Holland Is Distinct from the Netherlands—Here’s the True Meaning Behind the Names

If you’re like many, you probably thought Holland and the Netherlands were simply two names for the European nation renowned for Gouda cheese, tulips, and wooden clogs. So when the Dutch government eliminated 'Holland' from its tourism branding and official communications in 2020, it likely left you, as it did me, feeling a bit disoriented geographically.

It turns out that after years of being treated as interchangeable, Holland and the Netherlands represent two very different concepts. The distinction lies in the fact that Holland is a province, while the Netherlands refers to the entire country. According to the CIA World Factbook, the Kingdom of the Netherlands (known locally as the Koninkrijk der Nederlanden) was established in 1815. Of the twelve provinces that make up the Netherlands, Noord Holland (North Holland) and Zuid Holland (South Holland) are merely two of them. So why do people confuse the official name of the whole country with just these two regions?

The Evolution of Holland as a Synonym for the Netherlands

The answer lies in poor branding. The Netherlands’ largest city—Amsterdam—is situated in Noord Holland. Historically, this region has been the biggest driver of the nation’s wealth, leading to the common practice of using its name as a shorthand for the entire country.

Shifting the Viewpoint

With the majority of the country’s 20 million tourists primarily visiting Amsterdam, the Netherlands officially abandoned the nickname to encourage visitors to venture beyond the Holland region and to create a more cohesive national brand for global audiences.

Along with eliminating all mentions of Holland from government communications, the nation’s tourism board revamped its logo. The previous design featured an orange tulip beside the word 'Holland,' while the new logo showcases a stylized tulip incorporated into the letters 'NL.' According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 'The new design stems from a strategy aimed at better highlighting what the Netherlands offers to the world.'

So, why are the inhabitants called 'Dutch'?

Now that we’ve clarified the distinction between Holland and the Netherlands, you might be curious about why the people from the Netherlands are known as Dutch. According to Dictionary.com, the Old English term for Dutch is 'thiod' or 'theod,' meaning 'people' or 'nation.' This term originally applied to individuals from both the Netherlands and Germany (hence, Germany is 'Deutschland' in German). The term persisted even as the country adopted the name Netherlands, which translates to 'low-lying land' when it gained independence in the 19th century. Additionally, you might hear the Netherlands referred to along with Belgium and Luxembourg as one of the Low Countries, referencing its below-sea-level position.

What other places should I explore in the Netherlands?

As noted, Amsterdam is the top destination for tourists. However, it’s far from the only charming spot in the Netherlands. There’s a diverse array of scenery and attractions to discover beyond North and South Holland.

North Holland boasts several major cities like Haarlem, Hoorn, and Alkmaar, each featuring historical architecture and delightful cuisine. Alkmaar is renowned for its authentic Dutch cheese—make sure to enjoy at least one meal here. Other northern towns include Edam and Naarden, along with traditional villages like Monnickendam, Zaanse Schans, Marken, and Volendam. These villages offer a great opportunity to explore the traditional lifestyles of the Dutch people over the centuries.

In South Holland, you’ll encounter Rotterdam, The Hague (the political heart of the Netherlands), Leiden, Delft, and several islands, including Goeree-Overflakkee and Voorne-Putten.

In the southern part of the country, the province of North Brabant is particularly appealing to art enthusiasts, as it’s where Vincent van Gogh spent a significant portion of his life. The Van Gogh Village Museum in the city of Neunen showcases his career.

Got all that? Now use your newfound knowledge to plan a trip this spring to see Amsterdam—or explore other locations in the Netherlands, such as the historic city of Utrecht or the UNESCO-listed Wadden Sea in Friesland.

This article was first published online in 2020 and was most recently updated on January 13, 2024, to reflect the latest information. Erika Owens contributed to the reporting of this piece.