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HUP HOLLAND
NETHERLANDS (Holland) GENERAL FACTS Capital: Amsterdam National Day: 30 April Queens day Area: 41,532 square km Population: 15.9 million Currency: euro Geography: The Netherlands are bordered to the south by Belgium , the north and west by the North Sea , and the west by Germany . The country is flat except for the south-east corner. About one-third of the land is below sea level. THE PEOPLE Language The official language is Dutch. English, German, and French are commonly understood and spoken and are taught in the secondary schools. Religion About 36 percent of the people are Roman Catholic. Another 27 percent are Protestant, 6 percent belong to other churches, and the rest are not officially affiliated with any religion. General Attitudes By reputation, people in the south are more gregarious than those in the north. The Netherlands has a strong tradition of involvement in international affairs. Dutch openness to the world has made them no less proud of their own culture and heritage, whether it be in the arts, politics, technology, or a strong tradition of liberalism. Personal Appearance European fashions are popular. The Dutch enjoy stylish casual attire, as long as it is neat and clean. Traditional attire is rarely worn. The Dutch are famous for the wooden shoes or clogs (klompen) they produce. Canal in Amsterdam CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES Greetings A warm and hearty handshake is an appropriate greeting for both men and women. It is also popular among friends to kiss on the cheeks alternately three times when greeting. The use of given names is generally reserved for close friends and relatives, except among the youth. Otherwise, titles and family names are used when addressing people. Gestures Eye contact and facial expressions are important. The mouth is covered when a person yawns. It is impolite to chew gum while speaking. Pointing the index finger to the forehead to imply someone is crazy is an insult. Visiting The Dutch are hospitable and enjoy having visitors. Unannounced visiting is not common, except between very close friends or relatives. When visiting, it is customary to shake hands with everyone present, including children. Dinner guests usually bring flowers or any other small gift to their hosts. Eating The Dutch generally eat three meals a day. Dinner (around 6 pm) is the main meal for most people. It is impolite to begin eating before others at the table. A parent or host often indicates when to eat. It is proper to keep hands above the table, not in the lap, but to not rest elbows on the table. The continental style of eating is practised. One does not leave the table until all have finished eating. LIFESTYLE Family The Dutch have strong families, which are moderate in size. People generally live close to extended family. Both parents often work outside the home. Young people often leave home at age 18 in order to continue their education or to work. Dating and Marriage Dating habits are similar to those throughout Europe. Teenagers begin with group activities. It is common for couples to live together before, or instead of, getting married. Diet Bread or toast with jelly or jam, Dutch cheese or meats, and coffee or tea are the most common foods for a Dutch breakfast. Open-faced sandwiches are common for lunch, as is kroket (a deep-fried sausage). The main meal usually consists of potatoes and gravy with seasonal vegetables and meat or fish. Some typical dishes include poffertjes (small puffed pancakes served on special occasions), pea soup, and hutspot (mashed potatoes with carrots and onions). Dutch pastries are world famous
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