As part of the Dutch government’s national climate agreement to reduce emissions by 49% by 2030, it plans to make all new cars emission-free by then. This means virtually banning petrol- and diesel-powered cars in favor of battery-powered vehicles. As a result of favorable taxes on electric vehicles, the sales volumes of Tesla cars have risen significantly in the Netherlands; from 8,600 in 2018 to 18,500 in 2019. Better start saving up for that dream car, people!
With at least 4,861 direct flights each week, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol offers the greatest direct connectivity of all European airports. A total of 104 airlines fly to 97 countries and 332 direct destinations from Schiphol. This is great news for expats living in the Netherlands who want to visit their home from time to time. The airport is 100% government-owned and handles around 60 million passengers per year. Other Dutch airports can be found in Maastricht, Rotterdam, Groningen, and Eindhoven.
26. The Dutch eat more licorice than any other nation in the world
If you like licorice, then you’ll literally feel like a kid in a sweetshop in the Netherlands. This drop-loving nation can’t get enough of the stuff and consume around 32 million kilos of it every year! That works out at more than 2,000g per person; the highest per capita consumption of licorice in the world. Despite being an acquired taste, there is certainly no shortage of the sweet black treat in Dutch supermarkets and candy shops. And because it is believed to have anti-inflammatory and other medicinal properties, many people also use it to treat various ailments. That said, excessive consumption is toxic to the liver and cardiovascular system, and may cause high blood pressure. So go easy on the drop!
27. CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray were all invented in the Netherlands
Believe it or not, physical media as we know it today was actually invented by the Dutch electronics giant Philips. This began with the creation of the cassette in 1963. Nearly twenty years later, the company worked with Sony to replace the cassette with the CD. And when it was time to replace the VHS in 1997, Philips created the DVD. This later evolved into the Blu-ray disk. The company also developed and popularized many home electronics in Europe, such as TVs and blenders.
28. Queen Beatrix gave the throne to her son Prince Willem-Alexander in 2013
Queen Beatrix is certainly a generous woman. After 33 years of ruling the Netherlands, she abdicated the throne in 2013 and handed it to her son Prince Willem-Alexander. The 75-year-old monarch signed the instrument of abdication in Amsterdam, announcing that her son was ready to reign and that it was time for the throne to be held by a new generation. Huge crowds of orange-clad partygoers took to the streets to pay tribute to the queen and her honorable gesture. Her abdication made Willem-Alexander the first king in the Netherlands since 1890. Until then, Queen Wilhelmina, Queen Juliana, and Queen Beatrix had reigned the kingdom.
29. King’s Day used to be called Queen’s Day
Another fun fact about the Netherlands centers around the country’s national holiday, King’s Day (or Koningsdag). Prior to Willem-Alexander’s accession to the throne in 2013, this was actually called Queen’s Day (Koninginnedag). However, unlike King’s Day, this wasn’t actually held on Queen Beatrix’s birthday, which falls on 31 January. Instead, it was held on her mother’s birthday on 30 free online hookup Squamish April. Beatrix decided to keep Queen’s Day on this date to honor her mother. This was much to the delight of the Dutch people, who could celebrate in spring rather than winter, which is known to get rather chilly in the Netherlands.
