Holland are just two of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands. There is North Holland and South Holland. The Netherlands, officially the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is the sovereign country that consists of Holland (the two provinces) as well as 10 other provinces - Zeeland, North Brabant, Limburg, Utrecht, Gelderland, Flevoland, Overijssel, Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen. The Netherlands has twelve provinces in total. While Holland is just a region within the Netherlands, the two names are often used interchangeably, especially internationally.
I have always wondered why.
- The most economically prosperous and influential region was (and to some still is) Holland. Historically the two provinces dominate the country's politics and economy for centuries.
- The major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague are located in the provinces of Holland, that is why they are famous.
- The Dutch tourist board and some official websites use "Holland" in their names and branding to leverage the region's fame. It just sounds good to tourists.
Many Dutch people from the other provinces (outside North or South Holland) dislike referring to the entire country as just Holland, as it diminishes the significance of the other regions. Be aware what you use... before you know you have offended someone. Don't worry, only mentioned in the proximity of people with long toes (dutch expression, other topic).
Do you know The Dutchies already? Learn more about the Netherlands and the Dutch(ies). Photo with permission of The Dutchies
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