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The Netherlands. By Mrs. Gentry. 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.”
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The Netherlands By Mrs. Gentry
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.
The People of the Netherlands • 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.
The Government of the Netherlands • 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.
Schools in the Netherlands • 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.
Main Exports of the Netherlands • 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.
The Clothing of the Netherlands Long Ago • 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!
Holidays in the Netherlands • “Vlaggetjesdag” or Flag Day is May 27th. 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!
“Sinterklaas” or St. Nicholas • In mid-November “Sinterklaas” arrives by steamboat dressed in a Bishop’s robe. • “Sinterklaas” or St. Nicholas Day is celebrated on December 6th, the anniversary of St. Nicholas’ death. • The night of December 5th 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.