Society & History

Immerse yourself in society in the Netherlands by learning about its rich history, its attitudes towards religion and diversity, and its most famous inventions.

Why does Amsterdam have so many crooked houses?

How safe are Amsterdam’s crooked houses? Take a look at the history behind Amsterdam’s narrow houses and theories on why they tilt today.

The Buitenhof in The Hague, the Netherlands

The Dutch government: politics in the Netherlands

Who is Dick Schoof, where is the Tweede Kamer, and does the king even do anything? Find out in this article on the Dutch government.

Popular sports in the Netherlands

Get to know your Dutch neighbors in a whole new light by discovering these popular sports in the Netherlands.

Dutch parenting and family life

From home births and benefits to finding the right school, here are all the ins and outs of Dutch parenting.

Religion in the Netherlands

Here is a guide to religious services and important celebrations in English in the Netherlands by town/city.

Dutch culture: social etiquette in the Netherlands

Polite or pushy? Navigating Dutch etiquette means rethinking what you thought you knew about manners and everyday conversations.

Koningsdag: a guide to King’s Day in the Netherlands

Got some orange in your wardrobe? You’ll fit right in with the Dutch when they celebrate the ever-lively Koningsdag.

Dutch newspapers on a newsstand outside the parliament in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Where to get the news in the Netherlands

Discover the most reliable Dutch and English-language news sources to stay up to date with current events in the Netherlands and worldwide.

Celebrating Sinterklaas in the Netherlands

Discover the magic of Sinterklaas, a national and sometimes controversial holiday that the Netherlands celebrates in December.

Several row houses with huge decorations for Christmas.

Christmas in the Netherlands: 10 Dutch holiday traditions

From festive foods to twinkling city lights, here are 10 Dutch Christmas traditions that make the winter season magical.

The Dutch circle party guide

Each country has its own peculiarities when it comes to socializing, but the Dutch circle party can be especially bizarre for a newcomer.

Inventions you didn’t know were Dutch

You’ve probably used a Dutch invention in your life without realising it. Here are some of the best inventions to thank Dutch inventors for.

A guide to Dutch people

Congratulations – you’re not afraid to give your opinion, nor offended when small children tell you off, and you’d never reject anything free. Those are just some of the more prevalent stereotypes of Dutch people.

The top 10 movies about the Netherlands

From epic war films to bittersweet comedies, we take a look at the best movies about the Netherlands which will make you laugh and cry.