About Netherlands

The Netherlands is situated in northwestern Europe and borders on Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North sea to the west and north. The name "Netherlands" means "Low Lands" in reference to the nation's topography as an alluvial plain. Differences in altitude are minimal. Almost one-quarter of the landmass is below sea level, protected from the encroaching sea by dikes and dunes. The Netherlands is also a relatively small country (13,297 square miles [34,425 square kilometers]) without surface water.

Food and Culture

Hagelslag - can you imagine a better way to start the day than with toasted bread spread with an unhealthy amount of butter and covered in sprinkles? Yes, that's actually a real thing in Holland. In fact, hagelslag - the sprinkles - are considered the most popular bread topping in the country! Usually eaten on buttered bread for breakfast or lunch, these sprinkles come in a range of varieties including: white, milk and dark chocolate, fruit flavoured and even liquorice seed flavoured (however the latter are usually reserved for celebrating the birth of a new baby). For a cheap breakfast when you visit, pick up a loaf of bread, a tub of butter and a box of hagelslag for a traditional Dutch start to the day.