🇺🇸 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!