Step Into the Netherlands: A Colorful History and Culture Tour

The people who live in the Netherlands are called Dutch. Their land has a long and fascinating history that helps explain many parts of Dutch culture today.

Long ago, Germanic tribes lived in the area now known as the Netherlands. Later, part of the land was taken over by the Roman Empire, and after that, other countries tried to control the region. But the Dutch people wanted to be free. In 1579, they formed the Republic of the United Netherlands so they could rule themselves.

In the 17th century, the Netherlands became very powerful at sea. With its strong navy, the Dutch built an empire and had colonies on many other continents. You can still see signs of this history in Dutch buildings, foods, and language around the world.

However, the country also faced many wars—with Spain, France, and England. After each war, the Netherlands lost some of its colonies. Later, during World War II, the Dutch people fought against Nazi Germany. One of the most famous stories from this time is that of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl who hid with her family during the war and wrote a diary that is still read by children all over the world.

After the war, most Dutch colonies became independent, and the Netherlands focused on rebuilding. Today, it is a monarchy, with a king or queen who takes part in national ceremonies, but the country is mostly run by a parliament and elected leaders. Many of the Dutch laws are influenced by early Roman laws and German systems.

Although the Netherlands is a small country, it is made up of twelve provinces, grouped into four unique regions:

• Western Netherlands (Randstad): This region includes the four largest cities (Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht) and is known for its tulip fields, canals, and traditional windmills.
• Northern Netherlands: A peaceful area filled with lakes and islands. It’s perfect for boating and enjoying nature.
• Eastern Netherlands: Home to the country’s largest national park and many medieval cities with old castles and riverside towns.
• Southern Netherlands: This region has its own festive style with colorful carnival celebrations, strong Catholic traditions, and local foods and drinks.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands also includes Caribbean islands, such as Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, which are considered countries, and Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, which are municipalities. These islands have their own unique cultures and climates, but they are still part of the Dutch kingdom.

Learning about Dutch history helps children better understand the language, customs, and traditions. Talking about Dutch kings and queens, World War II stories, or carnival celebrations makes language lessons more meaningful and exciting.

To bring these stories to life, children can:

• Read illustrated books about Dutch history,
• Draw Dutch castles or flags,
• Watch kid-friendly documentaries or cartoons set in Dutch cities,
• Learn simple Dutch words connected to each region or event (e.g., “koning” for king, “feest” for party).

Platforms like Dinolingo make it easy to combine language learning with cultural exploration. Their lessons include traditional Dutch songs, historical references, interactive games, and fun facts about the Netherlands—perfect for ages 2–14 and available on all devices.