Looking at these side-by-side maps, you can finally see the geography behind one of Europe’s most persistent naming confusions. While most Americans use “Holland” and “the Netherlands” interchangeably, the names refer to two different things.
What This Map Shows Us
The left map highlights Holland in red, showing it covers just a small portion of the country’s western coastline.
The Netherlands is officially called the Kingdom of the Netherlands and consists of 12 provinces, while Holland specifically refers to just two of those provinces: North Holland and South Holland.
The right map in purple shows the complete Netherlands, revealing how much larger the actual country is compared to the Holland region.
This visual makes it clear why using “Holland” to describe the entire nation is like calling the entire United States “California” just because that’s where Hollywood is located.
The Two Holland Provinces
Holland is not a country but rather a region made up of two provinces: North Holland and South Holland, located in the western part of the Netherlands and including major cities like Rotterdam and The Hague.
These provinces pack a lot of punch despite their small size, containing the country’s most famous cities and much of its economic activity.
North and South Holland are also home to the country’s capital, Amsterdam, and its seat of government, which explains why many people associate these province names with the entire country.
All 12 Dutch Provinces
There are 12 Dutch provinces: North Holland, South Holland, Utrecht, Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, Flevoland, Overijssel, Gelderland, Zeeland, North Brabant, and Limburg. Each province has its own distinct character, from the rural landscapes of Drenthe to the islands of Zeeland in the southwest.
Flevoland stands out as the newest province, created largely on post-WWII land reclaimed from the sea, showcasing the Dutch mastery of water management that defines much of their national identity.
Why the Confusion Exists
People often use the terms “Holland” and “the Netherlands” interchangeably, but they don’t match up exactly.
This confusion stems from Holland’s historical prominence and economic importance. Since the Holland provinces contained the major trading cities during the Dutch Golden Age, foreign traders and diplomats often used “Holland” as shorthand for the entire country, and the mix-up persists today.
Getting It Right
Next time you’re talking about tulips, windmills, or that amazing vacation in Amsterdam, remember you’re discussing the Netherlands, not just Holland.
While the Holland region might be where most tourists spend their time, the complete Netherlands offers diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences across all 12 provinces.
Think of it this way: Holland is to the Netherlands what New England is to the United States. It’s an important region with historical significance, but it’s not the whole story.
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