Posted on: februari 20, 2024
The Netherlands is a beautiful country that is known for its windmills, tulip fields, red light district, amazing architecture, cannabis, coffeeshops and whatnot. But there are many things about the Netherlands that you probably didn’t know about. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Netherlands that may have some scratching their heads.
The Dutch East India Company – also known as “VOC” – was the richest company in the entire history of mankind. At its peak, the VOC was worth 78 million guilders (Holland’s former currency). That is 7.4 trillion euros today, adjusted for inflation. Today’s global corporations aren’t even close. Alphabet, the parent company of Google is now worth about 1.25 trillion US dollars and Apple too is also around 1.25 trillion US dollars. The VOC was also the first company in the world that traded shares.
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Margraten_Netherlands_American_Cemetery_and_Memorial.jpg
Since 1945, more than 8,000 Dutch families have adopted a grave of fallen American WW2 soldiers who were buried in Limburg, a province in the south of The Netherlands. The Dutch families maintain the graves and lay flowers regularly. The graves remain within families, transferring from generation to generation. There are so many applications that there is a waiting list to adopt a grave.
The oldest store in Amsterdam is a pharmacy located in the Red Light District. It has existed since 1696. This pharmacy on the left is the oldest store of Holland’s capital. It’s located on the Geldersekade – one of Amsterdam’s oldest canals – which was constructed in 1425. The Geldersekade has always been a lively part of town, as befits a port neighborhood like the Red Light District.
Its location on the open IJ river made Amsterdam a perfect water city. Almost all of the transportation of goods was shipped via the water of the canals, along which warehouses and merchants’ houses alternated. Fishermen, sail makers, sailors, ship owners, ship carpenters, wine merchants, brewers, glass merchants, shopkeepers, hawkers and prostitutes defined the character of this old town for centuries.
Not in Europe but on the island of St. Maarten.
Saint Martin is an island in Caribbean, roughly 300 km (190 mi) east of Puerto Rico.
Red stands for the people, white stands for the church and blue for the nobility. Although the three colours do not seem original, it is actually the oldest tricolour in the world. All other tricoloured flags are copies.
Source: GeheugenvanNederland.nl
It was the 21-year-old Phil Bloom. She appeared completely naked in the VPRO program “Hoepla” as a protest against the dullness. Her appearance caused great commotion and even led to parliamentary questions. Earlier that year, Phil Bloom also posed naked in front of a statue in Amsterdam and published the picture as a postcard. Do you know when this 10 things you didn’t know about the Netherlands story took place in your own country?
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
This is based on the idea that every human being is worth thinking about and deserves to be buried with specially chosen words. The initiative has been adopted by several cities at home and abroad. Here is the site of Eenzame Uitvaart (Foundation Lonely Funeral).
Map of South Africa with the red dot pointing to Amsterdam. Source: Google Maps
Amsterdam is a small sheep holders village with 850 inhabitants, in Mpumalanga, South Africa. In addition to large sheep farms there are large plantations of eucalyptus, pine and wattle trees in the area.
Martin van Buren, 8th US President had Dutch roots and was the only president who learned English as a 2nd language.
The great-grandfather of Martin Van Buren, Cornelis Maessen, arrived in 1631 from the Dutch city Buurmalsen with a ship called “De Eenheid” (translated: “The Unit”) in America. He did not have a penny in his pocket and wanted to try his luck in America. As a memento of the village where he came from he changed his name into Van Buren.
At the inauguration speech, Martin van Buren said: “Unlike all who have preceded me, the Revolution that gave us existence as one people was achieved at the time of my birth”. the 8th US President was also known as The Flying Dutchman. An extra 10 things you didn’t know about the Netherlands fact: President Franklin Delano Roosevelt was also of Dutch heritage.
It was during the match against Belgium which was played in the 1905. Ironically, it was made by someone named Ben Stom, which literally translates into “Am Stupid”. Eventually, the Dutch won the game with 4-1.
Holland refers only to two provinces (North and South Holland) in the west of the country, which were the most economically powerful in the Dutch Golden Age.
Land reclamation and protection against the sea are vital, with extensive systems of dikes and pumps keeping the water at bay.
On average, Dutch men and women are taller than their global counterparts, a phenomenon often attributed to genetics and a rich diet.
With over 1,500 bridges, Amsterdam surpasses Venice in terms of bridged waterways, making it a unique city to explore by boat.
Dutch expertise in hydraulic engineering is sought after worldwide, helping other countries design and implement flood protection systems.
Though synonymous with the country today, tulips were imported from the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and became an object of speculation in the 17th century.
The Amsterdam Stock Exchange, established in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company, is considered the world’s oldest.
There are more bicycles than residents in the Netherlands, and the country boasts an extensive network of cycling paths.
King Willem-Alexander and his family play a significant role in national unity and represent the country in diplomatic matters.
Positioned at -3 meters, it’s one of the world’s busiest international airports.
Dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) and herring are staples of the Dutch diet.
This landmark legislation was passed in 2001.
Beyond the Netherlands, Dutch is an official language in Belgium, Suriname, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten.
Windmills, old and new, symbolize the country’s long-standing relationship with wind power.
Micropia, in Amsterdam, is the world’s first museum focused on microscopic life.
Giethoorn, known as the “Venice of the North,” is a peaceful village where canals replace roads.
New buildings must include features to support local bat populations.
Ranking among the top in the world for coffee consumption per capita.
The Port of Rotterdam is a critical hub for international cargo transport.
The “Wilhelmus” dates back to the 16th century.
The city’s canal ring area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The House of Orange-Nassau leads the monarchy, hence the national color.
Particularly of tulips and other bulbs.
The Netherlands is known for its pragmatic approach to soft drugs and the legalization of prostitutie.
Keukenhof is visited by millions to see the vibrant display of tulips each spring.
One of the most famous and influential figures in Western art.
Including the Rietveld Schröder House and the Wadden Sea.
Reflecting the country’s relationship with water in architecture.
On April 27th, marking the king’s birthday with orange attire and street markets.
Emphasizing the Netherlands’ role in international law and diplomacy.
Highlighting the country’s commitment to sustainability.
Covering 11 Frisian cities, it can only take place in severe winters when the ice is thick enough.
Playing a key role in international cooperation and economic policy.
Originating from the city of Delft in the 17th century.
Refers to consensus-based decision-making, a practice stemming from the management of land reclaimed from the sea.
Offering rich cultural experiences, from the Van Gogh Museum to the Anne Frank House.
According to various international studies.
Hosting one of the world’s first gay pride parades.
Leading to the creation of the European Union and the euro.
In the 17th century, as a tribute to William of Orange.
The Bloemenmarkt.
Dating back to the medieval times in cities like Alkmaar.
Reflecting the value placed on equality and individual responsibility.
The Netherlands was the first country to do so.
Attracting a large number of international students.
Innovating in ways to produce more with less water and pesticides.
Despite being a cycling paradise, bike security is a significant concern.
Thanks to its excellent public transport and cycling infrastructure.
That inspired the American version of Santa Claus.
Dutch brands like Heineken are known worldwide.
Known for its liberal policies.
Allowing a smooth transition of monarchy to the next generation.
Originally used for milling grain and managing water levels.
Attracted by its high quality of life and international business environment.
Known as the Dutch Golden Age of exploration and trade.
Named after the city of Gouda, it’s one of the world’s most popular cheeses.
Under controlled conditions, distinguishing its drug policy from many other countries.
In Utrecht, accommodating over 12,500 bikes.
Communication is straightforward, reflecting values of honesty and efficiency.
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