on renewable energy, sustainable development and water harvesting techniques.

FAQs

Q1: How did the Netherlands become a major flower producer?

The Netherlands is known for its tulips and other flowers, and it is the world's leading exporter of flowers. The country's expertise in flower cultivation dates back to the 16th century when tulips were first brought to the Netherlands from the Ottoman Empire.

Q2: Why do Dutch houses have such narrow staircases?

If you have ever visited the Netherlands or seen pictures of Dutch houses, you may have noticed that the staircases are extremely narrow.

Q3: Why do the Dutch celebrate Sinterklaas instead of Santa Claus?

It is celebrated on December 5th, and it involves the story of Sinterklaas, a bishop who comes from Spain to bring gifts to Dutch children.

Q4: Why is Dutch food often fried?

The Netherlands is known for its deep-fried snacks, such as bitterballen (deep-fried meatballs), kroketten (deep-fried croquettes), and frikandellen (deep-fried sausages). This love of fried food can be traced back to the country's history as a seafaring nation.

Q5: What are the cities that are central to the nation?

The major cities that comprise the nation include Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Groningen, Tilburg, Almere, Breda, and Nijmegen.

Q6: What are the twelve provinces that lie in close proximity?

The twelve provinces include Drenthe, Flevoland, Friesland, Gelderland, Groningen, Limburg, North Brabant, North Holland, Overijssel, South Holland, Utrecht, and Zeeland.