Holland vs Netherlands: What’s The Difference

Picture the scene: canals reflecting tall, narrow houses, the click clack of bicycles on cobblestones, and fields of tulips stretching to the horizon. You’re dreaming of a trip to see the windmills and masterpieces of the Dutch Old Masters. But as you plan, a question pops up. Are you visiting Holland or the Netherlands? It’s one of the most common points of confusion for travellers, and the terms are often used interchangeably. Even many locals might use “Holland” when speaking to tourists. But the truth is, they are not the same thing. This article will clear up the geography, history, and modern use of these two names so you know exactly what to call this beautiful country.

What Is The Netherlands? A Complete Overview of the Country

The simplest way to think about it is that the Netherlands is the official name of the entire country. It is a kingdom in Western Europe. The country is divided into twelve distinct provinces. Think of these like states in the U.S. or counties in the UK. Each has its own unique culture, history, and even dialect.

The 12 Provinces of the Netherlands Explained

• Groningen
• Friesland
• Drenthe
• Overijssel
• Flevoland
• Gelderland
• Utrecht
• North Holland
• South Holland
• Zeeland
• North Brabant
• Limburg

When you refer to “The Netherlands,” you are correctly referring to this entire nation of twelve provinces.

What Is Holland? Understanding the Two-Province Region 

Holland is not the name of the country. Instead, it is a region within the Netherlands that consists of only two of the twelve provinces: North Holland (Noord-Holland) and South Holland (Zuid-Holland).

This is the heart of the confusion. This region is the most famous and visited part of the country. It’s home to the nation’s most well-known cities, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

So, if you visit Amsterdam, you are in North Holland, which is in the Netherlands. If you visit The Hague, you are in South Holland, which is also in the Netherlands.

Why does the Holland vs Netherlands confusion exist?

The mix-up is not your fault. It’s rooted in centuries of history and economics.

A Brief Historical Background

For a brief period during the Napoleonic wars, from 1806 to 1810, the country was actually called the “Kingdom of Holland.” This certainly cemented the name in the minds of many. Before that, the dominant region was the “Republic of the Seven United Netherlands,” where Holland was the most powerful member.

Economic Power of the Holland Provinces

Historically, the provinces of North and South Holland were the economic engine of the entire country. They dominated trade and politics for centuries. Because this region was the primary point of contact for trade and diplomacy, the name “Holland” became a common shorthand for the entire nation, much like how people sometimes use “England” to refer to the whole United Kingdom.

Tourism and Branding Influence 

Most tourism is concentrated in the Holland region. When travellers think of the country, they are usually picturing the canals of Amsterdam (North Holland) or the historic city of Delft (South Holland). The country’s own tourism board even used the name “Holland” for decades, only officially changing its branding in 2020 to use the proper name, “The Netherlands.”

Does It Matter What You Call the Country?

For a traveller, this is the most practical question. If you call the Netherlands “Holland” while you’re visiting, will you offend?

Generally, no. Most Dutch people are very pragmatic and are used to the confusion. They will understand exactly what you mean. In casual conversation, you will even hear many Dutch people, especially from the Holland region, refer to their country as Holland.

However, it is technically incorrect. People from the other ten provinces, like Limburg or Friesland, are not from Holland. Calling the entire country Holland effectively erases the identity of those other regions.

The best practice? Try to use the correct name: The Netherlands. The people are Dutch, and they speak Dutch.

The Official Name: Kingdom of the Netherlands

To be truly precise, the country’s full name is the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This kingdom is a larger sovereign state that also includes several self-governing Caribbean islands: Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten.

As mentioned, the government and many businesses have actively shifted away from using “Holland” to promote the country. They want to show the world that there is more to see than just Amsterdam, encouraging tourism in the other beautiful provinces. From the rolling hills of Limburg to the wild islands of Friesland, the Netherlands offers incredible diversity. Planning a trip to see it all can be a wonderful experience. If you are ready to explore the canals, museums, and countryside, you can find exciting Netherlands tour packages to help you discover this fascinating country.

Conclusion: Holland vs Netherlands, A Simple but Important Difference

The confusion in Holland vs Netherlands is an easy one to make, with roots deep in history and tourism. But the distinction is simple. The Netherlands is the official name for the country of twelve provinces. Holland is just the name of two of those provinces. While you are unlikely to offend anyone by using the wrong term, calling the country the Netherlands shows you have a deeper understanding of its culture and geography. It’s a small detail that shows respect for the entire nation, from its bustling cities in the west to its quiet countryside in the east and now pickyourtrail got the perfect Netherlands tour package for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it offensive to call the Netherlands “Holland”? 

It is not generally considered offensive, as most Dutch people are used to the confusion. However, it is technically incorrect. People from the 10 provinces outside the Holland region (like Limburg or Friesland) are not from Holland. Using the correct name, “The Netherlands,” is more accurate and respectful of the entire country.

Is Amsterdam in Holland or The Netherlands? 

Both. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands. It is geographically located within the province of North Holland (Noord-Holland).

What are the 12 provinces of the Netherlands? 

The 12 provinces are Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Overijssel, Flevoland, Gelderland, Utrecht, North Holland, South Holland, Zeeland, North Brabant, and Limburg.

Why did the country stop using the name Holland? 

In 2020, the Dutch government launched a rebranding campaign to exclusively use the name “The Netherlands.” This was done to move away from the “Holland” moniker, which is associated with only two provinces, and to promote tourism and trade across all 12 provinces of the country.

Are people from the Netherlands called Dutch or Hollanders?

The correct term for people from the Netherlands is Dutch. The language they speak is also called Dutch. “Hollander” technically refers to someone from the North or South Holland provinces, but “Dutch” is the correct nationality for everyone.