Transcript The Netherlands

By Mrs. Gentry
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Map of the
Netherlands
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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One of the Netherlands main exports are freshcut flowers, plants and flower bulbs.
Farming is an important industry.
The Netherlands is famous for its cheeses and
chocolates.
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Men
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Round Hats
Baggy pants
Wooden Shoes called
“klompen”
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Women
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Long Skirts
Lace hats
klompen
Most Dutch people today dress similarly to how
we do in the United States!
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“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!
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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.