From the traveltalk.dk family – started in Denmark in 2018
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Holland is so much more than lovely Amsterdam
The Netherlands is actually a little smaller than Denmark, but far more densely populated. With 17 million people and 488 people per km2, the Netherlands is the most densely populated country in Europe and one of the most densely populated in the whole world. The country ranks high on the list of travel destinations for Danes.
Naturally, Amsterdam tops the list with outstanding sights from the classic Dutch painters such as Rembrandt, in the absolute premier league of art, and football of the same world-class calibre, from Ajax to the national team. And a little diamond for the missus can easily be sorted out in a pinch, as the Netherlands has a long history in the diamond trade.
The Netherlands also leads the way when it comes to a liberal attitude towards mildly intoxicating substances such as hash and, in the same breath, paid sex, though now under tightening. It is an option you won’t find elsewhere in Europe. So we’ve covered that. Those two aspects are most often what comes up when the Netherlands is discussed, but they make up a very small part of the country’s DNA and, for its residents, represent an expression of tolerance and decriminalisation. Tolerance has, for centuries, extended to religion and to skin colour.
Tulips and flower exports in general weigh far more heavily in national output. The Netherlands is one of the world’s top five exporters and is therefore well ahead of Denmark in that field.
The language people think is Danish, and vice versa
Yes, that’s right: Dutch, although residents of the Frisian region have the choice between Dutch and Frisian. There are a few other dialects of German origin in particular. You can surely understand quite a few words. A heat pump is called a warmtepomp. It’s that easy 🙂
Water as a carrier of culture in the Netherlands
Water is the key to understanding the Netherlands for better or worse, especially in today’s concern over “Climate Change”, which as we all know is well on its way to redrawing our world map. As described above, this centrally located country is also extremely low-lying, indeed lower than Denmark.
Three of the great European rivers, the Rhine, the Meuse and the Scheldt, flow out to sea via the Netherlands. In fact, 26% of the country lies below sea level. This has led the country to become a leader in engineering and architectural solutions for living so low and at the mercy of the sea and the water. It is also a high-value export, almost survival-relevant, and innovative know-how and practical solutions abound.
In brief
Population: 17 million
Capital: Amsterdam, just under 900,000 inhabitants
Seat of government: The Hague
Languages: Dutch, Frisian
Democracy, parliamentary
Religion: 44% no religion, 29% Roman Catholic, 19% Protestant, 6% Muslim, 1% Hindu, 1% Buddhist
Currency: Euro
Highest point: 323 m (Vaalserberg, Limburg)
Lowest point: 6.7 m (Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, Zuid)
Average temperature in July: 17.4 °C
Average temperature in January: 2.8 °C
Want to read more about the Netherlands?
Read, among other things, about a fantastic weekend in Amsterdam
More insight into the Netherlands
Ready for another city break?
Brussels is a clear candidate, perhaps even on the same trip?
Or trendy Berlin? Read about urban creativity and food on the roof of a car park, Michelin quality.