miércoles, 29 de julio de 2009
CAN YOU TELL ME SOMENTHING ABOUT THE NETHERLANDS?
The Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world. After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II. A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.
WHAT IS THE NETHERLANDS KNOWN FOR?
They say: Tulips, Wooden shoes, Windmills, Edam cheese, the red-light district, Anne Frank, Amsterdam. But if you come to the Netherlands, you don't see these things much.
What Holland's known for best is probably the art. Vincent van Gogh, Vermeer and Rembrandt were Dutch (among others of course).
WHERE ARE THE NETHERLANDS LOCATED?
The Netherlands is situated in northwest Europe with much of its coastline facing eastern England. Between the Netherlands and England you'll find the Northsea. The Netherlands lies to the west of Germany and to the north of Belgium.
I KNOW HOLLAND IS A SMALL COUNTRY. BUT HOW SMALL IS IT REALLY?
Holland is quite small, the surface area is 41,528 square kilometres. The greatest distance from north to south is 300 kilometres, and from west to east 200 kilometres.
Holland is quite small, the surface area is 41,528 square kilometres. The greatest distance from north to south is 300 kilometres, and from west to east 200 kilometres.
ARE 'HOLLAND' AND 'THE NETHERLANDS' THE SAME?
As far as the traveller is concerned, yes! Holland is the name commonly used abroad to refer to the country that is officially named The Netherlands. Strictly speaking, Holland comprises only the two western provinces of North and South Holland - a region that encompasses Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and other well-known Dutch cities such as Delft, Leiden and Haarlem.
As far as the traveller is concerned, yes! Holland is the name commonly used abroad to refer to the country that is officially named The Netherlands. Strictly speaking, Holland comprises only the two western provinces of North and South Holland - a region that encompasses Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and other well-known Dutch cities such as Delft, Leiden and Haarlem.
WHICH CITY IS THE CAPITAL OF HOLLAND, AMSTERDAM OR THE HAGUE?
Holland is one of the few countries in which the government does not have its seat in the nation's capital. AMSTERDAM is the capital of Holland and the country's largest city.
THE HAGUE has been the seat of government since the 13th century. THE BINNENHOF is a historical complex of buildings housing the Dutch Parliament. The Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall) is the most important building in the complex. Her Royal Highness Queen Beatrix lives and works in The Hague.
WHAT DO YOU CALL PEOPLE OF HOLLAND?
Dutch or Dutchman, but the people of Holland/ the Netherlands prefer to be called Netherlanders.
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