Netherlands: General Knowledge

Introduction

Fenna Lieze, November 27, 2023

General knowledge

You might have heard about it– the tiny country that lies next to Belgium and Germany called the Netherlands. Some might say it’s called Holland, but that’s actually not true. Holland is a collective name of Noord- and Zuid Holland (North- and South Holland), two provinces on the west side of the Netherlands. In total, there are 12 provinces, called Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Gelderland, Flevoland, Utrecht, Noord-Brabant, Limburg, Zeeland, Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. We also have 5 islands: Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog.

Known for

One thing the Netherlands is known for is the many bicycles we have. There are actually more bicycles than people! We learn to bike when we are about 4 or 5 years old. In school, we have to do a bike exam where we have to bike a route with our class, and you have to do everything correctly; otherwise, you won’t pass and will have to do it all again! You’ve also probably heard of Nijntje (miffy), the little bunny from the books written by Dich Bruna. We love Nijntje here, and you see it everywhere, in shops, homes, etc. I personally grew up with a cartoon series of Nijntje; it told the stories that were written in the books. I really loved it!