33 interesting facts about the Netherlands

The colorful country of the Netherlands is a must-have on any European travel itinerary. No, seriously – to visit the neighboring states and not visit the homeland of Dutch tulips is already too much. The architecture, the cuisine, the sometimes rather peculiar local customs – it’s all really very fascinating!

Facts about the Netherlands

1. The tricolor on the Dutch flag is the oldest in the world.
2. There are more bicycles in this country than people. However, leaving a two-wheeled friend unattended is not recommended – they are often stolen.
3. Most of the Netherlands lies below sea level.
4. It was the people from these parts who discovered Australia and New Zealand, and also founded the city of New Amsterdam, which was later renamed New York and became one of the most famous metropolitan areas in the world.
5. The Netherlands still has overseas territories in the Caribbean (interesting facts about Caribbean).
6. Holland is part of the Netherlands, not an alternative name for the country.
7. The world’s first international the company (East India) was founded here, in 1602.
8. More than 200 works by the famous Van Gogh are kept in Dutch museums.
9. Locals for some reason do not favor hats. At -5 degrees, almost everyone walks without hats, including children.
10. There are two capitals in the Netherlands – Amsterdam and The Hague.
11. This country ranks first in the world in the production and export of flowers and everything connected with them – seeds and bulbs, for example.
12. About half of the beer produced in the Netherlands is exported to the USA (interesting facts about the USA).
13. Such a popular drink as gin was invented here, and it was originally positioned as a medicine.
14. Almost all Dutch people speak at least one foreign language – German, French or English.
15. The locals are tall. The Dutch are the second most popular country in Europe after Montenegro (interesting facts about Montenegro).
16. One of the most popular topics of conversation in the Netherlands is the weather. And no wonder – it is surprisingly changeable here.
17. Most shops in the Netherlands close at 18 o’clock.
18. The highest hill in the Netherlands reaches a height of 323 meters above sea level. Moreover, the locals proudly call it a mountain.
19. Dutch anthem «Wilhelmus» considered the oldest in the world.
20. The largest artificial island in the world, the province of Flevoland, is located on the territory of the country.
21. Most of the Dutch do not enter into official marriage until the birth of children.
22. Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, is home to the world’s only microbial zoo.
23. The Netherlands is the world’s number one dairy producer.
24. Herring burgers are popular here.
25. About 40% of the population of the country are atheists.
26. The first place in the list of reasons for emigration from the Netherlands is bad weather.
27. There is no free medicine here, but compulsory insurance is relatively inexpensive and covers the services of all doctors.
28. More than 400 varieties of cheese are produced in the Netherlands.
29. The local city of Rotterdam is the second largest port in the world.
30. About a thousand old windmills have survived to this day. Almost all of them no longer work, but they are cherished as a historical heritage.
31. The use of alcohol in the Netherlands is officially allowed from the age of 16, until eating until the age of majority.
32. The rights of individual states include such tropical islands as Aruba and Curacao (interesting facts about Curacao).
33. The nominal head of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is the ruling monarch from the Orange dynasty, which has more than 200 years of history.