Holland vs. The Netherlands: What's the Real Difference?

Published by 3Bros Cookies
Made in America. Inspired by Holland.

In 2020, the Dutch government officially phased out the use of the word “Holland” in its global marketing strategy. From now on, it’s all about “the Netherlands.” But for many people, the question remains: what exactly is the difference between Holland and the Netherlands? Why did the nation known for tulips, windmills, and stroopwafels choose to move away from the name “Holland”? And what does this mean for fans of Dutch culture?

Let’s break it down—one waffle at a time.

What’s the Right Name: Holland or the Netherlands?

The Netherlands is the official name of the country. It includes 12 provinces. Holland? That’s just two of them—North Holland and South Holland.

Because these two provinces have historically been the most influential—home to cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague—many outsiders began calling the entire country “Holland.” But technically, if you’re referring to the whole country, “the Netherlands” is the correct and respectful name.

Where Exactly Is Holland?

Holland is not a country—it’s a region. Specifically, it refers to North Holland and South Holland, the western provinces of the Netherlands. These areas are central to Dutch economic history and contain some of its most famous landmarks and cities. Besides Amsterdam, the cities of Rotterdam, Delft, Leiden and Gouda are also located in Holland. Gouda holds a special place in our hearts as the birthplace of stroopwafels, besides being the namesake of Gouda cheese.

Back in the 17th century—the Dutch Golden Age—Holland was the center of trade, naval power, and culture. That dominance is one reason “Holland” became shorthand for the entire country, especially abroad. During this Golden Age, most of the world-famous Amsterdam Canal Houses were built — we wrote more about that in our guide to the Amsterdam canals.

Why “Holland” Was Retired from Official Use

The 2020 branding shift by the Dutch government was intentional and strategic. Here’s why:

• Accuracy: The Netherlands is more than just Holland. The rebrand aimed to showcase the full national identity, not just the two best-known provinces.
• Tourism balance: Cities like Amsterdam were becoming overrun with tourists. Promoting “the Netherlands” encourages visitors to explore lesser-known gems like Utrecht, Groningen, and Maastricht.
• Cultural representation: Dutch traditions vary by region. From Friesland’s own language to Limburg’s hilly countryside, there’s more to the Netherlands than just canals and cheese markets.

Why “Holland” Still Shows Up at Sports Events

Even though “the Netherlands” is the official name, “Holland” still makes regular appearances—especially on the soccer fields, hockey fields, skating rinks and even Formula 1 races across the world. Chants like “Hup Holland Hup!” are popular at Dutch football matches, and international fans often use “Holland” because it’s easier to say and more widely recognized.

The Dutch fans are renowned for their bright orange attire and party-loving atmosphere.

Why Are They Called “Dutch” Anyway?

If the country is called the Netherlands, why are its people called Dutch?

The reason is rooted in the common history of the Dutch (Holland) and Deutsch (Germany) people. The origin of both names comes from the same proto-Germanic word with the meaning “belonging to the people”. Over time, in English, “Dutch” came to represent the language and culture of the people who now live in the Netherlands. Interestingly, the related Dutch word “Duits” actually means German.

Understandably, a common point of confusion is between Dutch and Deutsch (German). Though the words are similar, Dutch people speak Dutch, not German—and they are proudly distinct in identity and language.

Dutch Expressions in English: Fun Facts

• Pennsylvania Dutch — not Dutch at all. They are descendants of German settlers who arrived in Pennsylvania from the late 1600s; “Dutch” here is an English corruption of Deutsch.
• Dutch oven — a heavy, lidded cooking pot, traditionally cast iron. Dutch craftsmen in the 17th century perfected sand-mould casting, producing smoother and more durable pots than their rivals, and the name stuck. (Wikipedia)
• Dutch auction — an auction where the price starts high and drops until someone buys. Still used at the famous flower auctions in Aalsmeer, the Netherlands.
• Going Dutch — each person pays their own way in a shared activity.
• Dutch courage — bravery borrowed from a strong drink.
• Double Dutch — either a jump-rope game with two ropes swung at once, or language you cannot make any sense of.
• Dutch uncle — someone who gives you blunt, unsparing advice for your own good.

Most of these expressions date from the 17th century and the rivalry of the Anglo-Dutch Wars. English speakers spent the better part of a century inventing mildly insulting idioms about their trading rivals, and a surprising number of them survived into everyday English. There are plenty more where those came from in our guide to quirky Dutch words and phrases.

What Does “The Netherlands” Mean?

The term “Netherlands” translates to “low lands“. Much of the country is flat and lies below sea level. It has a centuries-long history of reclaiming land from the sea through dikes and polders.

The name reflects this unique geography. The region was historically called the Low Countries, a term that included modern-day Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. When the northern provinces broke away from Spanish rule in the 16th century, they formed what eventually became the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

“The Netherlands” Is the Proper Spelling

The country’s full name is the Netherlands, always with a lowercase t and a capital N. It is plural (because it once referred to a group of lands) and includes the article “the”—just like the United States or the Philippines.

Saying just “Netherlands” is common, but technically, it’s incomplete. The correct usage helps avoid confusion and reflects the nation’s full identity.

The Bottom Line: It’s All Dutch to Us

Whether you’re biting into a fresh American-made stroopwafel from 3Bros Cookies, or planning a trip to Amsterdam, it helps to get the terminology right.

• Holland = Two provinces
• The Netherlands = The entire country
• Dutch = The people, culture, and language

Holland will always have cultural weight, but today, saying “the Netherlands” is both more accurate and more respectful. And when it comes to Dutch treats, we’ve proudly brought that flavor to America—with a little help from the traditions of Holland and beyond.

More Dutch reading

• What does gezellig mean? — the Dutch word English cannot translate.
• Why are Dutch people so tall? — the science behind the world’s tallest nation.
• Quirky Dutch words and phrases — helaas pindakaas and friends.
• Traditional Dutch cookies — a guide to Holland’s ten best koekjes.
• What is Koningsdag? — the day the whole country wears orange.
• The US vs the Netherlands — key differences and surprising similarities.