1. By Mrs. Gentry

2. Map of the Netherlands  The Netherlands is in Northwestern Europe. To the northwest of the Netherlands is the North Sea. Germany is to the east, and Belgium to the south.  The name “Netherlands” means “the low lands.”  The Capital of The Netherlands is Amsterdam.

4.  The residents of the Netherlands are referred to as “Dutch” or “Nederlanders.”  Their main language is Dutch  Their currency is the “Guilder.”  The population of the Netherlands is 15,808,000 people.  The people of the Netherlands use bicycles as their main form of transportation. There are more bicycles there than anywhere in the world.

5.  The Netherlands has a “Constitutional Monarchy.”  This means that they do have a king or queen is the head of state, but they have a parliament (like a senate) that represents the interests of the Dutch people. They meet at the Hague.  Presently their queen is Queen Beatrix.

6.  Students start school at age 4. They progress in groups, not grades.  Elementary school is basisschool. Or Literally, “basic school.”  At the end of group 8, at age 12, they take a test to decide which type of high school they will go on to.

7.  One of the Netherlands main exports are fresh- cut flowers, plants and flower bulbs.  Farming is an important industry.  The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses and chocolates.

8.  Men  Round Hats  Baggy pants  Wooden Shoes called “klompen”  Women  Long Skirts  Lace hats  klompen Most Dutch people today dress similarly to how we do in the United States!

9.  “Vlaggetjesdag” or Flag Day is May 27 th. The fishermen decorate their boats with streamers and flags before heading out to sea for their first trip of the year.  Queen Beatrix’s birthday is a national holiday. They have a parade, and people carry flowers to the Queen. Regular birthdays are also a big deal, that person gets to stay in bed and sleep late!

10.  In mid-November “Sinterklaas” arrives by steamboat dressed in a Bishop’s robe.  “Sinterklaas” or St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6 th, the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death.  The night of December 5 th children wait at home until a man dressed in a red and white robe comes to their house to ask if they have been good. If they have been good and say their prayers, he leaves them a present.  This story is how St. Nicholas and Santa Claus came to America. The English changed his name.  St. Nicholas was a bishop of the Catholic Church. He was known for doing good and giving to the poor. He is the patron saint of sailors and children.