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Dutch cycling statistics

First things first. How does this work; Dutch, Holland or Netherlands?
In most languages, including English, the term “Holland” is used as a synonym for the Netherlands. The Dutch are the inhabitants of Holland – not to be misunderstood with Deutsch, which means German. Calling the Netherlands “Holland” when speaking to Dutch people may raise a discussion about what Holland actually is. Officially Holland is a region within the Netherlands, consisting of two provinces (out of 12), namely Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland.

Are you still there?
Some people living in the south-eastern province of Limburg may take offense if you call them “Hollanders”. On the other hand, the Dutch tourist office promotes the entire country abroad as ‘Holland’.
Moreover the national sports teams are referred to as “Holland”. In most team sports, like football (soccer), the team is also referred to as Dutch or Oranje (orange being the national color, named after Van Oranje-Nassau, which is the name of the Dutch royal family).

Cycling statistics
The Dutch Cycling Embassy and BicycleDutch presented their Netherlands’ 2017 cycling statistics and facts.
Cyclists in Holland used their bikes more often in 2017. Not surprisingly, with yet another increase of the quality of the cycling infrastructure.

But there is more then only bikes in the Netherlands. So here is

A list of 50 interesting facts about the Netherlands:

1. The Netherlands is also known as Holland, but that refers to just two provinces (North Holland and South Holland).
2. The country has over 35,000 km of bike paths.
3. Amsterdam has more than 100 kilometers of canals.
4. The Netherlands was one of the six founding members of the European Community (EU).
5. The Netherlands has a population of about 17 million people.
6. Rembrandt, van Gogh, Vermeer and Jan Steen, some of the greatest artists in history, were Dutch.
7. The country has the world’s tallest people, with an average height of 6 feet for men.
8. Windmills are iconic in the Netherlands, with over 1,000 still standing today.
9. The Keukenhof flower gardens are among the largest in the world, displaying 7 million tulips.
10. The Dutch are famous for their love of cycling—there are more bikes than people.
11. The Netherlands is one of the flattest countries in the world.
12. The country is below sea level—about 27% of its land is below the ocean’s surface.
13. The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam is a popular museum and a poignant historical site.
14. The Dutch invented the stock market and the concept of bonds in the 17th century.
15. Rotterdam was heavily bombed during World War II, but is now known for its modern architecture.
16. The Netherlands has the world’s largest flower auction in Aalsmeer.
17. Dutch people eat salted raw herring with onion on top.
18. Dutch people are some of the best non-native English speakers in the world (but the pronunciation has a major accent).
19. The Netherlands produces famous cheeses like Edam, Old Amsterdam and Gouda.
20. The Netherlands produces over 50% of the world’s flowers.
21. The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice and many international organizations.
22. The Netherlands has more than 1,200 kilometers of coastline at the North Sea.
23. The Netherlands is the second largest exporter of agriculture products in the world (even though such a small country!)
24. The Dutch are in love with their pancakes (pannenkoeken).
25. Zaanse Schans is a historic village in the Netherlands known for its traditional windmills.
26. Bicycles have the right of way in the Netherlands.
27. Delft Blue pottery is world-famous for its hand-painted ceramic designs.
28. The Gouda cheese market is a fun, and this historic tradition still is practiced today.
29. Amsterdam’s canal system was built in the 17th century.
30. The Dutch love licorice (drop), a popular candy.
31. The Netherlands is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe.
32. The Efteling is one of the largest and most visited theme parks in the Netherlands, and very nostalgic for so many.
33. The Netherlands was the first country to offer free and universal healthcare.
34. Lelystad and Almere are cities built on reclaimed land from the sea.
35. The Netherlands has one of the highest life expectancy rates in the world.
36. Tiësto, Martin Garrix, Hardwell and Armin van Buuren are some of the world-famous Dutch DJ’s.
37. The Netherlands has a very high rate of inland cycling tourism.
38. Jenever, a type of gin, originated in the Netherlands.
39. The Netherlands is home to some of the world’s most advanced wind turbines.
40. The Dutch Reformed Church was the primary Christian denomination in the Netherlands for centuries.
41. Friesland is known for its unique Frisian horses and Frisian Skûtsje sailboats.
42. The Dutch are known for their strong social safety nets.
43. The Netherlands is a pioneer in environmental sustainability.
44. Aalsmeer Flower Auction is the largest flower auction in the world.
45. The Dutch have a tradition of Sinterklaas (Santa Claus) before Christmas.
46. The Hague is home to the International Criminal Court.
47. Dutch trains are fast and efficient, making travel easy.
48. The Netherlands has a constitutional monarchy.
49. The Netherlands produces more than 75% of the world’s tulips.
50. Dutch cheese is often sold in waxed rounds, making it easily portable.

There actually are many more topics to talk about when discussing the Netherlands. But the list has to end at some point. But if you like to know more, then have a closer look at our Blog items to find more info and video’s about this country!