Why is the Netherlands commonly called Holland?

The Netherlands is a beautiful country in northwestern Europe known for its colourful tulips, historic windmills, and flat landscapes. The capital city, Amsterdam, is famous for its scenic canals and bustling streets.

People often refer to the country as "Holland", but why is that? Do you know why the Netherlands is commonly called Holland? In this article, we will explore the history behind these names and clarify the confusion once and for all.

ALSO READ| Which Place Is Known As The Netherlands Of India?

Why is the Netherlands called Holland?

Source: Britannica

Do you often get confused between the names "Netherlands" and "Holland"? You're not alone. Many people use these terms interchangeably, but there is a significant difference between them.

The History of the Names

The name "Netherlands" means "Low Lands", referring to the country's flat elevation. However, the "Holland" confusion comes from the nation's most powerful region. Here is the breakdown of how the names and borders changed:

• The Early "Low Countries": Hundreds of years ago, the area was a collection of independent duchies and counties. Because the land was so low and flat, people simply called the region the "Low Countries" (or Nederlanden).
• The Rise of the County of Holland: Among these many territories, the County of Holland became the most powerful. Its location on the coast made it a powerhouse for shipping, fishing, and global trade.
• The Dutch Republic (1581–1795): When the region fought for independence from Spain, they formed the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands. Even though there were seven provinces, Holland contributed the most money and ships, so the world began calling the whole Republic "Holland".
• The Napoleonic Influence (1806): For a brief period, Napoleon Bonaparte created the Kingdom of Holland and appointed his brother Louis as king. This further cemented the name "Holland" in the minds of international neighbours like the UK and France.
• The Unified Kingdom (1815): After Napoleon's defeat, the Kingdom of the Netherlands was officially formed. This included all the provinces we know today.
• The Split of Holland (1840): To prevent the province of Holland from being too powerful and dominant over the others, it was formally split into two separate provinces: North Holland and South Holland.

MUST READ| Is Greenland a Country or an Island?

Geographic Differences

Today, the Netherlands is made up of 12 provinces. Holland only refers to two of them: North Holland and South Holland.

• The Official Name: Always use "The Netherlands" for formal or official contexts.
• The Region: Use "Holland" only when specifically discussing the western coastal provinces.
• The People: Residents are called Dutch, regardless of which province they live in.

Why the Name Persists

Essentially, "Holland" never became the Netherlands. The Netherlands is the name of the entire country, while Holland was the main province that played a key role in its development. Since Holland represented the country during the Golden Age, the nickname just stuck.

Is Amsterdam in Holland or the Netherlands?

The answer is both. Amsterdam is the capital city of the Netherlands and is located in the province of North Holland. Because Amsterdam is one of the most famous cities in the world, its position in the Holland region is a major reason people use the two names interchangeably.

What was the Netherlands called before Holland?

Source: HowStuffWorks.com

Before the name "Holland" became popular, the area was mostly known as the Low Countries, or de Lage Landen. During the Middle Ages, it was not a single country. Instead, it was a group of different independent duchies, counties, and bishoprics.

In the 1500s, people often called it the Seventeen Provinces while it was under Spanish rule. The term "Netherlands" mainly described the geography of the flat, low-lying land near the sea before it became a unified nation.

WHAT'S NEXT| Which Sea Separates Europe And Africa?