The terms “Netherlands” and “Holland” are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different aspects of the country located in Western Europe. So, why do the two names exist, how they are used, and what do they signify?
Netherlands Or Holland: Are They The Same?
If Holland and the Netherlands are the same place and if the two names can be used interchangeably is the most crucial topic to address initially. Internationally, the term Holland is frequently used to refer to the nation formally recognised as the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Even Dutch residents don’t always understand the distinction, and many others outside the nation are clueless.
Holland is technically a region on the west coast of the Netherlands, even though some people use the term to refer to the entire country of the Netherlands. North Holland and South Holland, two of the twelve provinces that make up the Netherlands, collectively are known as Holland. Holland is home to the three largest Dutch cities: Rotterdam, Amsterdam, and The Hague. Historically, it was a single region, and its influence during the 17th century, known as the Dutch Golden Age, was so substantial that its name became synonymous with the entire country. This period saw the Netherlands as a leading maritime and economic power, with Holland at its core.
A Larger Province
As of 2017, the Netherlands has a population of over 17 million, of which over 6 million reside in Zuid and Noord Holland. As you can imagine, there’s a good chance you’ll run across someone from Holland overseas given that the provinces make up about 35% of the total population. Internationally, the use of “Holland” to refer to the entire country is common but not entirely accurate.
Within the Netherlands, the distinction between Holland and the rest of the country is more pronounced. Residents of provinces outside North and South Holland may feel that the use of Holland overlooks the diversity and contributions of other regions. There is a sense of regional pride and identity that is important to many Dutch people, emphasizing the uniqueness of each province.
The difference between the two names is rooted in geography, history, and cultural identity.
Cover image credits: Canva