Netherlands🇳🇱
The Netherlands, often referred to as Holland, is a country located in Northwestern Europe. It is bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the northwest. The country shares good diplomatic relations with the neighboring countries. It is mostly known for its iconic canals, windmills, tulips-filled fields, cycling routes, and artistic masterpieces. Its capital, Amsterdam, is a popular tourist destination known for the Van Gogh Museum, the Anne Frank House, and the beautifully decorated 17th-century canal ring. Furthermore, Dutch society is progressive, with a long history of social tolerance. In terms of activities, one can explore beautiful coastal areas, indulge in tasting famous Dutch cheese, and participate in King's Day – a large, heavily celebrated festival.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid discussing the topics of Zwarte Piet with locals. It is a controversial topic in the Netherlands.
- Respect cycling rules. Fast-paced bike lanes are everywhere, and fines for breaking cycling rules can be heavy.
- Don't take photographs of people in red-light districts. It's considered very disrespectful and could lead to confrontations.
- Avoid walking in the cycling path. It's dangerous and could result in accidents.
- Avoid entering restaurants or cafes right before the kitchen closes. In many places kitchens close around 9 pm.
- Although cannabis is famously tolerated, do not consume it in public, smoking is allowed in designated places called 'coffee shops'.
- Avoid touching your bike without a heavy lock or leaving it in non-designated places. Bike theft is common.
- Avoid making the Nazi salute or jokes about the World War II. The memories of the war are still painful to many Dutch.
- Avoid being noisy or disrespectful in public areas, especially at night.
- Avoid using illegal drugs. The Netherlands has a liberal policy towards recreational drugs, but illegal substances are still prohibited.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
8
While crime rates in the Netherlands are significantly lower than other European countries, petty crimes like pickpocketing, card skimming, and vehicle theft do occur, especially in major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague. In recent years, cybercrime has been on the rise. Overall, the country's crime rate is quite manageable due to effective law enforcement.
Terrorism 💣
8
Terrorism in the Netherlands is considered a relatively low threat compared to other European countries. The most significant terror incident might be the 2004 assassination of Dutch filmmaker Theo van Gogh by a homegrown Islamic extremist. However, the government employs effective measures to counter terrorism, resulting in few incidents.
War ⚔️
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Netherlands has a high rating in war safety. It's a peaceful country with no current involvement in any armed conflicts. The most notable past incidents were during World War 2 when Germany invaded the Netherlands.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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The Netherlands is susceptible to floods, given a significant part of its territories lies below sea level. The North Sea flood in 1953 was the most devastating, resulting in considerable loss of life. However, the Dutch have implemented state-of-the-art infrastructure and technologies to manage flooding—like the Delta Works.
Medical Care 🏥
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Medical care in the Netherlands is of high quality, with an extensive network of healthcare services. The country ranks highly in terms of healthcare efficiency. However, it's advisable to have a good insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatments.
Tap Water Quality 💧
10
The tap water in the Netherlands is among the cleanest in the world. It is well-regulated, and safe to drink throughout the country. Regular quality checks are performed to ensure its safety.
Disease Burden 🤒
8
The Netherlands has an efficient public health system that can combat diseases effectively. Vaccination coverage is high, and endemic diseases are rare. However, the COVID-19 outbreak has posed recent major health challenges.
Corruption 💸
8
The Netherlands has a low level of corruption. The country is consistently ranked as one of the least corrupt in the world. However, minor cases of bureaucratic corruption and illegal drug trade exist.
Safety for Women ♀️
8
The Netherlands is generally safe for women. Dutch society is known for its liberal attitudes and respect toward women. However, common safety precautions should be observed, particularly in larger cities and during night.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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The Netherlands is renowned for its progressive stance towards LGBTQ+ rights, being the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriages. Amsterdam is known for its gay-friendly attitude with plentiful queer venues and events.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of speech and expression is protected by the Dutch constitution, and censorship is generally low. Media is pluralistic and operates independently. In 2021, Netherlands ranked 6th on the World Press Freedom index.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in the Netherlands is well-organized, reliable, and efficient. Trains, trams, buses, and ferries cover the entire country. In 2011, a collision between two trains in Amsterdam resulted in casualties, but such incidents are rare.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
The Netherlands is generally a safe country for both residents and tourists. However, it's essential to remain vigilant, especially in busy urban areas and during large public events, as pickpocketing and opportunistic theft can occur. Use common sense and take regular traveling precautions to avoid any problems.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
The capital Amsterdam and The Hague host multiple foreign embassies and consulates, including but not limited to the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, India, Australia, and South Africa.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
No special vaccinations are required to travel to the Netherlands, apart from routine vaccinations such as diphtheria, tetanus, and measles. During the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers are advised to take the COVID-19 vaccine.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
The country does not host any significant dangerous animals. However, as in many other countries, some insects like ticks are carriers of Lyme disease.
🛂 Visa Requirements
The Netherlands is a part of the Schengen area; hence, visitors from EU countries are not required to obtain a visa. However, visitors from some non-EU countries need Schengen visas.
💲 Currency
The official currency of the Netherlands is the Euro (€). ATMs are widely available and credit cards are accepted at the majority of places.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit cards are widely accepted in the Netherlands, but some smaller shops and restaurants might only accept Dutch debit cards or cash.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
The Netherlands is a great place for work and travel programs, with many universities offering student exchange programs. The country also grants working holiday visas to young people from certain countries.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of living is relatively high in the Netherlands, more so in larger cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam. However, compared to countries like Norway or Switzerland, it is not the most expensive in Europe.