Tulips, clogs, windmills and commerce is probably what most people think about when they think about the Netherlands, and probably also how liberal it is. In 1648, what today is the Netherlands,...
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Tulips, clogs, windmills and commerce is probably what most people think about when they think about the Netherlands, and probably also how liberal it is. In 1648, what today is the Netherlands, became independent from Spain, and formed “The Seven Provinces of the Netherlands”. It was during this time that the country as a seafaring nation became a real economic power. The country subdued colonies in east and west and made its big ports the centre of the world. The Netherlands is also a country of contrasts. It’s liberal with a gender neutral marriage legislation and an open view on entertainment and individual rights. However, it is also a country with the strictest reformed Protestantism, though limited to a few cities in the northern parts of the country. Amsterdam is still, with stiff competition from Berlin, viewed as the world’s gay Mecca. There is a huge selection of bars and clubs for all tastes and a rich gay sports scene. Other Dutch cities with a lot to offer the gay tourist, are Rotterdam and Haag.
Facts:
Population: 16 400 000
Official language: Dutch
Area: 41 526 km²
Currency: Euro
Government: Parliamentary democracy and Constitutional monarchy
Calling code: +31
Time zone: +1
