The Netherlands is a small country in Western Europe, but it has a lot to offer. From its famous tulip fields and windmills to its rich culture and history, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Here are seven fun facts about the Netherlands that will make you want to visit.
1. The Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of flowers
The Netherlands is known for its beautiful tulips, but did you know that it also exports other flowers like roses, lilies, and orchids? In fact, the Netherlands is the world’s largest exporter of flowers, accounting for about 50% of the global market. The country has a huge flower industry, with over 10,000 growers and 7 billion cut flowers produced every year. The most famous flower market in the country is the Aalsmeer Flower Auction, where millions of flowers are sold every day.
2. The Netherlands has more bikes than people
The Netherlands is a bike-friendly country, with over 35,000 km of bike paths and lanes. Biking is not only a popular mode of transportation, but also a way of life. The Dutch love their bikes so much that they have more bikes than people: about 23 million bikes for a population of 17 million. That means there are 1.3 bikes per person in the country. You can find bike parking lots, bike shops, bike rentals, and even bike hotels in the Netherlands.
3. The Netherlands is home to the tallest people in the world
The Dutch are known for being tall, and they have the numbers to prove it. According to the World Health Organization, the average height for Dutch men is 182.5 cm (6 ft) and for Dutch women is 169 cm (5 ft 6 in). That makes them the tallest people in the world, followed by Montenegro and Denmark. The reasons for their height are not fully understood, but some factors may include genetics, nutrition, and environment.
4. The Netherlands is the birthplace of many famous artists
The Netherlands has a rich artistic heritage, dating back to the Golden Age of the 17th century. Some of the most famous artists in history were born or worked in the Netherlands, such as Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Vermeer, Mondrian, and Escher. Their works can be admired in many museums and galleries across the country, such as the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Mauritshuis. The Netherlands is also home to many contemporary artists and designers, who continue to innovate and inspire.
5. The Netherlands has more than 1,000 windmills
Windmills are one of the most iconic symbols of the Netherlands. They were used for centuries to pump water, grind grain, saw wood, and produce oil. Today, most of them are no longer in use, but they still stand as monuments of the past. There are more than 1,000 windmills in the country, some of which are open to visitors. The best time to see them is on National Windmill Day (second Saturday in May), when many windmills are decorated with flags and flowers.
6. The Netherlands is one of the happiest countries in the world
The Netherlands ranks high on many measures of well-being and happiness. According to the World Happiness Report 2021, it is the sixth happiest country in the world, behind Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway. The report takes into account factors such as income, health, social support, freedom, trust, and generosity. The Dutch are known for their positive attitude and their work-life balance. They also enjoy a high quality of life, with access to education, health care, social security, and public services.
7. The Netherlands has a lot of cheese
The Dutch love cheese so much that they produce about 650 million kg (1.4 billion lb) of it every year. That’s about 40 kg (88 lb) per person per year. The most famous types of cheese from the Netherlands are Gouda (named after a city), Edam (named after a town), and Maasdam (named after a river). You can find cheese shops and cheese markets all over the country, where you can taste and buy different varieties of cheese.
These are just some of the fun facts about the Netherlands that make it an amazing place to visit. If you want to learn more about this fascinating country and its culture drop us a message.
