About the Netherlands

You may already be aware of the ‘Unique Selling Points’ of The Netherlands, such as tulips, windmills, clogs and of course, the country’s low altitude and vulnerability to flooding.

The Netherlands covers around 41,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 16 million. With a rich cultural heritage, the country has been home to many of history’s most famous names in the areas of art, literature, philosophy and science. It also has a long history of international trade, having forged links with countries around the world from as early as 1600, bringing together new knowledge, skills, business and ideas. The warm welcome we give to the rest of the world has earned us a well-deserved reputation for openness in all aspects of society.

Should you call it Holland, or The Netherlands? The country’s formal name is ‘Nederland’ (The Netherlands), meaning the ‘low country’, or the ‘lowlands’, as much of the land is at or below sea level. In fact, ‘Holland’ is the name of the western-most area of the country that is the most heavily populated of all the provinces, encompassing the provinces of North and South Holland and the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. ‘Holland’ is also commonly (and mistakenly) used to refer to The Netherlands as a whole, including all of the twelve provinces that make up the entire country.

As is the rest of Europe, the south of The Netherlands is within easy reach by car, or by utilising the country’s excellent public transport system. Our multinational population presents a rich mix of different cultures, each characterised by the tolerance for which the Dutch are famous. When you study in the south of the country, you will quickly learn that we have so much more to offer than just windmills, tulips, cheese and clogs. Although, of course, you should also take the time to explore these aspects of the country!

Would you like to know more about The Netherlands? We recommend that you visit the following websites:

• www.minbuza.nl/en/
  This website provides general information regarding The Netherlands, from statistics and fun facts to detailed articles about the country’s government, history and society. 
• www.wikipedia.org
  This is a free online encyclopaedia, providing a wide range of facts and figures.
• www.studyinholland.nl                                                                                                           This is a Nuffic (a Dutch organisation for international cooperation in higher education) website, providing a wide range of general information.