Interesting Facts about Dutch Culture (Some Important FACTS FOR COUNSELLORS TO KNOW =) )

Tulips are commonly associated with Holland, even though they originated from Ottoman Empire (Turkey). That’s because they are grown all over the country!

Windmills are a beloved symbol of the country. The wind mills literally built the country – without them, a lot of the water and land drainage would not have occurred, and the landscape of Holland would be very different today.

Land of Bicycles. Holland is also known as the Land of Bicycles. Everyone cycles here; There are cycling tracks and bicycle stands everywhere. Everyone knows how to cycle, and everyone owns an average of 2-3 bicycles.

Directness. The Dutch have a reputation for being direct, to the point of coming across as rude in other cultures.

4 Seasons. Holland experiences 4 seasons – Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter. In summer, the days can go as long as 17 hours; While in winter, days can be as short as just 8 hours!

The Dutch language is quite similar to German. Hence, many Dutch can understand German language too. However, most Dutch dislike it if you try to compare them or their language with the Germans’ – they see them as distinct and separate.

Most Dutch children move out of their parents’ home when they are 18, as a mark of independence. Those who don’t are seen as weird. In Asia, children usually only move out when they are getting married and setting up their own family.

The Netherlands has the highest population density (493 inhabitants per square km - water excluded) of any European country with over 1 million inhabitants. Worldwide, only Bangladesh and Taiwan, among major countries, have a higher density of population.

Dutch people are the tallest in the world, with an average height of 184 cm for men and 170 cm for women.

A 2007 UNICEF report on child well-being in rich countries ranked the Netherlands as the best country for children to live.

Prostitution is legal in the Netherlands. However, prostitutes must be at least 18, and clients must be at least 16.

Abortion on demand at any point between conception and viability has been legal since 1981.

The Dutch government has legalised same-sex marriages since 2001 and euthanasia since 2002.