Holland

Holland is a region and former province on the western coast of the Netherlands. The name Holland is also frequently used informally to refer to the whole of the country of the Netherlands. This usage is commonly accepted in other countries and is also commonly employed by the Dutch themselves. However, some in the Netherlands, particularly those from regions outside Holland, find it undesirable or misrepresentative to use the term for the whole country.

History

From the 10th to the 16th century, Holland proper was a unified political entity within the Holy Roman Empire as a county ruled by the Counts of Holland. By the 17th century, the province of Holland had risen to become a maritime and economic power, dominating the other provinces of the newly independent Dutch Republic.

Geography

Holland is situated in the west of the Netherlands. A maritime region, Holland lies on the North Sea at the mouths of the Rhine and the Meuse (Maas). It has numerous rivers and lakes and an extensive inland canal and waterway system. To the south is Zealand. The region is bordered on the east by the IJsselmeer and four different provinces of the Netherlands.

Economy

Holland is known for its high population density, its capital Amsterdam, tulips, windmills, clogs and traditionally liberal policies. Holland drives the economy of the Netherlands, which is currently one of the world's top 10 exporting countries.

Culture

Holland's influence is evident in many areas of the arts and culture, and are important part of Dutch identity. There are many museums, ranging from small local museums to national museums like the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum.

See also

• History of Holland
• Geography of Holland
• Culture of Holland
• Economy of Holland

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  Coat of arms of the County of Holland
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  Map of Holland from 1682
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  Departments of the French Empire in the North, 1811
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  Province of North Holland
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  Province of South Holland
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  Benthuizen dike and polder