15 Surprising Facts About the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a small but vibrant country in northwestern Europe, famous for its iconic windmills, some of which have been standing for centuries. These windmills are more than just a symbol of the nation. They're a big part of its stunning landscape. But there's more to this country than meets the eye. Beneath its image as one of the world's happiest and most livable places lies a surprising side. For example, it's home to the world's busiest red light district where thousands of legal transactions happen every day. Why does a country that seems like a paradise have such a shocking side? Let's die into 15 surprising facts about the Netherlands to find out.
Fact 15 - The Crazy Border with Belgium
The border between Barla Nassau in the Netherlands and Barla Hurtog in Belgium is one of the strangest borders in the world. The border doesn't just cut through fields and streets, it actually runs through buildings and homes. In some houses, the living room might be in the Netherlands, but the kitchen is in Belgium. This quirky setup means people living in these homes technically have to follow the laws of two different countries under one roof. For example, opening a window on the Dutch side, no problem. But on the Belgian side, that might require permission. To keep things clear, the streets and sidewalks are marked with white crosses to show where the border is. You can literally take one step and cross from the Netherlands into Belgium. If you're looking for a fun party trick, you can impress your friends by saying you visited another country in just a few seconds. This strange border arrangement comes from medieval land treaties between local rulers. Things got even more complicated in 1843 thanks to the Treaty of Maastricht, which made the border official without fixing the mess. So instead of a simple line, we're left with this tangled patchwork of territories that tourists now love. For travelers, it's a fun and unique experience. You can snap a photo standing in two countries at once and call it international travel without even needing your passport.
Fact 14 - Wildlife bridges across highways.
It's hard to know exactly how many wild animals die on roads in the Netherlands, but it's a significant issue worldwide. In the US, for example, about 1 million animals are killed on the roads every day. In one tragic case in Vietnam, a rare gar, a large wild animal weighing about 800 kilograms, was struck by a truck while crossing a road. This incident happened in Chumome National Park in February 2023. The gar had wandered onto the road, possibly disturbed by nearby road construction, and died after charging into a truck. The gar, a highly endangered species, is now being studied for scientific research and environmental education. To help protect wildlife and prevent such accidents, several countries have built wildlife crossings, such as special bridges for animals to safely cross over highways. The Netherlands is home to the world's longest wildlife bridge, stretching 840 meters. This bridge, called Nature Bridge, Xander Ridge, Crayloo, helps ensure animals can cross roads safely, reducing the risk of collisions.
Fact 13 - The Netherlands is closing prisons due to fewer inmates.
A report from the Dutch Ministry of Justice revealed that the number of prisoners dropped by 27% between 2011 and 2015. This decrease means many prisons now have so few prisoners that they've had to shut down. In fact, the Netherlands has one of the lowest incarceration rates in Europe, with just 57 prisoners for every 100,000 people. This is much lower than countries like England and Wales, where the rate is 148 per 100,000. This drop in inmate numbers is thanks to a shift in how the country deals with crime. Instead of just locking people up, the Netherlands focuses more on rehabilitation and alternatives to prison. For example, some offenders are given community-based education or wear electronic ankle bracelets instead of being jailed. One interesting initiative is the open prison system. Inmates in open prisons are allowed to leave during the day to work or study as long as they return at night. This helps them stay connected to society and makes it easier for them to reintegrate once they're released. Another creative approach is happening in Arnhem, where prisons offer rehabilitation programs that include art, music, and personal finance courses. These programs help inmates build skills and boost their confidence. One inmate even discovered a love for painting through the program and hopes to pursue it after leaving prison, which has given him a new outlook on life. There's also a program where some inmates act as supervisors for others, helping with things like food distribution and cleaning. This gives them a sense of responsibility and helps create a more positive atmosphere inside the prison. All these changes have helped lower the number of young inmates and reduce overcrowding in prisons. As a result, the Netherlands closed 19 prisons in 2013 and shut down 5 more in 2023. To make use of the empty spaces, some prisons were rented to other countries like Norway and Belgium, while others were converted into housing for refugees. While these prison closures have saved money and allowed for repurposing the buildings, they've also led to job losses for prison staff. And 1,900 workers lost their jobs, with about 700 more expected to follow as more prisons close. The Dutch government is still debating whether this drop in prisoner numbers is because crime rates have really gone down, or if it's because of new policies that lead to fewer arrests. Either way, the Netherlands is making big changes in its criminal justice system by focusing on rehabilitation and reducing reliance on prisons.
FAct 12 - Masters of Flood Prevention
The Netherlands is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to flood prevention. About two-thirds of the country lies below sea level, which makes it especially vulnerable to floods. The name Netherlands itself means the lowlands, with the lowest point being 6.76 meters below sea level. Over the centuries, the Dutch have worked hard to protect their land from the sea, building dikes and using windmills to pump out water. One of the most impressive flood protection projects is the Meislandkering, a huge movable storm surge barrier. Located along the new of waterwag, it consists of two massive steel gates, each weighing 6,800 tons. These gates remain open to allow ships to pass, but if a storm causes sea levels to rise by 3 meters, the gates automatically close to stop the water from flooding the area. This landkering is part of the larger Delta Works project, which includes 16,500 kilometers of dikes, water discharge systems, and tidal gates that protect the country from the sea. Since it was completed in 1997, Meislandkering has only been used once, during a major storm in 2007. The Dutch government has raised the safety standards for flood defenses to protect against extreme disasters, ensuring that the country is as safe as possible. The Dutch are so proud of their water management that they believe they have mastered nature itself.
Fact 11 - The Dutch Invented Shares.
It's impossible to imagine modern economic life without stocks or shares. The Dutch came up with the idea of shares, which are a big part of how our modern economy works today. This concept started with the Verenigde Ustindische company, or VOC, also known as the Dutch East India Company. It was established on March 20, 1602 as a group of merchants working together to trade goods from overseas. To fund their ambitious plans, the VOC did something revolutionary. They sold shares of their company to the public. People could invest money in the company in exchange for a share of the profits. This was the first time in history that a business used this method to raise money. It allowed the VOC to pay for ships, supplies, and other expenses before the voyages even began. Just two years later, the first VOC ships set sail, bringing back valuable goods like spices, tea, silk, and precious stones from Asia. This new way of doing business helped the VOC become incredibly powerful and laid the groundwork for the modern stock market.
Fact 10 - The Netherlands is the only country without stray pets.
The Dutch really love their pets. It's common to see puppies sitting in bicycle baskets as their owners cycle through the streets. Many cafes and restaurants are dog friendly, and even public transport offers discounts for pets. Historically, owning a dog in the Netherlands was a sign of social status. The wealthy kept dogs as pets or for sporting purposes, while the poor used them for work. By the 19th century, there were many dogs in the country. However, a rabies outbreak led to many owners abandoning their sick dogs, which caused a huge problem. To fix this, the Dutch government launched a nationwide sterilization program, which neutered over 70% of stray female dogs. This helped reduce the number of stray dogs. The sterilized dogs also got health checks and vaccinations to prevent diseases, including rabies, which greatly improved the situation. As a result, the Netherlands became the only country in the world with no stray pets.
Fact 9 - The world's largest red light district.
Amsterdam's red light district is world famous, and it's actually made up of three main areas. The biggest and most well-known is De Wallen, right in the heart of the city's oldest neighborhood. It's a maze of narrow alleys lined with about 300 small windows, each featuring women posing under glowing red lights. This iconic site draws countless curious tourists every year. But there's more to the red light district than just its windows. It's also packed with quirky shops, museums, and vibrant neon lit performances, making it a unique part of Amsterdam's culture. What many people don't realize is how professionally the city manages this industry. Adult work was legalized in the 1980s, and since 2011, workers have had to declare their income and pay taxes. In return, they get access to health care and improved working conditions all overseen by the city to ensure safety and fairness. A more recent development is My Red Light, a new red light district where workers can rent their own spaces, control their earnings, and enjoy a supportive private environment. This initiative empowers workers while improving their rights and safety, showing Amsterdam's progressive approach to this often stigmatized industry.
Fact 8 - The largest flower exporter in the world.
The Netherlands is known worldwide for its flowers. It is often called the flower shop of the world, because it produces about 80% of the world's flower bulbs. The flower industry is so important that it contributes over 5% to the country's GDP. Tulips are the most famous flowers grown in the Netherlands, with around 11,000 hectares dedicated to them. The country produces about 4.3 billion tulip bulbs each year, making it the largest producer of these flowers in the world. The site of tulip fields, stretching as far as the eye can see, has become one of the country's most iconic images. Besides producing flowers, the Netherlands is also a popular tourist destination for flower lovers. Every year, tourists flock to see the stunning tulip fields and attend flower festivals. One of the best places to experience this beauty is the City of Harlem, which hosts the Blomin Corso, Flower Parade, where floats covered in flowers create a colorful spectacle. Another must-see location is Kukenhoff Park, the largest flower garden in the world, which showcases millions of flowers, including 800 types of tulips. The flower industry is a big part of Dutch culture, and it attracts visitors from all over the world. The tulip fields, flower festivals, and famous gardens like Kukenhoff make the Netherlands a key player in the global flower market and a top destination for tourists.
Fact 7 - Dutchmen are the tallest in the world.
The Dutch are famous for being tall and for good reason. The average height of Dutchmen is about 1.83 meters, and for Dutch women, it's 1.71 meters. This is a huge increase from the 18th century when Dutch soldiers were about 165 centimeters tall, shorter than other Europeans. Over the last 150 years, Dutch height has risen by more than 20 centimeters, making them the tallest people in the world today. Scientists think natural selection is one reason for this height increase. A study on people in Northern Holland found that taller inpiduals had more children, leading to a taller population over time. In addition to genetics, a healthy diet, particularly rich in dairy products, and access to advanced healthcare also contribute to the Dutch being so tall. These factors combined have helped make the Dutch the tallest population on the planet.
Fact 6 - A country with ever-changing borders.
The Netherlands' borders have changed a lot over the centuries. Once, large parts of the country were covered by water, but thanks to the ingenuity of Dutch engineers, the country has transformed into a land famous for its water management. For example, Amsterdam used to be a peat bog, and Rotterdam was basically a flooded plain. But through smart engineering and land reclamation, the Dutch have turned these once submerged areas into thriving cities. A key part of this transformation is their method of land reclamation, where they build walls to hold back water and drain flooded areas to create new land. One great example of this is Zeeland, a province in the far west of the Netherlands. It used to be mostly underwater, but after the construction of dikes, it became fertile land that's now vital for agriculture. Another impressive example is Fleveland, which is the world's largest man-made island. This area used to be part of an inland sea called the Zudersie, but in the mid-20th century, the Dutch reclaimed it and turned it into usable land. Fleveland isn't just an engineering wonder, it's a symbol of how the Dutch have faced nature's challenges and transformed their country.
Fact 5 - There are over 1,000 historic windmills.
Windmills have become a symbol of the Netherlands, and for good reason. As early as the 10th century, the Dutch used dikes to control floods, but 400 years later, they discovered the incredible power of windmills to help drain water and reclaim land from the sea. Wind mills became common across the Netherlands, especially in low-lying areas where water management was a constant struggle. The first windmills were made of stone, but later the Dutch improved them by using lighter materials like wood. The windmills have massive blades that can be tens of meters long. These blades harness the wind's energy to turn waterwheels that pump water out of rivers, helping to drain land and expand agricultural space. While modern pumps have replaced windmil ls for drainage today, they remain a proud symbol of Dutch history and resilience. Currently, the Netherlands has over 1,100 windmills, with the oldest ones dating back to before 1450. A popular spot to see these historic windmills is Zanzeshans, just outside of Amsterdam. Here, you'll find 13 windmills, six of which are the oldest and are carefully preserved. These windmills line the picturesque banks of the Zahn River, offering visitors a perfect view of this traditional beauty. Windmills are not just a reminder of the Netherlands' history, they show the Dutch spirit of overcoming challenges, mastering nature, and building a strong, prosperous nation.
Fact 4 - The safest country for cycling.
A 2008 study by Rutgers State University of New Jersey found that cycling there is safer than in any other country, including Denmark, even though many Dutch cyclists don't wear helmets. The Netherlands has fewer cycling injuries per million kilometers written compared to other nations. This impressive safety record is largely due to the country's incredible cycling infrastructure. The Netherlands has 35,000 kilometers of well-maintained bike paths, designed to keep cyclists separate from cars and other vehicles. These paths are smooth, clearly marked, and often have their own traffic lights. Cycling is also deeply respected in Dutch culture. Bikes are seen as important as cars on the road, if not more so. Drivers are expected to be extra careful around cyclists, and laws are often in favor of protecting people on bikes. With all this support, cycling in the Netherlands is not just a way to get around, it's a way of life.
Fact 3 - Every 50 meters there's a charging station for electric cars.
In addition to promoting cycling, the Dutch government is encouraging the use of electric cars to reduce carbon emissions. To make it easier for people to switch to electric cars, the country has installed charging stations every 50 meters along the streets. This makes it simple for drivers to charge their cars, helping the Netherlands maintain an eco-friendly lifestyle and protecting the environment for the future.
Fact 2 - Orange carrots came from the Netherlands.
Did you know carrots weren't always orange? Originally they came in colors like white, purple, or pale yellow. The story of how carrots became orange is tied to Dutch history and pride. In the 17th century, when William of Orange helped the Netherlands gain independence from Spain, Dutch farmers decided to honor him by creating a new variety of orange carrots. The orange color represented the house of orange and the Dutch royal family. The orange carrot quickly became popular, and over time the color became a symbol of the Netherlands. It's so important that it became the official color of the Dutch royal family. Today, on Kings Day, people across the country wear bright orange clothes to show their national pride and loyalty to the royal family. The color orange is also seen in Dutch sports. The national teams, whether it's for football, cycling, or volleyball, wear orange jerseys. This represents not just their sporting spirit, but also their cultural and historical pride. The story of orange carrots is more than just a fun fact. It's a reflection of the Dutch people's creativity and patriotism, blending history, culture, and agriculture in a unique way.
Fact 1 - Home births are popular.
In the Netherlands, home births are still a common choice, with about 30% of women giving birth at home, a figure that has remained steady since 1990. So why are home births so popular in the Netherlands? One reason is the country's health care system. Health insurance in the Netherlands covers the full cost of home births, while hospital births without medical necessity may come with extra fees. This financial benefit encourages many women to choose to give birth at home. The Netherlands also has a highly developed health care system, with skilled midwives who are trained to handle home births safely. These midwives offer care during labor and provide follow-up support after the birth, making women feel confident in their decision to give birth at home. Home births in the Netherlands reflect a cultural preference for staying close to nature and a desire for a comfortable, familiar environment. Many women find giving birth at home less stressful than in a hospital and appreciate having their family and loved ones nearby. Thanks to excellent health care and supportive policies, home births remain a popular and safe choice in the Netherlands, balancing modern medicine with family-centered values.
