Holland is known as the land of tulips, windmills, canals, sabots (wooden clogs) and numerous coffee shops. But there is much more to this wonderful and unusual country than meets the eye. Today I am going to dig a little deeper and reveal 17 interesting facts about this country that you may never have realized. Show off your erudition and surprise your friends and family with a little extra knowledge about the Netherlands.

The Dutch are the tallest people in the world!

The Netherlands is known for having the tallest people in the world. The average height of Dutch men is 184 cm and the average height of women is 171 cm. Only 200 years ago, the average height of men in this country was only 166 cm. This jump of about 18 cm seems particularly impressive when one considers that men in neighboring European countries grew only 15 cm during the same period. This is why the Dutch are considered the tallest nation in the world.

The reason for this exceptional growth remains a bit of a mystery, but there are theories. Perhaps the genetics of the Dutch play a role, as do factors such as universal health care, minimal social inequality and a diet rich in cheese, dairy and other healthy foods. In addition, the Dutch tend to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, which further promotes their growth.

A combination of genetic and environmental factors has resulted in the Dutch having exceptional height, although no single factor explains it completely.

The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of flowers

The Netherlands is known as the “flower store of the world,” and that is no small claim. The Netherlands produces up to 80 percent of the world’s flower bulbs, and the flower industry accounts for more than 5 percent of the Dutch gross product.

The country is home to nearly 90 percent of the world’s tulip farms (about 11,000 hectares) and produces 4.3 billion tulip bulbs annually.

The flowers are also a major tourist attraction in the Netherlands. Many thousands of people flock to see these beautiful tulip fields every year. Haarlem is one of the best places to view these wonders. Every year in April, the Bloemencorso Bollenstreek flower parade is held.

Here you can also visit the Koekenhof Park, known as the Garden of Europe. It is the largest flower garden in the world, with about 800 varieties of tulips.

There are more than 1,200 bridges in Amsterdam

Amsterdam’s beautiful bridges are an icon of the city. There are more than 1,000 of them in Amsterdam. To be precise, 1,281 bridges connect the banks of the city’s 165 canals.

There are some historic bridges, while others are brightly decorated or illuminated at night. You can also see 15 bridges at once by crossing the Reguliersgracht and Herengracht bridges.

One third of the Netherlands is below sea level

Which makes this country one of the lowest in Europe. There is a reason why its name translates as “low land”!

The lowest point in the Netherlands is Zuidplapolder, 6.7 meters below sea level, while the highest point is Waalserberg Hill, which is only 323 meters above sea level.

About 50 percent of the country is only one meter above sea level, and 60 percent of the population lives in areas five meters below sea level. Even the country’s main air gateway, Schiphol International Airport, is three meters below sea level.

It is because of these natural features that the Netherlands is renowned for the art of hydraulic engineering. With advanced dredging technologies and flood defense systems, the country successfully meets the challenges of the elements.

The Netherlands leads in the number of canals that crisscross cities, creating picturesque vistas. Thanks to them, Amsterdam is called the “Venice of the North.” Brightly colored boats float on the canals, and pretty buildings line the banks.

Another Dutch achievement are the famous dikes that protect the country from water and at the same time serve as bike and car paths!

Other interesting facts:

Amsterdam rests on more than a million wooden poles that are driven into the ground up to 12 meters deep. The city was built on a marshy area, so early builders drove the poles into the hard sandy layer at the bottom of the river to create a stable base.

Even the Royal Palace in Dam Square is built on 13,659 wooden poles! In addition, some trees in Vondela Park are also supported by wooden poles to prevent them from sinking into the soft ground.

Today in Amsterdam, concrete or steel poles are more commonly used for construction, which provide greater stability and durability.

Another interesting detail is that due to the nature of the soil, the old houses in the city tend to tilt slightly over time, creating a kind of “dancing city” that adds to Amsterdam’s charm.

Homosexual marriages

The Netherlands became the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage. The historic event took place on April 1, 2001, when Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen personally registered the marriages of four couples at midnight, symbolizing the beginning of a new era of equality. Since then, thousands of same-sex couples have happily married and the Netherlands has confirmed itself as one of the most progressive countries in terms of human rights.

Amsterdam is known as one of the most LGBT-friendly cities in the world. The city offers numerous gay bars, cafes and cultural events and is home to the famous Homomonument, a monument in the city center dedicated to the memory of gay and lesbian victims of discrimination and persecution.

Fun fact: Every year Amsterdam hosts the spectacular Canal Parade, which is the centerpiece of Gay Pride Week. Participants decorate their boats with bright flags, colors and costumes, transforming the city’s canals into a grand celebration of love and equality.

For decades, the Netherlands has been a world leader in the fight for human rights and regularly tops the charts for tolerance and freedom. It is one of the few countries where legislation allows children to officially have up to four parents, which also reflects the desire for an equal society.

Licorice

The Netherlands is the world leader in licorice consumption! The Dutch love this sweet and eat about two kilograms of licorice per person per year. In total, that is about 32 million kilograms per year!

The choice is really wide: you can find more than 80 kinds of licorice, which is called drop in Dutch. There are different sweet and salty, soft and hard versions, with the addition of herbs or fruit flavorings.

A curiosity: the Dutch particularly like salted licorice, which may seem unfamiliar to those trying it for the first time. Its special flavor is achieved by the addition of ammonium chloride.

Licorice in the Netherlands is not only a sweet, but also part of the culture. It is often bought as a souvenir and is also used in traditional medicine to treat coughs and colds.

Fun fact: Licorice is so popular in the Netherlands that it is also added to other products, such as ice cream and even to alcoholic beverages. Trying such an unusual taste of alcohol is a great way to feel like a true Dutchman!

Windmills

There are more than 1,000 windmills in the Netherlands. And they are one of the most recognizable symbols of the country. There used to be more than 10,000 of them and they played an important role in industry, performing tasks such as grinding grain or draining swamps.

Today, most of the old mills have become historical monuments, but some are still used for commercial purposes. One of the best places to see traditional Dutch mills is Kinderdijk, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 19 beautifully preserved mills, creating a picturesque landscape that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Fun fact: Windmills in the Netherlands are not only symbols of the past, but also a bridge to the future. The Netherlands is one of the world leaders in the use of wind power. All of the country’s electric trains, which serve about 600,000 passengers a day, run on 100 percent renewable energy derived from wind.

Another curiosity: many mills, such as the famous De Gooyer in Amsterdam, have been turned into museums, cafes or even breweries. Thus, it is possible to visit a mill not only to learn about its history, but also to taste local drinks!

Home births

Home birth is still widespread in the Netherlands, making the country unique among developed countries. About 30 percent of Dutch women prefer home births, a percentage that has remained stable since 1990.

Why are they so popular? It has a lot to do with economic issues. For example, the Dutch health care system fully covers the costs of home births, whereas hospital births without medical reasons often incur additional costs.

In addition, the Dutch health care system provides quality screening and professional midwives (verloskundige) who help ensure a safe environment for home births. These midwives undergo rigorous training and play a key role in organizing the process.

Interesting facts:

• In the Netherlands there is a tradition of “birth packages” (kraampakket), which are provided free of charge to expectant mothers before labor. They include everything needed, including sterile materials and care products.
• After the birth, each family receives a kraamzorg, a service of specially trained professionals who help new parents during the first few days: they care for the mother and baby, help with household chores and give helpful advice.
• Home birth in the Netherlands is perceived not only as a way to save money, but also as part of the culture, emphasizing the naturalness of the process and confidence in the capabilities of the female body.

Carrots turned orange thanks to the Netherlands

In the 10th century it was white, purple or pale yellow. How did it acquire the famous orange color?

According to legend, in the 17th century Dutch farmers decided to honor William of Orange (King William III), who had helped the Netherlands gain independence from Spain, by raising orange-colored carrots. This was made possible through breeding. The new bright color of carrots quickly gained popularity.

Since then, orange has become the official symbol of the country and the Royal Family of the Netherlands. Every year on April 27, King’s Day (Koningsdag), the Dutch dress in orange, decorate their cities and hold colorful celebrations. Dutch national sports teams also wear orange uniforms, making them easily recognizable in arenas around the world.

Interesting facts:

• Orange carrots are not only beautiful, but also useful: this particular variety contains a higher amount of beta-carotene, which gives it its bright color.
• The Dutch are so proud of their orange symbol that even some foods, such as oranges and cheese, are often decorated with orange packaging to celebrate the holidays.
• In the Royal Koekenhof flower park in springtime, special flower beds decorated in orange colors in honor of the country’s national symbol can be seen.

There are more bicycles than people in the Netherlands!

There are more than 22 million bicycles for 17 million inhabitants, an average of 1.3 bicycles per person. Many Dutch people own two at the same time: one for the city and one for traveling.

Bicycles are an integral part of daily life in the Netherlands. This is why the country is considered one of the healthiest in the world. The Dutch travel an average of 2.9 kilometers per day, and more than 25 percent of all trips are made by bicycle. In comparison, in the United Kingdom this percentage is only 2 percent.

An interesting mode of transportation in the Netherlands is the bakfiet, a combination of bicycle and trolley, ideal for transporting children, groceries or even pets.

Some interesting facts:

• Most of the country is flat, making the bicycle an ideal mode of transportation.
• In 2013, the European Union named the Netherlands the most bike-friendly country along with Denmark.
• Amsterdam has about 400 kilometers of bike lanes, and the bicycle is often faster than the car because of the convenient infrastructure.
• The Dutch use bicycles not only for everyday life, but also as a means of showing national identity. At public events such as King’s Day, many decorate their bicycles with ribbons and orange colors.

The Netherlands is home to the largest beer garden in Europe!

The Three Sisters Brewery in the city of Groningen is the first largest in Europe. Not only is it impressive in size, but it is also a national heritage site. Let’s hope the pub has enough urinals to live up to its status!

Other interesting facts:

• The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of beer in the world after Mexico. In 2018, Dutch brewers exported $2 billion worth of products. Until 2010, the Netherlands held the title of leader until Mexico snubbed them.
• The most famous Dutch beer brands are Heineken, Amstel and Grolsch, popular not only in Europe but around the world.
• The country hosts annual beer festivals, such as the Amsterdam Craft Beer Festival, where hundreds of varieties of local and international beers can be sampled.
• Some Dutch pubs, including Three Sisters, offer unique regional beers, brewed in limited quantities and available only in certain cities.

The Dutch invented gin

This interesting fact occurred in the 16th century, when the first gin, called jenever (the European predecessor of modern gin), appeared in the Netherlands. It was the Dutch who introduced it to the United Kingdom, and the drink became very popular thanks to William of Orange (King William III), who simultaneously occupied the English, Irish and Scottish thrones.

When you hear the expression “Dutch courage,” know that it originated in the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). English and Dutch soldiers were said to drink gin to calm their nerves and increase courage before battle.

Interesting Facts:

• Gin is different from modern gin: it has a richer flavor due to barley malt and herbal additives. Today you can taste it in traditional Dutch bars – Proeflokalen, where the drink is served in special small glasses.
• In the Netherlands there is a real ritual of tasting gin: it is poured to the rim of the small glass and the first sip is usually taken without lifting the glass, so as not to spill anything.
• Some of the oldest brands of jenever, such as Bols and Nolet, still exist today and export their drinks all over the world.

The Dutch national anthem is the oldest in the world!

The music of Wilhelmus (the anthem of the Netherlands) was composed between 1569 and 1572, making it the oldest tune used in any country’s national anthem. However, it did not become the official anthem of the Netherlands until 1932.

The lyrics of the anthem were also written more than 400 years ago. The text mentions the word Dietse Bloed, an ancient name for Nederlands (Dutch language), which emphasizes the country’s historical roots and national identity.

Interesting Facts:

Wilhelmus consists of 15 stanzas, but only the first and sixth parts are officially used in performances. It is quite a long anthem and in some cases is shortened for convenience.

The hymn was written in honor of Wilhelmus of Orange, who played a key role in the struggle for the independence of the Netherlands from Spain in the 16th century.

Although Wilhelmus is the anthem of the Netherlands, its melody is borrowed from a French song of the time.

Interestingly, the anthem’s lyrics reflect religious and political motifs, making it not only a national symbol but also a historical document of the time.

The Dutch invented the stock exchange!

The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, founded in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company, is considered the world’s first official stock exchange. This innovative financial system fundamentally changed the way exchanges and investments were conducted, introducing concepts such as listed shares and capital sharing. Investors could buy and sell shares in the Dutch East India Company, allowing them to share both the profits and risks of the spice trade with Asia.

Interesting facts:

• The Dutch East India Company was the first company whose shares could be freely bought and sold on the stock exchange. This made it possible to raise funds for long-distance shipping and business operations around the world.
• This innovation created a market that continues to this day and has managed to develop into a global financial system.
• Amsterdam is still one of the oldest stock exchanges, although its role has diminished considerably with the development of other global financial centers such as London and New York.
• The AEX stock market index, which represents the 25 largest companies in the Netherlands, was created in 1983 and is still an important indicator of the country’s economic activity.
• In 1602, when the Exchange was founded, the initial value of shares in the Dutch East India Company was set at 3.5 million guilders, a huge sum for the time.

The Netherlands has the highest density of museums in the world!

This small country has over 1,000 museums, including some famous ones such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House.

Interesting Facts:

• The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam is one of the largest and most visited museums in the world. It has more than 8,000 pieces in its collection, including legendary works by Rembrandt and Vermeer.
• The Van Gogh Museum houses the largest collection of the artist’s works, including the famous Sunflowers and Bedroom at Arles.
• In the Anne Frank House you can admire a girl’s authentic diary written during World War II, making this museum one of the most touching places in the country.
• In addition to famous museums, the Netherlands offers many unique places such as the Cheese Museum in Alkmaar, the Tulip Museum in Amsterdam, and even the Museum of Microbes (Micropia), considered the only one in the world.
• Every year there is Museum Night, when more than 50 museums in Amsterdam open their doors late into the night and hold special events, exhibitions and concerts.

The Dutch drink a lot of coffee

On average, a Dutch person drinks about 150 liters of coffee per year. This figure places the Netherlands eighth in the world in terms of coffee consumption, after Switzerland and Denmark.

Some facts:

• Coffee culture in the Netherlands dates back to the 17th century, when the Dutch East India Company began importing coffee from Indonesia. Amsterdam was one of the first European cities where this beverage became popular.
• Most Dutch people prefer black coffee, known as koffie. Variants with milk, such as koffie verkeerd (milk analogue), are also popular.
• In the Netherlands it is customary to invite guests for “coffee and cookies,” a small ritual in which a single cookie is served with a cup of coffee. This symbolizes moderation and hospitality.
• Here coffee is drunk at any time of the day: in the morning at breakfast, at work during the break (koffiepauze) and even in the evening.

The Dutch don’t like full-time work

The Netherlands has the highest percentage of part-time workers in the European Union. Nearly half of the working-age population works part-time, with the percentage reaching 75 percent among women. This popularity of part-time work reflects the country’s cultural values of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Dutch people prefer to spend more time on family, leisure and hobbies.

Facts:

• The Netherlands is considered one of the most prosperous countries in Europe in terms of quality of life. Flexible working hours help residents stay physically and emotionally healthy.
• As for men, about 26 percent also work part-time, which is significantly higher than the European average.
• Employers actively support this form of employment, as it contributes to employee satisfaction and productivity.
• The Dutch model of flexible working hours is often used as an example for other countries seeking to improve work-life balance.

And finally, one last data point!

If you need to translate a personal document, be it a passport, driver’s license or anything else, from Dutch to English or vice versa. Or your company may need a professional Dutch translation. We are happy to provide you with a quality service in either case. We have been translating this language pair, as well as many others, for about a quarter of a century. Welcome to our agency!