Welcome to the Netherlands The Kingdom of the Netherlands is a flat country located in western Europe Over 16 million people live in this small country The official language is Dutch but the government also recognizes a regional language from the province of Friesland called Frisian Many Dutch people also speak English The Netherlands is bordered by Germany Belgium and the North Sea Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands but the government is located in a city called The Hague above 4
Culture is the common beliefs and practices shared by a group of people A country’s culture is expressed through its language history and religion Most people in the Netherlands are Christian The country also has small Jewish and Muslim populations Did You Know Some people refer to the Netherlands as Holland However Holland only makes up two provinces in the entire country About half of the Netherlands is located below sea level Over hundreds of years the Dutch have built canals to drain wet marshy areas 5
Special Days The Dutch celebrate many of the same traditions as people in North America but they often include their own unique customs At a wedding sweetmeats called bridal sugar and a spiced wine called bride’s tears are served After the wedding new couples often plant lilies of the valley These flowers symbolize the return of happiness As they bloom each year the couple are reminded to celebrate their love and happiness for each other Did You Know In Dutch culture it is common to greet family and friends with three kisses on the cheek A lily of the valley is a sweet-smelling flower that is native to northern Europe and Asia as well as eastern North America 6
After a baby is born it is a traditional Dutch custom to serve beschuit met muisjes or biscuits with mice The mice are tiny licorice-flavored seeds On their birthdays boys and girls provide cake for everyone to enjoy It is also common to congratulate the person on their birthday Another unique Dutch tradition happens when students finish school They hang their backpacks along with the national flag outside of their homes to let everyone know they have passed their exams Beschuit met muisjes Special cookies to celebrate a new baby pink for a girl and blue for a boy After the school year ends in June backpacks are proudly hung outside many homes in the Netherlands 7
