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Netherlands
The Netherlands, which is incorrectly known as Holland by most people who aren’t Dutch, usually refers to the European part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a small, compact and almost flat, low lying country on the North Sea coast of northern Europe bordering Belgium to the south and Germany to the east. The capital is Amsterdam, which is often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North’ due to its large number of canals, and is a large cosmopolitan and busy city. The Netherlands is the most densely populated country in Europe with approximately 16.5 million inhabitants, and is governed by a parliamentary democratic constitutional monarchy. The current Head of State is Queen Beatrix, who has reigned since 30th April 1980. The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes the Netherland Antilles and Aruba, islands in the Caribbean Sea. The official language is Dutch and the currency is the Euro.

The Netherlands has had a long, active and diverse history and is a nation which has influenced the world, politically, economically, commercially, agriculturally, socially and artistically!! It is this complex culture that attracts visitors to Holland wishing to see and experience some of the history through the art, architecture, traditions and customs, and to see some of the other interesting things such as the beautiful fields of tulips, masses of bicycles, sedate windmills, canals and barges, the well known Blue Delft ceramics factory, wooden clogs and also to taste the famous Gouda and Edam cheeses and salted licorice – just to name a few!! The country abounds with windmills and historic sites and is home to 55,000 listed buildings.

Historically the Netherlands can trace its beginnings from 1648 when Philip IV, the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, recognized Dutch independence in the Treaty of Munster. At this time the Netherlands consisted of a unified Republic of seven independent states, establishing the Federal government at La Hague, which to this day remains the seat of government. This period saw the beginnings of the ‘Golden Age’, when Holland consolidated and stabilized at home, and expanded overseas, becoming one of the major seafaring and economic powers of 17th century Europe.

The Netherlands has been well known for its windmills since the 15th century, used of course for the continual effort required to drain the countryside, 25% of which lies below sea level!! This created a great deal of expertise at draining and re-claiming drained land, today this expertise has been used in the Delta Project, one of the world’s largest construction efforts which was designed to secure Holland from the sea!! Taking almost 50 years to complete, this work ranks as one of mans largest projects, and considered by some to be one of the seven wonders of the modern world!!

Please note if you are considering travelling in the Netherlands why not use some of the comprehensive and integrated network of cycle paths. The country is not particularly large and is crisscrossed with national long distance cycling routes which are clearly marked, plus all local trips are easily accessible by bike with racks available at all locations. Bike rental is also readily available.
 
Quick Facts
Population:16 million
Language:Dutch
Capital:Amsterdam
Currency:Euro
Dialling Code:31
Voltage:220
Website:http://www.holland.com/global/
 
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Amsterdam
Amsterdam, nicknamed the ‘Venice of the north’, is the largest city and capital of the Netherlands and is located in the southern regions of the Province of North Holland. It is a busy, cosmopolitan city and a major tourist destination, attracting in excess of 5 million visitors per year!! It is a...
Arnhem
The historic city of Arnhem was once a fortified, walled and moated town, and stood on the northern banks of the Rhine River. The first mention of the town can be found in the Prumer Urbar, or tax book which is dated 893, in which are mentioned the Abbey of Prum and 7 local farms of the area!! Tod...
Edam
Edam is one of the best preserved historic small towns in North Holland and is known internationally for its cheese!! It is a popular tourist destination being only approximately 20 kilometres north-east of Amsterdam. It lies close to the Ijsselmeer and is surrounded by polders and good arable lan...
Rotterdam
Rotterdam is probably known by most people as a major ferry terminal, and for some of those, just a drive through city to begin or end their holiday!! It is however a worthy centre and some time should be given to exploring the city and enjoying the places of interest, the shopping and the restaura...
Volendam
Volendam is a small town in North Holland in the Netherlands, and is located just south and adjacent to Edam on the shores of the Ijsselmeer, approximately 20 kilometres from Amsterdam. It was originally the location of the harbour for Edam until 1357 when Edam developed its own harbour. Today Vol...
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