The NetherlandsThe NetherlandsBy: Evan Carbo

Customs and Customs and Traditions Traditions

If your invited inside a house, bring the hostess a gift like chocolates, flowers, a potted plant, or a book.

All the foods are eaten with utensils, even foods such as sandwiches.

A short, swift handshake followed by a smile is the common greeting here.

Flowers should be given in odd numbers, but not 13 which is unlucky number.

Physical CharacteristicsPhysical Characteristics

25% of the land lies below sea level.Most of the country is very flat, with

exception to some foothills in the far southeast.

A lot of land has been gained from land reclamation an preserved through an elaborate system of polders and dikes.

The capital is Amsterdam.The Netherlands borders Belgium,

Germany, and the North Sea.

Culture Culture

The official language is Dutch.Dutch is spoken by 90% of the

population.Only 39% of the people are religiously

affiliated.Roman Catholicism is the largest religion

and is 29% of the people.