Page 26 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - The Netherlands

24  INTRODUCING THE NE THERLANDS

Language and Culture
Dutch, a Germanic language, is used by
more than 20 million people in Holland,
Flanders and parts of the for mer Dutch
colonies. Afrikaans, a language of South
Africa closely related to Dutch, is a separate
language, as is Frisian, which is spoken by
more than 400,000 people in the province
of Friesland. Dutch has many dialects,
each of which has numerous regional
differences. However, these differ ences are
gradually disappearing because of the far-
Football fans sporting orange costumes reaching influences of radio and television.
Culturally, Holland has plenty to offer. The
was the antithesis of the Dutch tradition country’s colourful history is reflected in its
of consensual politics. Despite the loss many old buildings and large number of
of their charismatic leader, LPF became valuable museum collections. Exhibits
the second-largest party in the Lower range from those with local themes to
House; only the Christian Democrats world-famous art such as the collections
(CDA) did better. The coalition parties in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum (see pp126–7)
of the former government lost 43 and the Mauritshuis in The Hague
seats between them, making this the (see pp226–7). In addition to the
biggest shake-up in Dutch politics major museums of the cities,
since World War II. contemporary art can be seen in
Since 2010, the Dutch political galleries all over the country, and
climate has changed completely. in the profusion of works displayed
Dissatisfied with the coalition in the streets and at numerous
be tween PvdA, CDA and conservative local markets. As for the performing
Christen Unie, the Dutch voted en Dutch beer, fresh arts, more variety is available
masse for VVD and Geert Wilder’s from the tap today than ever before. Holland
Party for Freedom (PVV). However, in boasts a number of renowned
2012, the VVD, CDA and PVV govern- orchestras and is an established name
ment resigned when the PVV refused to in ballet. Stage and theatre have recently
sanction the austerity measures. New marked a shift from experimental to
elections were held, resulting in a more con ventional performances.
VVD-PvdA government.
The Dutch Way of Life
The German poet Heinrich Heine (1797–
1856) described Holland as a place where
“everything happens 50 years later than
anywhere else”. But today, anyone who
reflects on the tolerant Dutch attitude
towards drugs, the country’s relaxed laws
regarding euthanasia and the popular
opposition to the deployment of nuclear
weapons will come away with a different
picture. In fact, the Netherlands was the first
country to legalize gay marriages, reg ulate
prostitution, officially sanction euthanasia
A herring stall in Amsterdam and tolerate the over-the-counter sale of

020-025_EW_Netherlands.indd 24 16/01/17 12:02 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Portrait template “UK” LAYER
(SourceReport v1.2)
Date 5th December 2012
Size 125mm x 217mm