"Lower countries", or "Lower lands" - this is the historical name of the Netherlands. Holland is one of the areas of the Netherlands. The word itself first appeared in 866, and is translated from Middle Dutch as "forest land" or "land of trees."
But "Holland" is the unofficial common name of the region. It is most often used instead of the Netherlands. Amsterdam is a cultural center and tourist pearl of the state.
Geography
In Amsterdam they say: "God created the sea, and the inventive Dutch - the land." Amsterdam is far from the reach of other European cities or Asian cities. If you want to see Amsterdam on the map, look at the north-west of Holland, on the shore of the IJsselmeer Bay.
The name of the city can be translated as follows: "dam on the Amstel River." Amsterdam has historically been considered a city of different cultures. The language of the country is Dutch, but English is quite common.
History from the past and present
Until XVI, only wood was used for building. The marshy ground could not stand the stone buildings. The first stone building is the Royal Palace. To strengthen the foundation, it took 14 thousand piles. In the west of the country, in the province of North Holland, where Amsterdam is located, the climate is temperate, but with frequent heavy winds and storms.
The houses here are incredibly narrow at the base, but expand upward. Why? Very simple: a large tax was levied on the width of the building. The facade of the narrowest building has a width of 1 meter. Stairs and doors are so narrow that furniture is sometimes delivered through windows (which, incidentally, are considered second doors).
Amsterdam on the map occupies the northwestern part of the Netherlands. It is the most populous European city. There are 470 people per square kilometer. Nobody uses cars here. The main vehicle is ... a bicycle.
The indigenous people of Amsterdam willingly live in houses on a floating foundation (on barges). Today, the city has more than 2500 thousand houseboats.
Entertainment (free)
The country where Amsterdam is located will not let tourists get bored. A free ferry departs every quarter hour from the pier. You can get to Amsterdam Nord. You will be surprised by the beautiful view of the Hey River.
Single channel has an unusual attraction - a cat boat. This is a kind of houseboat for stray cats. Here you can play with cats at least all day.
The diamond cutting factory provides a free tour. Everyone has the opportunity to see how diamonds are cut.
Interesting facts about Amsterdam
- April 27 is King's Day. The date refers to the birthday of the monarch Willem-Alexander (before this holiday was celebrated on April 30, in memory of Queen Beatrix's mother). On this day, all residents dress up in the family color of the Orange Dynasty - orange.
- Amsterdam is located below sea level. There is an interesting legend that once water nearly washed away the dam and did not flood the city. A boy passing by noticed that water was passing through the hole. He put a finger on him and started calling for help.
- In what country can Amsterdam, such an unusual city, be located? The answer is unusual! In the Netherlands, even the government does not sit in the capital, but in The Hague.
- The city is concentrated the bulk of the Dutch coffee shops. And no, these are not coffee houses. Here visitors are offered cannabis products. Such institutions are completely legal, because their activities are determined by the "Opium Law".
- Amsterdam was the first city to allow gay marriage. And prostitution is also regulated by law. Taxes, social package - all as expected.
Amsterdam is very popular among tourists. And not only within the country - it belongs to those European cities that tourists love most. On the one hand, it is allowed here that is strictly prohibited in other countries. On the other hand, it is, surprisingly, a safe city. The country where Amsterdam is located has something to attract guests.