The Netherlands, also popularly known as Holland, is a country where innovation and tradition intertwine. The Dutch cities offer century old buildings, visionary architecture and cutting-edge design.
The country has a reputation of being tolerant country with an international outlook. This is a great advantage for an international business. In addition, the majority of the Dutch speak excellent English and often communicate effectively in another foreign language.
When most people think of the Netherlands, they think of flowers, wooden shoes and windmills. Of course these are still a part of the culture, but Holland has so much more to offer!
Beautiful coastlines, the authentic charm of some of the old cities and picturesque villages, the hospitality of the southern region, the rural life, the vibrant city life of cities such as Rotterdam, Amsterdam, the Hague and the southern city of Maastricht. A small country with big ambitions and achievements such as our battles against the water and building large industrial ports outside the country’s landlines (Maasvlakte I & II).
Some facts and figures:
A population of 17,4 million people
Amsterdam is the capital city with approximately 860.000 inhabitants, followed by Rotterdam with 642.000 inhabitants and the governmental city of The Hague with 535.000 inhabitants
Holland has a surface of 41.528 km2 (18,41% water)
Official language is Dutch
Holland is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy
The currency is Euro
The highest point is 323m (Vaalserberg in the province Limburg)
Rotterdam is Europe’s largest port by far. The gateway to Europe. An important logistics hub for the entire world.
Landscape
The Dutch landscape is known for its familiar green fields and polders with black and white cows, but it is also a landscape dominated by water. Three big European rivers (Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt) reach the ocean via the Netherlands and create an important delta. 26% of the Netherlands is under sea level. During an age-long battle against the water, the Dutch constructed dykes, polders and weirs.
Economy
Holland is one of the most open economies in the world and in the top 5 of larges exporters (amongst others in agricultural and horticultural products. It enjoys a very stable economic and political climate. The country is home to large well-known multi-nationals such as Shell, Unilever, ING Group, Heineken, Rabobank, TNT, Akzo Nobel, Philips and Randstad.
Sports
The love for sports can be seen throughout the country. Popular sports are football, tennis, hockey, cycling and swimming. If the weather allows, ice-skating is a favorite sport among many of the Dutch. The color orange is related to the Dutch sport. This due the relation to the Dutch Royal Family. It represents the national identity of Holland. So, when there are festivities such ‘Kings Day’ or the European Football matches/finals, the Dutch dress up in orange.
Social ways
The Dutch are creative, open minded, tolerant and pragmatic. They are also rather direct, honest and open in their dealings with others. The Dutch welcome their foreign guests with open arms. We are known for our enthusiasm to ensure that international visitors enjoy their stay.
Lonely Planet has included the Netherlands on its list of best travel destinations of 2020.
Events
In May The Netherlands has some mayor (international) events which are worth mentioning:
Keukenhof
Keukenhof, the best day out among the flowers! Over 7 million bulbs will bloom this spring, with a total of 800 varieties of tulips. A unique, unforgettable experience! It is one of the world’s largest flower gardens, situated on the 15th-century hunting grounds of Slot Teylingen in the city of Lisse.
Besides the spacious 32 hectares of flowers you can enjoy the spectacular flower shows, surprising inspirational gardens, unique art and wonderful events. Do not miss the Tulip mania exhibition at the Juliana Pavilion.
The Keukenhof is most known for its tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, lilies, roses, carnations and irises van also be seen. Almost 26.000 visitors per day! In comparison, the Rijksmuseum receives an average of 8.000 visitors per day.
Keukenhof is located in the province of South Holland, south of Haarlem and southwest of Amsterdam in the area called the ‘Dune and Bulb Region’ (Duin- en Bollenstreek). It is accessible by bus from Haarlem and Leiden train stations as well as Schiphol.
The Keukenhof will be open from 21 March – 10 May 2020.
For more information: Link
Eurovision Song Contest 2020
The Eurovision Song Contest 2020 will be held in Rotterdam in May. 41 countries will participate. This year’s slogan is ‘Open Up’. The grand final will take place on the 16th of May 2020.
The event will take place at Rotterdam Ahoy, a beautiful complex which hosts many (sports) events, concerts, trade shows and congresses.
For more information: Link
Formula 1 racing in Zandvoort
In 2020 the Dutch Grand Prix will be driven on the Circuit of Zandvoort. This means that Formula 1 is back in Zandvoort after 35 years. The event promises to be a big spectacle with controversial races, sports and games for young and old. In addition to the activities on and around the circuit, the municipality sees an opportunity to let all of Zandvoort benefit with side events.
The Dutch Grand Prix will come to Zandvoort at least 3 times: in 2020, 2021 and 2022. The Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix Zandvoort 2020 takes place on 3 May 2020.
For more information: Link
Invictus Games 2020
The Netherlands will host the Invictus Games 2020 in the Zuiderpark in the The Hague. 500 man and women from 19 countries will participate in this sporting event. The event will take place from 9-16 May 2020.
The Invictus Games is an international adaptive sporting event for wounded, injured and sick servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. The games use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect of all those who serve their country. The word ‘Invictus’ means ‘unconquered’. It embodies the fighting spirit of wounded, injured and sick service personnel and personifies what these tenacious men and women can achieve post injury.
The Invictus Games is about much more than just sport – it captures hearts, challenges minds and changes lives. The participants all have their own story of physical and/or psychological injury or illness. But all of them have found the inner strength to go on and reinvent themselves. Sometimes alone, often with the help of family and friends, but always through the power of sport.
For more information: link