Discovering The Netherlands - Guide for Daily Living

Facts About The Netherlands

+ Official Country Name: The Kingdom of the Netherlands

+ Capital and largest city: Amsterdam

Official Language: Dutch

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+ Holland: Only means the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, but the name Holland is often used when all of The Netherlands is meant + Official Religion: While freedom of religion is guaranteed in Article 4 of the Basic Law (constitution), the predominant form of religion is Christianity

Currency: Euro, €

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+ Weights and Measurements: Metric System + Electricity/Voltage: 220-240V

General Information

Public Holidays Most schools, banks, and government offices are closed on national public holidays.

Holiday

Date

Dutch Name

New Year’s Day

January 1

Nieuwjaarsdag Goede vrijdag Eerste paasdag Tweede paasdag Bevrijdingsdag Hemelvaartsdag Eerste pinksterdag Tweede pinksterdag Koningsdag

Good Friday

Friday before Easter

Easter Sunday Easter Monday

Varies

Monday after Easter

King’s Day

April 27

Liberation Day Ascension Day

May 5

40 days after Easter 50 days after Easter Following Monday

Whit Sunday, Pentecost

Whit Monday

Christmas Day

December 25 December 26

Eerste kerstdag

2 nd Christmas Day

Tweede kerstdag

Government The Dutch government is a parliamentary democracy. It consists of the King as the head of state, and the Council of Ministers, which includes the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers. While most ministers head government ministries, the government of The Netherlands may appoint ministers without portfolios. The monarch’s role is limited to the formation of the government. Dutch elections are held every four years under a system of proportional representation. Parliament consists of two houses: The Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal (Senate – 75 seats), and the Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal (House of Representatives – 150 seats.)

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Discovering The Netherlands