Discovering The Netherlands

Facts About The Netherlands

+ Official Country Name: The Kingdom on the Netherlands + Capital and largest city: Amsterdam + Official Language: Dutch + Holland: Only means the two provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, but the name Holland is often used when all of The Netherlands is meant + Official Religion: While freedom of religion is guaranteed in Article 4 of the Basic Law (constitution), the predominant form of religion is Christianity + Currency: Euro, € + Weights and Measurements: Metric System + Electricity/Voltage: 220-240V

General Information Public Holidays Most schools, banks, and government offices are closed on national public holidays.

Holiday

Date

Dutch Name Nieuwjaarsdag Goede vrijdag Eerste paasdag Tweede paasdag Bevrijdingsdag Hemelvaartsdag Eerste pinksterdag Tweede pinksterdag Eerste kerstdag Tweede kerstdag Koningsdag

New Year’s Day Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday

January 1

Friday before Easter

Varies

Monday after Easter

King’s Day

April 27

Liberation Day Ascension Day

May 5

40 days after Easter 50 days after Easter Following Monday

Whit Sunday, Pentecost

Whit Monday Christmas Day

December 25 December 26

2 nd Christmas Day

Government The Dutch government is a parliamentary democracy. It consists of the King as the head of state, and the Council of Ministers, which includes the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Cabinet ministers. While most ministers head government ministries, the government of The Netherlands may appoint ministers without portfolios. The monarch’s role is limited to the formation of the government. Dutch elections are held every four years under a system of proportional representation. Parliament consists of two houses: The Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal (Senate – 75 seats), and the Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal (House of Representatives – 150 seats.)

© 2019 Dwellworks, LLC

Page 4

Discovering The Netherlands