Holland

The Netherlands is a kingdom. Its official name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It consists of the Netherlands itself and six islands in the Caribbean Sea. The country's name in Dutch is Nederland, meaning low country and referring to the fact that much of the land is at or below sea level. The Netherlands is often called 'Holland', a name that is derived from the names of the two western coastal provinces, North and South Holland, that were the most developed and wealthiest parts of the country in the seventeenth century and played a dominant role in the country's history

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students at work in library. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students. Photographer: Arenda Oomen Students at work. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students working on project. Photographer: Erik Jansen PhD ceremony. Photographer: Keukelaar, Keke Unilever building Rotterdam. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs International students on a trip to Paris. Photographer: Indarwati Aminuddin Typical Dutch houses. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Schiphol Airport. Photographer: Elma Leidekker Yellow tulip field. Photographer: Henriëtte Guest Dutch landscape. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Queens Day. Source: NL Agency

Geography

Holland is situated in the west of Europe and borders Germany to the east, Belgium to the south and the North Sea to the north and west. What strikes people most when they first arrive in Holland is the landscape: the country is extremely flat. While there are some hilly areas in the south-eastern corner of the country, in most of the country you have an unbroken view of the characteristic Dutch landscape. There is water everywhere, in the form of lakes, rivers and canals. Holland is a relatively small area of slightly over 41,000 square kilometres is home to almost 17 million people

Public safety

Holland is a safe country by international standards, with low levels of violence and street crime. The police are friendly and helpful; they have a duty to protect everyone and you can always feel confident appraching them for helpo

Culture & leisure

Holland is more varied than you might expect. There is plenty to see, whether you're strolling through town, making a boat trip on the canals or lakes, lazing on the beach or walking in the woods and dunes. Major international stars regularly play concerts at Dutch stadiums and other smaller venues. Musicals and theatre are also very popular. With over 1,000 museums there is a lot to discover. And don't be surprised to see people dressed in orange and partying in the street on King's Day or when the national football team has a game. Read more on the Study in Holland website or on the website of the Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions (NBTC).

Society

Picture Credits

Students at work in library. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students. Photographer: Arenda Oomen Students at work. Photographer: nadiafotografeert Students working on project. Photographer: Erik Jansen PhD ceremony. Photographer: Keukelaar, Keke Unilever building Rotterdam. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs International students on a trip to Paris. Photographer: Indarwati Aminuddin Typical Dutch houses. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Schiphol Airport. Photographer: Elma Leidekker Yellow tulip field. Photographer: Henriëtte Guest Dutch landscape. Photographer: Tuurenhout, Thijs Queens Day. Source: NL Agency