They Take Biking Seriously

Because the Dutch prefer biking to taking their cars, the government added special lanes on the roads and sidewalks, but these aren't just mere drawings on the pavement. They are pretty strict about following the rules on the street and visitors must not be surprised if an angry biker honks at them if they are out of place.

This also means that there are designated bike lanes almost everywhere. As part of its Long-term Bicycle plan 2017-2022, Amsterdam invested in constructing new routes and improving existing cycling routes. Unfortunately, there have been problems with pedestrians and cyclists in the past that the government hoped to address.

No Better Place Than The Bathroom

We love to keep our memories in thick photo albums or in this age, our social media accounts. Well, other people prefer to keep theirs in the bathroom—yup, that's true for the Dutch, who love to post their portraits in this unconventional place.

Not only do they hang up photos, but Dutch people even like to put up calendars there too! It's a great way to stay up to date with any special occasions. Come to think of it, it is also a way to bring a sense of warmth and joy to the bathroom, a place that can otherwise be quite cold and sterile.

Secret Bedroom

Anyone would agree that the bedroom is one of the best nooks in the house because it is where we spend most time, be it happy or not, in privacy. Most of us prefer to slumber beneath covers on cushy and extended mattresses, but some Dutchies chose to sleep in cupboard beds (there were others, too).

This, of course, was in the past, specifically during the 1800s and earlier. At that time, people rested in an almost standing position, which wasn't amusing at all. However, they believed this would shield them from being attacked by savage beasts if they made it into the abode.

No Leftovers Behind

It's hard to live without condiments to make our food taste better, and the Dutch understand how important it is to consume all the content of a bottle to save money and avoid waste. Just like this Heinz container, it seems impossible to get every drop of it, but people in The Netherlands have come up with what is called a bottle scraper.

This kitchen tool, which looks like a small spatula, was invented in 1954, and was designed to scrape the contents of long bottles that would be impossible to reach with other cleaning things. It was said that a Dutch family-owned company introduced this to the market.

How To Divide States

The Netherlands is situated alongside the North Sea in the northwest and Germany to the east, with Belgium to the south. Without the security of its dunes and dikes, this populated region of the country would be submerged, primarily due to the ocean but also from the rivers.

The European nation is also comprised of several states, and while we mostly see structures in borders, this country only has pavement markings such as these in the picture. This shows the border of Baarle-Nassau and Belgium, and because some of the houses run through the lines, there are many homeowners who have a house in both places!

Wooden Poles Are Not Only Found In Cakes

Wooden poles are often added to cakes as a form of support. They are typically used in heavy cakes, like wedding cakes, and to keep the tiers from sliding or shifting. The poles can also be used to create interesting designs, such as spirals and other patterns.

Since the early days of Amsterdam's settlement, the houses have been built on wooden foundation piles that have been driven deep into the clay, peat, and water until they hit the first layer of solid sand. To prevent decay due to water damage, the top of the pile should be below the lowest expected water level.

Goodbye, Stray Dogs

The global problem of stray dogs has become increasingly prominent in recent years, due to urbanization, abandonment of pets, and a lack of enforcement of animal protection laws. Of course, this could be addressed through the stricter implementation of laws, say and neuter programs, and animal welfare awareness.

In The Netherlands, a street with a stray dog is not a common sight. It was even said that the nation is the first to have eradicated this problem! But make no mistake; the Dutch also treat their dogs with utmost care and love, which means that they have found effective and better means to address the issue.

Party At The House

What does a typical Saturday night look like? To many, this is the time to go out and have a few drinks with friends or stay all night at a nearby club. However, not everyone enjoys staying late outside the comfort of their homes. The Dutch are commonly mistaken for being party people but despite this image, they actually prefer to stay indoors.

Although not all, this attitude is evident in the establishments in the country. Some even close up shop at 6 p.m., so it is safe to say that they love to spend their free time at home rather than dining outside.

Umbrella Vs Raincoats

Travelers who have been to The Netherlands have probably noticed that the Dutch prefer to wear raincoats to protect themselves during downpours rather than bring umbrellas. There is some practicality behind this choice. Because of the geography and topography of the nation, winds tend to be strong.

As such, umbrellas can only complicate things for the citizens. People did invent what is called the "Dutch Umbrella," which is said to withstand these strong wind blows. However, these only present the problem of losing the item when outside. Because the Dutch love to walk around or ride their bikes, it would, therefore, be more useful to wear a raincoat.

CO2 Bids Adieu

There's not a doubt that climate change has been a pressing issue for many years and the use of vehicles is a huge factor in worsening this problem. The transportation sector is one of the leading producers of human-generated greenhouse gas emissions in the United States.

Therefore, the Dutch are doing a great job of reducing their carbon footprint by opting for bikes. In fact, most people take environmentalism seriously so they use bikes and walk instead of taking their cars. Besides, biking is a great way to enjoy the breeze, be more interactive with passersby, and lose weight.

Luxury Vs Practicality

Many people would shell out thousands of dollars for branded purses but not everyone favors these expensive things. Investing in luxury bags is becoming increasingly popular, as research from Art Market Research has revealed that these items now have higher investment potential than art.

In The Netherlands, however, grocery trolleys are usually favored because they are seen as tools and not just merely accessories, and are commonly used not just by grandparents but by people of any age. After all, they are better at holding purchases than expensive bags. Plus, owners wouldn't have to worry about damaging or ruining their bags.

Mother Earth Loves The Netherlands

We can't reiterate how much The Netherlands love Mother Earth so much because they have taken steps to combat global warming or at least make tiny efforts to make a change. The country established the Climate Act, which states the legally binding requirements for the nation to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

This also requires the government to reduce its total emissions by 95 percent compared to 1990 levels. This means opting for better vehicles that would adhere to their goals, including the use of electric cars and banning the use of gas. Isn't this inspiring nation's move something worth emulating?

Healthy (?) Fast Food

The fast-food industry has seen impressive profits over the past years, with NPR reporting that it has made an estimated $110 billion in one year alone. This trend is likely to endure, as major chains have committed to improving the health of their customers and the environment

And while there is an estimated 50 million Americans who consume fast food per day, the Dutch aren't keen on this type of food. In fact, they consume potatoes so much that they are practically considered a typical snack. They are prepared in many forms and often accompany other "fast foods" like onions and herrings.

Direct But Not Rude

It is seen as rude to be direct and blunt in conversation, as this is seen as offensive and can come across as aggressive. But sometimes, people are just plain honest and don't want to waste any time, which doesn't mean that they want to hurt other people. The Dutch, for instance, are known for being straightforward and their no-nonsense attitude.

However, they generally have a positive outlook on direct communication as a sign of openness. Perhaps, they just know that being straightforward and direct in conversation is important because it can help ensure that both parties understand what is expected of them. It can also help avoid misunderstandings.

Source Of Flower

The Netherlands is known for its gorgeous flowers, and is often referred to as the "flower basket of Europe." This is probably because the country has the perfect climate and boasts rich and fertile soil to grow different varieties of plants. The nation has long been a major producer and exporter of cut flowers, thanks to their greenhouses as well.

Dutch flower growers have perfected their techniques over the years, enabling them to cultivate beautiful and unique flowers in a range of colors and sizes. Therefore, it isn't surprising that The Netherlands exports flower bulbs, which are also auctioned off at trading centers.

White Carrots? Huh?

Whenever there are international games, fans who root for The Netherlands don orange outfits and this isn't a simple coincidence. Its flag bears white, red, and blue but the orange that pervades much of Dutch civilization is an indication of the royal family, belonging to the House of Orange.

So why are carrots color orange? The tale has it that the vegetable originally came in white or yellow but Dutch agriculturists in the past initiated nurturing orange types of the carrot as a tribute to William's House of Orange. The carrots then rose to fame and disseminated around the globe to become the vegetable's conventional color.

Ballooning Population

Although The Netherlands is committed to reducing its carbon emissions, they are one of the most populated countries in the world. Don't see the link? More people means more demand for resources. This includes natural resources such as fuel and food as well as man-made resources such as buildings, roads, and other infrastructure.

As of 2023, Worldometers.com estimates that The Netherlands has around 17 million people. This may not be as big as the other countries but it is worth noting that this nation has a relatively smaller land area than the others. Well, at least the Dutch know how to save the environment in some other ways.

Love Knows No Bounds

To this day, same-orientation relationships are relatively considered taboo. Well, love knows no bounds and The Netherlands is one of the nations that are forward-thinking about this matter. In fact, this European country has legalized same-orientation couples to marry and adopt children, marking the first to have done so!

The first ones who got married in The Netherlands were Gert Kasteel and Dolf Pasker. Well, if two hearts love each other, who are we to stop them from tying the knot? Of course, not all countries followed suit. Those that also allow this rule include Northern Ireland, Ecuador, Taiwan, Austria, Australia, and Malta.

Low-Lying Land

If people would assume that they would see scenic mountains in The Netherlands, they may be surprised to know that they wouldn't be provided with this panorama. Well, this is because this country is low-lying, which the name itself suggests. Unfortunately, a large part of its land area is located below sea level.

Much of the land is reclaimed from the sea and is protected by dikes and dams. The country is also prone to flooding due to its low-lying geography. This is probably why the government has made calls to help slow down climate change, which results in the rise of sea levels.

Dutch As Language

The people in The Netherlands are called Dutch, which is also what the language is. This may sound confusing at first, we know. While many citizens speak English fluently—which isn't the country's second language—it is worth noting that the national language is also brilliant.

Dutch was deeply impacted by the French, which was perceived as sophisticated. As such, many French words are absorbed into Dutch. According to Lingua Linx, the people from The Netherlands have also contributed a lot of terms to English, including "easel," cookie," "freight," and "yacht." The longest word in this language is "Meervoudigepersoonlijkheidsstoornis," which has over 30 letters!

Nation Of Happiness

Happiness is a very subjective concept, and although there are a lot of bad things happening around the world, there are still a lot of Dutch that choose to see the good in the bad. According to the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network's World Happiness Report, The Netherlands ranked fifth on the list.

This is probably due to a number of factors, including the country's high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and a relaxed atmosphere. So despite the looming problem of its land sinking, The Netherlands still has a lot to be thankful for, including its thriving economy.

A Windy Nation Indeed

There's a good chance that anyone who has heard about The Netherlands will picture windmills in their heads. They are not entirely wrong because indeed, the country has a lot of this structure, with some estimating the number to be 1,000. These things are used to convert wind power into energy that can be used by people.

According to AboutTheNetherlands, windmills have long been used to drain water from the land because a large part of the land is located below sea level. Plus, it is useful in grinding grains and making paper, generally providing power without adding to the environmental problem.

Pilot Or King? Both!

Many wonderful Dutch call The Netherlands home, and that includes King William Alexander. The member of the royal family is not just that; he is also a licensed pilot who secretly flies himself to his destination! In 1989, he was granted additional authorization to operate multi-engine jet aircraft.

The king was presented with his Military Pilot's Licence courtesy of his grandfather, Prince Bernhard, in 1994. Furthermore, King William was honored with his Airline Transport Pilot Licence eight years later. To sharpen his skills, he would occasionally serve as a guest pilot for KLM Cityhopper. How cool is this guy, right?

Telescope Was Invented Here

There have been many scientific discoveries that were made possible through the use of contraptions and inventions, including the telescope, a device that astronomers utilize to observe distant items. Most telescopes, especially the bigger ones, take advantage of curved mirrors to collect and concentrate light from the night's sky.

The invention of the telescope is credited to Dutch Hans Lippershey, a spectacle maker. He presented his invention in 1608. The next year, Galileo Galilei heard about the invention and built his own telescope. Soon after, Galileo was able to observe the stars and the moon. This marked the beginning of the scientific revolution.

Privacy Is Not An Issue

Curtains are an essential part of any home, as they help to add style, privacy, and insulation to a room. They also help to block out light, which can be important for those who work nights or need a dark space to rest. In The Netherlands, however, they are not considered as important as other home fixtures.

Back in the day, Dutch windows were floor-length and people would not add curtains to at least have some privacy. Well, they probably didn't have anything to hide from their neighbors. These days, many still don't have curtains by their windows but others often use blinds or shades to provide privacy.

Louboutin Who?

Shoe brand Christian Louboutin is famous for its red soles while Nike pairs have become distinctive with their checkmark designs. In The Netherlands, however, one of the most iconic symbols of its culture are clogs, these chunky footwear that may not be as popular today as before but still are striking shoes.

They do look uncomfortable, perhaps because we always think that they are made from wood. After a block is shaped and smoothed, it is divided into two before these are sculpted into clogs. It is estimated that over six million pairs are created every year because they are a big hit among tourists.

Fit As Ever

By now, we have established that the Dutch are quite healthy people. They don't prefer the same fast food that most customers love and they don't spend a lot on things that add to global climate change. Another thing is that these citizens are considered one of the healthiest on the continent.

Yes, the government has taken steps that hit two birds with one stone. They have added bike lanes and areas for athletes, encouraging others to follow suit. According to an Ipsos study, the Dutch have the highest level of physical activity among the 29 nations surveyed, and On average, they spend 12.8 hours weekly for physical activity.

Queen Says Goodbye With Grace

In England, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II held reign from 1952 until the time of her death in 2022, making her the longest-serving monarch in British history. After her demise, Prince Charles, her eldest son, assumed the position. This goes to show that many monarchs will only pass their throne once they leave this world.

In The Netherlands, Queen Beatrix abdicated and passed the responsibility to her son, Prince William Alexander in 2012, after 33 years of reign. More importantly, he became the first king in over 100 years! After this, his wife, Maxima, became a queen while their eldest daughter Catharina-Amalia became the Princess of Orange.

Licorice Land

Our forefathers and mothers employed licorice root to help maintain their oral hygiene and soothe tender teeth and gums. Containing glycyrrhizin, a compound that has been demonstrated to prevent cavities, this was widely used to keep mouths clean and sanitized.

Unfortunately, most candies that say it contains licorice don't really have the extract. Still, people in The Netherlands love licorice so much that they produce a lot of it per year. It stands atop the European Union's licorice candy producers, accounting for one-third of the total amount created. Its fame is rooted in the healing properties that have been capitalized on by numerous societies before the candy came to be.

Secure Bikes All The Time

As the Long-term Bicycle plan 2017-2022 indicated, the government is keen on finding areas for wider parking. But with the number of bikers, and therefore bikes, in The Netherlands, it is fair to say that owners must secure their belongings all the time. This is especially an important thing to note for travelers.

Most bikes for rent will come with a lock around the wheel and an additional lock to attach the frame to a stand or bike rack. Approximately 466,000 bicycles were believed to have been stolen in 2019—a reduction from the 2017 figure of 560,000. Still, this is a staggering number!

Queen/King's Day

Because there hasn't been a king in over 100 years, the country celebrated Queen's Day and turned it into a King's Day. According to the official website of the family, the King's Day is celebrated every April 27, which is Willem-Alexander's birthday. In the past, Queen Beatrix decided to celebrate Queen's Day on April 30, her mother's birthday, instead of hers, Jan. 31.

As seen in this picture, celebrations tend to be grand and people are in a festive mood. On top of this, there are flea markets, parades, and royal family visits, and the Dutch usually wear orange.

Origin Of Tulips

Tulips are strongly associated with The Netherlands because of the country's long history of cultivating and trading flowers. The country has been growing this flower since the 16th century and it has even become one of the national symbols of the country.

Plus, the Dutch are famous for their tulip fields, which bloom in the spring and attract tourists from around the world. However, tulips aren't native to The Netherlands; it is, in fact, originated in Turkey and Central Asia. A visitor to the Asian nation fell in love with the plant and brought one home, cultivating and preserving the plant.

Healthy Food, Healthy Dutch

As part of being happy, the Dutch are also touted as one of the healthiest in terms of their diet. To complement their active lifestyle, they also practice clean eating, which was acknowledged by Oxfam in its "Good Enough to Eat" list, ranking countries that practice clean eating.

This is the result of the government's vow to healthier citizens. Deals have been made with grocery stores, restos, and producers with the intention of decreasing the amount of sugar, salt, and fatty acids in food items. This means that the country not only targets the consumers, but also the companies that make the meals.

Fly From The Netherlands

Connecting flights are flights that involve stopping at one or more airports before the final destination. This can be beneficial to travelers who are looking to save money, as they can be less expensive than purchasing multiple one-way tickets.

However, connecting flights can be more complicated than direct flights and involve multiple steps, such as checking baggage, changing planes, and navigating different airports. This is why a lot of travelers opt for direct flights, which aren't always offered in many airports. Luckily, the Amsterdam Airport in Schiphol has the most direct flights, said to be supporting more than 100 airlines.

Diverse Cultures

The Netherlands is home not just to the Dutch but also to other citizens from different nations. This multicultural land is a melting pot, with CBS reporting that 2.6 million of the 17 million population were born abroad and had migrated to the country. The remaining 15.0 million were native-born residents.

This speaks a lot about diversity and how open the country is when it comes to foreigners. Multiculturalism is an important tool for social cohesion and economic growth. By promoting a diverse and inclusive society, it can help to level the playing field and create a more equitable and prosperous society.

Stock Market Was Born Here

The stock market is a very complicated concept that is difficult to grasp. So who started it? It is believed to have originated in Amsterdam many years ago. The Dutch East India Company was the first company to issue stocks and bonds, and it is considered to be the first historical model of the stock market.

Originally established in 1602, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange is widely recognized as the oldest, still-operational stock exchange in the world. To this day, the Amsterdam Stock Exchange remains a major hub for international investments and financial services. This, Paris Stock Exchange, and Brussels Stock Exchange combined forces to create Euronext Amsterdam in 2000.

Home Of Philips

Philips is one of the biggest and most successful electronic companies that gave us different tech gadgets like DVD players and earphones. Founded in 1891 by Frederik Philips and his son, Gerard, Philips & Co was created in response to the new possibilities arising from the mass-market introduction of electricity.

And yes, they put up the company in The Netherlands. Gerard's enthusiasm for science and engineering drove the father-son duo to develop the revolutionary concept of cost-effective, reliable electric incandescent light bulbs. By the 1900s, the company became one of the largest private employers in the industry, hiring more than 2,000 workers.

Save People From Drowning

Noah's Ark is a vessel mentioned in the Bible's Book of Genesis. According to the Bible, God commanded Noah to build the ark to save himself and his family, along with two of every kind of animal, from the great flood that God was going to send to destroy the world, so the farmer tried to convince his neighbors to join him.

Although we think that it is unlikely to see Noah's Ark in the flesh these days, the millionaires of The Netherlands thought it was brilliant to construct one. After all, the country is prone to flooding because it is low-lying.

The Land Of The Bridges

The Netherlands is a small country with a lot of water, including many rivers, canals, and lakes. This is why there are many bridges that provide safe and convenient transportation for both pedestrians and vehicles. It was said that it has thousands of bridges, so we can say that the nation is a pro at building these things.

One of the most famous bridges in The Netherlands is the Erasmus Bridge forms a vital link between the northern and southern regions of Rotterdam, spanning the River Nieuwe Maas. It's a fantastic experience to pedal through the city center and take in this amazing structure.

Song As Old As Time

We can't talk about nationalism without the national anthem. In The Netherlands, their hymn is titled "Het Wilhelmus," written in 1574 by Dutch poet and politician Wilhem van Nassau. This is believed to be the oldest national anthem in the world.

According to netherlandswashington.org, the melody was taken from a popular French song from the 16th century. The song also has whopping 15 stanzas, which may make it hard for the kids to memorize but has a purpose. This represents each other provinces in the nation. It was also penned in the first person, so one can imagine that William of Orange is talking.

Bluetooth Creator Is A Dutch

In the mid-1990s, Dutch engineer Jaap Haartsen revolutionized the way electronic devices connected with each other by introducing Bluetooth, a low-power radio frequency connection that eliminated the need for cables. This breakthrough technology has since been implemented worldwide, and is now used in over two billion devices.

Bluetooth has changed not only the way electronic devices connect, but also how people share information and media, and communicate with one another. Named after Harald Bluetooth, a Viking who facilitated communication between Denmark and Norway, the technology bears his name as a tribute to his efforts in bridging the two countries through communication.

Dutch's Growth Spurt

With Western features, it is hard to recognize the Dutch from the rest of the world. Well, they do have a distinctive feature: they are tall! Height is a subjective topic but people from The Netherlands are known for being blessed with tall statures, just like the guys in these pictures.

The typical Dutchman stands at 182.5cm, whereas a Dutch woman is 168.7cm tall. Contrastingly, Americans are slightly smaller, at 177.1cm for men and 163.5cm for women. Surprisingly, a Royal Society of London study, which looked into Dutch military records from the mid-1800s, revealed that they were some of the shortest people on the continent.

Holland Is Not The Netherlands

People often mistake Holland for being The Netherlands while some use them interchangeably to refer to the latter, or vice versa. Holland is a region of The Netherlands. It is located in the western part of The Netherlands, and is the most densely populated region of the country.

After Napoleon's downfall, The Netherlands kept its kingdom status. At the time, the region known as "Holland" was the nation's main source of economy and prosperity, which was the primary reason why the term "Holland" became the name used to refer to the entire country. The nation has 12 provinces, two of which make up Holland.

Dutch May As Well Be Called English Experts

The Dutch have a language of their own but people traveling to The Netherlands need not worry about any language barrier. As long as they can speak the universal language, then there wouldn't be a lot of problems. That's because this nation has the majority of its population as proficient English speakers.

Yes, some Dutch living in the cities are sometimes so fluent that they don't have any discernible accent! The 6th edition of the EF English Proficiency Index, which judges the English abilities of people in different countries, ranked the Netherlands as the first, surpassing its Nordic neighbors like Sweden and Denmark.

Giving Birth Comfortably

Many couples around the world prepare and choose the facility. plan to deliver their baby. In The Netherlands, this is far from the norm because the Dutch's idea is to keep childbirth as natural and organic as possible. Unless there is a need for medical attention, it should be managed by midwives in the comfort of the home, rather than physicians in a hospital setting.

In the western world, the Netherlands stands out with an impressive 30 percent of births taking place at home. Giving birth alone is already painful but women in this country don't resort to medicine to relieve pain.