The United States vs. The Netherlands: Key Differences and Surprising Similarities
🇺🇸 United States vs Netherlands 🇳🇱
When you compare the United States and the Netherlands (often called Holland), you discover two places that couldn’t look more different on a map, yet they share a surprising number of cultural connections — including a love for delicious treats like stroopwafels!
🌍 Size & Geography
The United States is vast and geographically diverse, stretching coast to coast with mountains, deserts, forests, and lakes.
The Netherlands, by contrast, is small and famously flat, with a world-renowned system of canals and reclaimed land protected by dikes.
🚲 Transportation
- In the US, cars dominate daily life. Road trips, long commutes, and spacious highways are a way of life.
- In the Netherlands, bicycles rule. The Dutch have built safe bike lanes and compact cities that make cycling easy and convenient for everyone.
Tip: Want to learn how the Dutch enjoy stroopwafels on the go? Check out our blog on stroopwafels and cycling!
🍽️ Food Culture
American food culture is big, bold, and diverse — think barbecues, burgers, and global cuisines.
Dutch food is hearty and simple, featuring cheeses, breads, and beloved sweets like stroopwafels, buttery caramel-filled waffle cookies that pair perfectly with coffee.
🏘️ Living Spaces
- Americans often enjoy spacious homes with yards.
- Dutch homes are smaller, with narrow staircases and big windows, especially in picturesque canal houses.
🗳️ Politics & Society
- The US has a two-party presidential system and a strong focus on individual freedom.
- The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy with multiple political parties and strong social welfare programs.
📚 Education
Both nations value education, but the systems vary. US schools highlight extracurriculars and sports, while Dutch schools focus heavily on academics and career tracking.
🌏 Language
English is spoken everywhere in the US, while Dutch is the Netherlands’ official language — but nearly everyone there speaks excellent English too.
🎉 Holidays & Traditions
In the US, Thanksgiving, Fourth of July, and Halloween are big celebrations.
In the Netherlands, King’s Day (Koningsdag) is a nationwide orange party, and Sinterklaas kicks off the winter holidays with sweets for children.
🧡 A Shared Love for Sweet Treats
Despite their differences, both countries share an appreciation for a good sweet snack.
At 3 Bros Cookies, we make authentic stroopwafels right here in America, using traditional Dutch recipes — so you get the best of both worlds!