The Netherlands or Holland is an European country situated in north western Europe. Holland was originated from “Houtland” or “Woodedland” originally given to one of the medieval cores of what later became the modern state and is still used for 2 of its provinces Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland. Amsterdam is the capital of Holland.

FUN FACTS 

• The Netherlands ranks as the world’s sixth happiest country, according to the 2020 world Happiness Report. The annual study ranks 156 countries, taking into account factors such as healthy life expectancy, freedom, trust, corruption, and social support. And it appears that the jovial Dutch have plenty to be thankful for, scoring high levels of social and institutional trust, as well as social connection. Interestingly, the country also ranks significantly higher than its neighbors, Germany (17th) and Belgium (20th). According to the report, only Finland, Denmark, Switzerland, Iceland, and Norway are happier nations. Now there’s something to smile about!
• The natural resources of the Netherlands include natural gas, petroleum, limestone and peat as well as sand and salt. Dairy products, meats and vegetables are among the main agricultural products. 
• Now, here’s a rather surprising fact about the Netherlands. Amazingly, the first stock market in the world was invented by Dutch legislators and businessmen back in 1602. This was done as a means of funding the Dutch East India Company and its long trade-based voyages from the Netherlands. The Amsterdam Stock Exchange was also created in the same year, and many consider this to be the oldest ‘modern’ exchange in the world. The Dutch were also the first to develop Fairtrade Certification, launching the Max Havelaar certificate in the 1980s. Nice one, Netherlands!
• The main export products of the Netherlands are machinery, chemicals, fuels and foodstuff. Did you know that the Netherlands are also the world's biggest exporter of flower bouquets?
• Are you moving to the Netherlands but can’t speak a word of Dutch? Then boy are you in luck because this clever nation is better at speaking English than any other non-native country. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, the Dutch are top of the class in English, narrowly beating Denmark and Sweden. Between 90 and 93% of the population can speak English as a second language. As if that wasn’t impressive enough, around 94% of Dutch people can speak two languages, which is well above the EU average of 54%. Still, there’s no harm in brushing up on Dutch skills in the meantime.
• The name 'Netherlands' means 'lowlands' as most of the country is flat land that is located slightly above or at sea level, while about one quarter of the country is even below sea level.
• The Brits are known to love a refreshing gin and tonic on occasion, and they have the Dutch to thank for that. Gin (or jenever) was actually invented in the Netherlands in the 16th century and reportedly became popular in Great Britain after William of Orange (King William III) occupied the English, Scottish, and Irish thrones with his wife Mary. The term ‘Dutch courage’ allegedly derives from when gin was used by the Brits and the Dutch to gain bravery by getting intoxicated during the Thirty Years’ War (1618–1648). Fancy a shot, anyone?
• You won’t find many things more iconically Dutch than a pair of wooden clogs. The Dutch have been wearing these hard shoes (or klompen) since medieval times to protect their feet while doing hard labor. These clunky shoes were ideal as they are sturdy, waterproof, and easy to clean. Although you will still sometimes see them in the fields in rural areas of the Netherlands, nowadays they are largely sold as tourist souvenirs. And with a whopping six million of them being produced each year, you certainly won’t have any trouble finding your size – that’s if you’re bold enough to wear them!
• Believe it or not, physical media  as we know it today was actually invented by the Dutch electronics giant Philips. This began with the creation of the cassette in 1963. Nearly twenty years later, the company worked with Sony to replace the cassette with the CD. And when it was time to replace the VHS in 1997, Philips created the DVD. This later evolved into the Blu-ray disk. The company also developed and popularized many home electronics in Europe, such as TVs and blenders.
• Despite the Dutch flag being red, white, and blue, orange is actually the national color. This is because the monarchy is from the House of Orange, and until becoming king, Willem-Alexander was the Prince of Orange. To honor the country’s heritage, the Dutch wear orange on days of national pride, and their sports teams wear bright orange uniforms, too. On Koningsdag(King’s Day), on 27 April, Dutch people also dress in orange and celebrate their country with outdoor parties, picnics, and parades.

CHOICE AS A STUDY DESTINATION

Top 03 reasons for international students to choose Netherland as their study destinations is
- Prestigious universities
- Competitive economy
- Healthy and Active lifestyle

USEFUL LINKS

Click on the below link to know more about your study destination, and what the Netherland government has to say….

https://www.netherlandsworldwide.nl/living-working/studying-and-internships-in-the-netherlands

NEWS & UPDATES

https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/visiting-the-netherlands-from-abroad/checklist

https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/documents/publications/2020/07/07/information-for-passengers-flying-to-and-from-the-netherlands

https://reizentijdenscorona.rijksoverheid.nl/en