Dutch culture
On this page, find out more about social customs in the Netherlands, Dutch history and the key figures who have shaped the country.
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Which countries are part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This Kingdom also includes several islands in the Caribbean. Some are independent countries within the Kingdom, while others are part of the Netherlands. Here is how this works.
Holidays in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are official holidays and traditional celebrations. Some days are national holidays by law. In this article you will find an overview of important holidays, what they mean and how they are celebrated.
Why are time and appointments so important in the Netherlands?
In the Netherlands, many things are planned. This applies to work and appointments, but often also to getting together with friends and family. Time plays an important role in this. In this article, you will learn how this works.
Discover the Canon of the Netherlands: the 50 most significant events and figures
The ‘Canon of the Netherlands’ comprises 50 key events, figures and developments. Schools use the canon to teach history and pass on cultural heritage. Read more about the canon in this article.
Rembrandt van Rijn: painter of light, shadow and emotion
Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669) was a Dutch artist. He produced many paintings, drawings and etchings. His works of art are now very famous. Some of Rembrandt’s paintings are also worth a great deal of money. In this article, you can read more about Rembrandt van Rijn and his work.
Vincent van Gogh: his story, style and most famous works
Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) was a Dutch painter. Today, he is world-famous. His paintings hang in major museums and are viewed by millions of people. Yet during his lifetime, he was neither rich nor famous. It was only after his death that he received widespread recognition. In this article, you can read more about his life and his art.
Marga Klompé: the first female minister in the Netherlands
Marga Klompé (1912–1986) was the Netherlands’ first female minister. She was once tipped as a potential first female prime minister. However, she felt that the Netherlands was not yet ready for that. In this article, you can read about who she was and what she achieved.
William of Orange: the Father of the Nation
William of Orange is regarded as the 'Vader des Vaderlands' (Father of the Nation) and played a key role in the founding of the Netherlands. His struggle against Spain marked the beginning of an independent and sovereign Netherlands. Read here to find out who he was.
Aletta Jacobs: the Netherlands' first female doctor who fought for women's rights
Aletta Jacobs changed the history of the Netherlands. She became a doctor at a time when women had almost no opportunity to study. Then she campaigned for equal rights for women. In this article you will discover who she was and what she accomplished.
Willem Drees: the prime minister who built the Netherlands after the war
Willem Drees is seen as the person who rebuilt the Netherlands after World War II. He was prime minister for 10 years and was known as a calm and reliable leader. Many people called him Father Drees. In this article you can read more about Willem Drees and why he was so important.