The Netherlands

The NetherlandsEstablished 1815

Size: 2x New Jersey

Population: 16 Million (compared to 319 Million US population)

Capital – Amsterdam

12 Provinces (Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland) but NOT called Holland

Monarchy : King Willem-Alexander

HistoryThe Dutch United Provinces declared their independence from Spain in 1579; during the 17th century, they became a leading seafaring and commercial power, with settlements and colonies around the world.

After a 20-year French occupation, a Kingdom of the Netherlands was formed in 1815. In 1830 Belgium seceded and formed a separate kingdom. The Netherlands remained neutral in World War I, but suffered invasion and occupation by Germany in World War II.

A modern, industrialized nation, the Netherlands is also a large exporter of agricultural products. The country was a founding member of NATO and the EEC (now the EU), and participated in the introduction of the euro in 1999.

People

Language – Dutch & Fresian Ik hou van jou (Dutch) Ik bin fereale op dy (Fresian)

Religions – 41% none, 31% Roman Catholic, 13% Dutch Reformed, and 15% other

Tall – average height 6’1 Blunt Modest

Strange Facts Invented Gin 70% of the worlds

bacon Bicycle capital for

the world 18 million First Country to

legalize same sex marriage in 2001

Do’s - be direct and concise. They do not perceive

this as rude. This includes small talk. It is not necessary in the Netherlands.

- expect to be called by your first name, and you may feel comfortable to do the same.

- be punctual. This is very important. - avoid pretention. Dress conservatively.

Avoid bragging. - stick to the agenda for the meeting. - include education (BS, MBA, etc) on

business cards. The Dutch value education.

Don’t do not ever ask about pay! - do not argue using emotions. Support all your

arguments with facts and figures. - do no inquire about the personal lives of business

associates. They are private people. - do not give praise or reprimands in public. Both are

done privately. - don't refer to the Netherlands as Holland! - do not give expensive gifts to your business

partners. Your generosity may be perceived as a bribe. - do not chew gum in public. This is considered rude. - do not talk with your hands in your pocket. This is

also considered rude.

Business

Exports Food Machinery and

equipment Chemicals Fuel 

Imports Machines Transport

equipment Chemicals Fuels Foodstuffs Clothing 

Training Plan

To process their natural resources, vocational training in the following areas:• Machine operation• Machine repair• Manufacturing facilities• Maintenance Worker

Median pay $44,160 or (E 33,906)Average pay for Mechanical Engineer is E 35,896)

Training Plan cont. Elementary school CITO test High School – student selects either

VMBO – 4 years - 60% practical vocational training HAVO – 5 years – 1-2 years vocational

followed by university or enter work force. Often an agricultural focus. Instead add machine repair.

VWO- 6 years university Agricultural focus > machine repair. On the job training / apprenticeship

References Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands www.economywatch.com www.payscale.com Bureau of Labor and Statistics