Culture and Society Demographics of Netherlands

Before you enter the Netherlands, it is better if you learn something about the culture and society demographics of the Netherlands. The Netherlands is a diverse country with people from different backgrounds living in harmony in the same territory. 

They have their own culture and traditions. One of the best things about the Dutch is that they don’t have disputes related to religion. They have free will to follow any religion or follow nothing at all. 

The Netherlands is one of the countries with the highest numbers of international students. Due to the fact that the Netherlands offers high-quality education in the English language at a reasonable fee, students from all around the world come to the Netherlands for higher studies. 

Dutch is the official language of the Netherlands but English is also a widely spoken language in the Netherlands. About 94% of the population is bilingual.  

The Netherlands has a dense population of 17.5 million. Dutch people are the tallest on average in the world. Orange is their national color and the lion is regarded as their national animal. They use the Euro as currency. 

The Netherlands is a liberal country. It is the first country to legalize same-sex marriage. It has also legalized prostitution. They also have a policy of tolerance towards soft drugs. 

The Netherlands is also well-known in sports such as field hockey, speed skating, and volleyball teams. The country is also known for the incredible art and architecture that they have preserved over centuries. Some famous personalities like Vincent van Gogh, Anna Frank, Eddie Van Halen, Rembrandt, Johannes Vermeer, and many more. 

Similarly, they are large exporters of fresh flowers around the world. They produce flowers like Tulips, Roses, Anemones, Snowdrops, Calla Lily, Narcissus, Crocuses, and much more commercially. 

In terms of food and cuisines, the Netherlands is best known as the producer of creamy and delicious Gouda cheese. It is made up of cow’s milk and is smooth in texture. It melts in your mouth releasing a bunch of flavors. Likewise, they are also a large global exporter of eggs. 

Another delicacy that you must try in the Netherlands is a local delicacy called Dutch Herring. It is a raw fish marinated with salt. You put Dutch Herring directly into the mouth to chew. It is a healthy and flavorsome food item.  

The Dutch have preserved their tradition to date. And, it can be seen in the presence of ancient architecture, culture, and festivals. The centuries-old windmills are still working. Similarly, some of the churches, buildings, museums, and shops are from the 17th century. 

A low level of pollution may also be one of the reasons that these architectures are unaffected by the environment. The culture of riding bicycles is something other countries should learn from the Netherlands. 

Most of the people in the Netherlands use bicycles to go from one place to another. It keeps pollution to a minimum and people healthy. The traffic rules are also bicycle-friendly. Not only common people but Dutch prime ministers are also seen riding bicycles to their work.