The most interesting facts about the Netherlands

The Netherlands is a state bordering Belgium and Germany. This small but cozy and affable kingdom consists of the most Netherlands and a group of islands of the Caribbean Sea. Often the Netherlands is called Holland, but this name refers only to the Northern and Southern provinces. The Netherlands itself consists of 12 provinces. And today we will consider interesting facts about the Netherlands, which will surely be of use to you if you suddenly decide to visit this wonderful country.

Interesting to know...

The capital of the state is Amsterdam, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The head of state is the monarch, Willem-Alexander. Part of the Netherlands lies below sea level, and 40% of the country is occupied by "polders" - artificially washed land sections, crossed by a lot of dams, canals and rivers. The abundance of water threatens the country with flooding, so the government takes measures to protect the territory.

Half of the population is atheist, the other part is divided into Catholics and Protestants. Only 3% of the population have a different religion.

The official language of the country is Dutch and West Frisian, but most of the locals also speak English, French, German, so they have no difficulties in communicating with tourists. An interesting fact about the Netherlands: 94% of the population over 15 years old speaks German or English.

Symbols of the Netherlands: interesting facts

Everyone knows the main symbols of the country - windmills, tulips, cheese ... This indescribable Dutch color can not be confused with any other!

Windmills were originally built in order to operate pumps that pump water. After all, half of the land of the Netherlands was conquered by the water! Today, the mills that have survived to this day in Holland are very popular among tourists. About 100 mills are scattered throughout the country and each of them has the status of a historical landmark. And the most famous is the group of 19 mills, built in the 18th century. It is located in Kinderdijk and is one of the most popular attractions of the kingdom. In the city of Zaastade the same mills can be seen in working order.

Tulips are another symbol of Holland. Endless flower fields are a bright decoration of the Netherlands. There are especially many tulips here, which were brought to the country by the Turks just five centuries ago, but have become so established in it that they are now its business card. Once a rare bulb of these amazing flowers could buy a whole house. Today, tulips are still as popular and beloved by the Dutch. The largest collection of tulips is in the famous Keukenhof park (the city of Lisse).

Annually flowers exhibitions are held in the Netherlands. Especially popular is the festival of tulips, which lasts a few spring months. Sculptures of tulips can be admired not in one point of Amsterdam.

Orange is another unofficial symbol of the Netherlands. Interesting facts about the country can not be considered without mentioning this cheerful shade. The orange color symbolizes optimism and joy, but in addition, it is the official color of the royal dynasty, to which the Dutch are particularly favored. Therefore, during the holidays an abundance of orange color is quite understandable.

"In the theater of life, the main thing is a buffet"

The Dutch like to eat deliciously, but they practically do not have their own traditional cuisine - it is a mixture of alien cultures.

Local residents eat a lot of sour-milk products (this is the factor that some explain their high growth). The country is one of the largest exporters of cheese in the world. Cheese is distinguished by its excellent taste qualities and is actively sold in other countries. A variety of varieties can be tried in numerous cheese markets, which still retain the amazing atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Another interesting fact about the Netherlands: the local people adore meat. One dish, it does not matter, for lunch or dinner, is necessarily combined with meat. Meat is always present in the kitchen of any Dutchman and is very often combined with vegetables, which usually mash in puree. Potatoes are the most popular, not only in the form of mashed potatoes or salad, but also in the form of chips, with which the local population crunches constantly.

The Dutch are known for their love of coffee and beer. Coffee here is always drunk, on average - just over three cups a day. Dinner, usually at 6-7 hours, drink coffee or beer, drink it in a special way, slowly sipping from the glass.

Where without a bicycle?

It's amazing, but the inhabitants of the Netherlands are so fond of bicycles that the number of these vehicles exceeds the population of the country! On bicycles go to work, study and just for a walk.

The price of two-wheeled handsome men in the Netherlands is not particularly high, but they are so often stolen that the lock on the "iron friend" is more expensive than the bike itself. To distinguish bicycles from each other and find their own, the owners decorate them.

Sex, drugs and rock and roll

Perhaps the most "legalized" in the world are the Netherlands. Interesting facts about the country show that its government acts subtly and wisely. First of all, prostitution, same-sex marriages and even euthanasia are permitted here.

Indeed, prostitution and light drugs are legalized in the Netherlands. And if tourists are particularly interested in the latter, then the Dutch themselves use light drugs rarely. The government explains this by saying that the allowed fruit is less sweet, and 30 grams of light drugs such as marijuana and hashish do not harm the health in any way. For those who want to smoke "grass" outside the house, special coffeeshops are open.

Prostitution in the Netherlands is a separate topic. Priestesses of love receive a salary, and then retirement, regularly undergo medical examination and are protected by law from cruel clients. Moreover, the girls work for themselves and pay a certain percentage to the treasury of the state.

And some more interesting facts ...

Even in small things the original culture of the Netherlands slips. Interesting facts for children and adults who are not included in the above topics are listed below.

1. The Dutch never wear hats, even in winter.

2. The Netherlands is home to many talented artists, among them Van Gogh.

3. The local population loves cheeses, but in spring the herring is especially popular. It is the most delicious during this period and it is prepared in a certain way.

4. Colleagues of work, irrespective of sex, wash themselves together in the baths.

5. In Holland, it is not customary to hang curtains on windows.

Conclusion

All this is amazing and picturesque Netherlands. Interesting facts for children and adults, alas, do not fit in one article, because this country is truly unique.