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
+
+ 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, €
+
+ 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
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