Animals and Plants
The Dutch nature
There are only a few forest areas left in the Netherlands and part of the stock was artificially created. Most of them are coniferous, oak and beech forests. In addition, low and high moors can be found.
There are many dunes on the coast. Beach grass, silver grass and sea thistles grow there. These plants may not look very special, but they are very important for the ecosystem: they strengthen the soil and prevent soil erosion. Many plants on the coast are also resistant to salt water, so they can survive despite the salt water.
The Dutch Watt
The mudflats that can be found all along the coasts of the North Sea offer a special environment. When the tide is low, the water retreats and exposes a piece of the sea floor. This is called the watt. Many birds such as seagulls and the mudflat live here, but also mussels and lugworms.
The land of the tulips
Flowers such as tulips or daffodils are typical of the Dutch landscape. The Netherlands is sometimes even referred to as the land of tulips. These bloom in spring. There was even a real tulip mania in the Netherlands in the 16th century. That was in the so-called “Golden Age of the Netherlands”. You can find out more about this under History of the Netherlands.
Animals
Deer, rabbits and foxes live in the forests of the Netherlands. By the way, hunting wild animals is prohibited by law in the Netherlands. Animals such as otters can also be found in the many bodies of water. The bird world in the Netherlands is particularly diverse and is often admired by bird watchers. Birds such as sandpipers, named after their habitat, or gulls and terns live in the tidal regions.
Of course, the sea lions that live by the North Sea are particularly popular. But here too, animal welfare takes priority, because visitors are not allowed to approach the animals more than 300 meters, then it is time to stop and the animals can only be viewed from a distance.
Economy
What is produced in the Netherlands?
According to Smber, the Netherlands is doing very well economically and is a wealthy country. The economic system in the Netherlands is described as liberal (free), as the state largely stays out of the economy. Among other things, food, electrical appliances and means of transport, such as trucks, are produced. The country also has large oil refineries and a well-developed chemical industry. Logistics and transport play an important role in the Dutch economy, after all important world ports such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam are located in the Netherlands.
Agriculture
The agriculture is of great importance for the economic strength of the country. Grains, vegetables, fruits and the famous Dutch tulips are grown and harvested. These also played an important role in the history of the country. You can read more about this under History.
Trade within the EU
The Netherlands is part of the European single market and the European Union.
Typical Netherlands!
The Netherlands is not only famous for its tulips, but also for its cheese, which is also exported in large quantities. You may have already tried Gouda, Edam or Maasdam.
Due to the use of a lot of technology in agriculture, there are only a few jobs left in this area. Just two out of 100 Dutch people are employed in this area. At the same time, the country earns a lot of money selling agricultural products.
Services make a significant contribution to GDP
The most important economic sector in the Netherlands is that of services. In 2018 the share of GDP was close to 78%. In comparison, the share of agriculture is much lower.
Eating in Netherlands
Cheese
The Netherlands are famous for their cheese. The specialty is Goudse kaas, with us: Gouda cheese. You may know him yourself from the supermarket. Gouda cheese that you buy in the supermarket does not necessarily come from the Netherlands, as this variety is now produced worldwide. Only Gouda Holland certainly comes from the Netherlands, because it can only be called that if it was actually produced in the Netherlands.
Hollandse Nieuwe
Another Dutch specialty is the Hollandse Nieuwe. These are herrings, so fish. These are processed before they grow up. This should make them taste particularly mild and tasty. They are usually served with potatoes and eggs or crispbread.
What are poffertjes?
The “poffertjes”, which look like small pancakes, are particularly popular with children. But they consist of yeast dough. These are fried in a special pan. You can enjoy them with powdered sugar and melted butter. Hm.
Croquettes, which are called “Kroket” or “Vleeskroket” in the Netherlands, are also popular. However, they are usually filled with meat and not a potato dish like ours.
Colonial influences
Dutch cuisine has also been influenced by the dishes of its former colonies such as Indonesia. One of the most common Indonesian dishes is nasi goreng. This is rice with garlic, chillies, onions and everything else that can be found in the refrigerator. The whole thing is prepared in a wok. If you use noodles instead of rice, you say Mie- or Bami Goreng instead of Nasi Goreng.
Desserts
A typical dessert is, for example, Vla. This is a pudding that is characterized by its particularly liquid consistency. In the Netherlands it can also be easily bought in a beverage carton for on the go.
