About the Netherlands

Every person has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that due to circumstances, we ended up in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra can help you!

 

So, the Netherlands: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone finds their home amidst picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

 

Culture and Lifestyle

The culture and lifestyle in the Netherlands are characterized by a combination of traditional values and a modern approach to life.

Directness in communication is considered the norm in society and is perceived as a sign of respect. Equality is reflected in gender equality, openness to different cultures, and freedom of expression. The Netherlands is known for its liberal approach to issues such as the legalization of same-sex marriage and the legalization of soft drugs.

In the Netherlands, a culture of healthy living is widespread. Bicycles are the main means of transportation, especially in cities, which contributes to an active lifestyle. Additionally, the country has a developed system of public parks, sports complexes, and cycling paths, making active recreation accessible to everyone.

Dutch cuisine may seem simple, but it has deep roots in traditions and is an important part of the country's culture. Proximity to the sea makes seafood an important part of Dutch cuisine. Popular dishes include herring, eaten as a snack with onions and pickles, and eel, often served smoked. The Netherlands is known for its cheeses such as Gouda and Edam. Cheese is an important part of Dutch exports and can be found in every market and home. Popular desserts include stroopwafels—waffles with caramel filling, and oliebollen—doughnuts traditionally eaten on New Year's. Pepernoten and speculaas are spiced cookies often associated with the Sinterklaas holiday.

Dutch people value the balance between work and personal life. The workday in the Netherlands usually ends early so that people can spend more time with their families or engage in hobbies. This culture promotes high quality of life and overall well-being.

In the Netherlands, great attention is paid to environmental sustainability. This is evident both at the governmental level and in daily life. The country actively develops "green" technologies, uses alternative energy sources, and recycling and reducing carbon footprint have become the norm for most citizens.

These features make the Netherlands a country with a unique culture and a high standard of living, attracting people from all over the world.

The Netherlands holds high positions in various international rankings due to its high standard of living, strong economy, quality of education, and other aspects. Here are some examples of rankings where the Netherlands is a leading country:

The Netherlands consistently ranks in the top 10 countries in the world for innovation, thanks to strong support for scientific research, innovative ecosystems, and a high level of education.

In 2023, the Netherlands ranked 6th in the Press Freedom Index, according to the organization "Reporters Without Borders." This confirms the high level of freedom of speech and media independence in the country.

The Netherlands regularly ranks among the top ten countries with the highest quality of life. This is due to a high level of healthcare, education, safety, and overall well-being of the population.

In 2023, the Netherlands ranked 4th in the Global Competitiveness Index, highlighting the strength of the economy, developed infrastructure, and effective government management.

The Netherlands consistently ranks in the top 10 countries for gender equality, thanks to broad opportunities for women in labor, education, and politics.

The Netherlands regularly ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world according to the World Happiness Report. This is related to a high level of social support, trust in the government, and a high standard of living.

Despite the high rankings in several other areas, there are still areas where the Netherlands occupies less prestigious positions:

The Netherlands faces problems with air pollution, particularly due to emissions from agriculture and transportation. In 2021, the Netherlands ranked at the bottom among EU countries in terms of air pollution levels.

According to the European Environment Agency, the quality of water in the rivers and lakes of the Netherlands is below the EU average.

Due to the high population density and intensive land use, the Netherlands faces biodiversity loss.

In recent years, the Netherlands has faced a housing market crisis, especially in major cities such as Amsterdam and Rotterdam. In international housing affordability rankings, the country occupies low positions due to high rental costs and a lack of affordable housing for young families and students.

These aspects show that despite high indicators in a number of other areas, the Netherlands also faces challenges that require attention and resolution.

 

 

Local Language

Learning the Dutch language can present significant challenges for foreigners.

One of the main challenges is pronunciation. The Dutch language contains sounds that can be difficult for non-native speakers. There are many regional dialects and accents in the Netherlands, which can complicate understanding even for those who have learned standard Dutch. Even if a foreigner has a good grasp of grammar and vocabulary, they may encounter numerous idioms, abbreviations, and expressions characteristic of spoken Dutch in everyday life. Dutch grammar has its peculiarities, such as word order in sentences, the use of articles, and verb conjugation, which can present difficulties for learners.

These challenges can slow down the language acquisition process, but they are surmountable with the right approach and motivation. Local language courses, immersion in the language environment, and regular practice will help overcome difficulties and achieve a high level of proficiency in the Dutch language.