Why the Netherlands is also called Holland
The Netherlands is often referred to as Holland, but it’s important to note that in fact it’s not the same as the Netherlands. The confusion arises because historically, the region of Holland, specifically the provinces of Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, played a dominant role in the country’s economic and political development.
The name Holland itself has a long history and can be traced back to medieval times. The name Holland derives from the Old Dutch word Holtlant or Holtland which means wooded land. It referred to the area in the western part of the Netherlands, which was characterized by its numerous forests.
Holland during the Dutch Golden Age
During the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Holland emerged as the center of economic and cultural activity in the Netherlands. The Dutch East India Company (VOC), one of the world’s first multinational corporations, was headquartered in Amsterdam, located in Noord-Holland. Additionally, many famous Dutch historical figures, such as Rembrandt and Van Gogh, came from this region.
Holland’s prominence in trade, shipbuilding, and exploration during this era led to its name becoming closely associated with the entire country. Dutch merchants and sailors from Holland played a pivotal role in expanding Dutch influence globally, establishing colonies and dominating international trade routes.
Due to Holland’s prominence, the terms “Netherlands” and “Holland” became somewhat interchangeable, particularly in English-speaking countries. This usage persisted over time, leading to the Netherlands being commonly referred to as Holland, even though it only represents a portion of the country.
To clarify, the Netherlands consists of twelve provinces, including Noord-Holland and Zuid-Holland, but also other regions like Friesland, Groningen, Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Zeeland, Utrecht, Gelderland, Overijssel and Flevoland. It’s worth noting that the Dutch government actively promotes the use of the Netherlands as the correct and inclusive term to represent the entire country and its regions.
