ALL ABOUT NETHERLANDS

 Located in the Northwestern Europe, this country shared a border with Germany to the east, Belgium to the south and North Sea to the northwest. It also consists 12 provinces. The Netherlands was once named The Kingdom of The Netherlands

This low country is culturally diverse and has its famous icons. From the land of tulips, hundreds of windmills to beautiful canals. It packed with wonderful things that would never bore you

Right before you dive in and plan a ticket to the Netherlands, i would like to share some general information about this land that you need to know. I'm pretty sure you are curious about the things it had especially when you never visit here. Without further come and take a look

1. HISTORY

>Ancient Life
                                                                                                                                                                       

The life in the Netherlands all started around 400 BC where the german tribes settled in the area until in the 1st century, the Romans conquered Belgium & the southern Netherlands. Towns and roads were built, new settlements founded and new military structures constructed. But then the Germans invaded back the land and the Franks appeared while bringing missionaries with them. In the 8th century, the Franks has ruled the region &most of the area converted to christianity.

The Charlemagne empire fall and divided into several states but at the same time the Netherlands economy risen yet become influental in europe in quite a short time.

>1500's-1800's

The Low Countries including the Netherlands became part of the Habsburg Family. The king of Spain, Phillip II ruled the land in 1555. Oppresive methods of administration were used by the Spanish king. Feeling suppressed, it resulted the eighty years war (1568-1648). The seven northern provinces became The United Provinces under the Union of Uthrecht. In 1581, the Netherlands proclaimed independence from Spain but only in 1648 the state finally recognized the Dutch Independence. The Dutch East Indies was formed in 1602 & once again the nation became one of the most powerful empire in Europe contintent

But it did not end there. The Thirty Years War was established due to the rivalry of the English trade. All the provinces of Holland along with Belgium joined forces & merged into one. Sadly in 1830, the southern province broke away and made The Kingdom of Belgium.

2. CULTURE

The Netherlands is famous in many things despite being a small country such as cheese, bicycles, clogs, windmills, and so. The country is sophisticated yet colorful and it has inspired the world for so long. Like any other countries, the Netherlands has it's own way to shine and attract visitors every with what they had.

> General

The Netherlands has a population of 17 million and the country with the highest density in Europe. About 77% of the population are Dutch people, 13% are Surinamese, Americans and Indonesians while  10% are other Europeans. 

> Language

The official language is Dutch of course but the majority also speak Frisian which is used by half of the population and made it into a second language. The dutch is also has the highest proficiency with English than any other European countries so you don't need to worry yourself when you come to visit.

> Religion

There 2 majority religion that dominates the country which is Roman Catholicism around 25% and the protestants make up around 15%, Islam for 5% and Buddhism for 1%. The rest are secularized or claimed to not have any belief.

> Art

The Dutch-painters are known worldwide as The Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century has influenced Europe and the entire world. Van Gogh & Rembrondt are examples of the most well-known figures in art

> Social Etiquettes

The Dutch are very straightforward & direct. You may think it is rude and hurtful but that's because they love honesty and they don't sugarcoat things. Try not to get easily offended if you're in this situation.

They are strict with their schedules and don't like being late. Also mind that there is no such thing as stopping at someone's house. It needs a proper arrangement with each other before it gets placed on the schedule

If you are about to give a lovely gift for the Dutch, it is customary to bring it to the hostess & make sure inside of it are good quality like chocolate, flowers, and books. avoid giving white lilies and chrysanthemums since it represents funeral and do wrapped it neat.

3. FOOD

Traditional Dutch cuisine is very simple and consists a lot of vegetables with little meat. Most of the times breakfast and lunch are typically bread with toppings like cheese while dinner is meat and potatoes. Though it's not that bland. Every region has their own distinct taste and style so you can still have the various types of meal that you're going to enjoy.

> Stroopwafel

Two thin waffles made from baked butter & filled with sticky syrup. You can have this treat in a bakery shop or supermarkets & have a bite with some hot chocolate. Yum!

> Kroket

The deep fried roll with meat covered in breadcrumbs, however there are different flavors like chicken satay, shrimps & even vegetarian kroket. This crispy treat here  spreaded literally everywhere but you can have one in vending machines that have burgers and snacks behind them.

> Hagelslag

A sandwich filled with sprinkles & the dutch loves to eat them whether it's children or adults. Though usually it's chocolate there are other varieties like licorice and fruit-flavored.

> Bitterballen

Another crispy treat similar to kroket except it's shaped like balls and served with mustard. This savory snack is the best when accompanied with beer. All cafes and bars have this menu and be careful that it's hot inside!

4. ATTRACTIONS

> The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The largest museum who has been collecting extensive collection of arts since the 19th century & it reached about seven million artworks and history objects. It also offers the Dutch rich culture such as handicrafts, medieval sculpture, etc. The museum saved famous paintings like "The Night Watch" by Rembrandt and "The Milkmaid" by Vermeer.

> Keukenhof Garden

The largest public garden in the world with various types of tulips were planted, but there also a plenty of hyacinth, daffodils, and other spring flowers. This garden opens from the last week of March to mid-May. Many tourists came to visit every year & become one of the most visited attraction in Netherlands.

> Kinderdijk

Windmills are one of the Netherlands icons yet the largest concentration of the dutch can be found near the village of Kinderdijk (translated as children's dike). Their historical & cultural importance made them being listed and protected by the UNESCO Heritage

> Amsterdam Canal District

Canals are also one of the Netherlands famous icons. This sparkling & historic neighbourhood were built during the Dutch Golden Age. Today there are over 100km of canals and 1.200 bridges across

5. FUN FACTS

There are more to discover than just tulips and windmills in this country. Hidden knowledge that i'm going to tell you are about to amaze you and would give you more excitement when you're going for  a journey

> Dutch men are the tallest in the world

With the average height of '6"0 feet for the males and '5"7 for the females which ranked the second tallest in the world behind Latvia. Researchers said that it's not only from the genes but also from environmental factors like diet, nutrition, universal healthcare, & lastly the heavy consumption of dairy products.

> The national anthem is the oldest in the world

It's name is Wilhemus & the music dates back on the 16th century making it the oldest melody used in the country's anthem

> The Tulip is not native to the Netherlands

Although the Netherlands was known for the tulips it is actually did not come from themselves but instead it was imported from Turkey. This plant only became famous after the World war II where the dutch discovers the tulip bulbs as a food source. Today it has taken a big part of the Dutch culture and attract visitors every year