Dutch customs for tourists visiting the Netherlands
First, some context. The Netherlands, a little nation in northwest Europe with 17 million citizens, is bordered to the east by Germany and the south by Belgium. The nation borders the North Sea on its western and northern sides. The sea and water in general have had a significant impact on the history of the Netherlands and the lives of its people. The Netherlands is one-fourth below sea level. The nation would be much smaller without its dunes and dikes. On the river, a great deal of land has been gained and lost, including the renowned polders. The Netherlands' struggle with water throughout history—whether the sea or overflowing rivers—has been a key element.The Netherlands was and still is a maritime nation, much like Denmark. The Dutch were renowned for trading their way across the globe, expanding their empire to Asia, Africa, and the Americas in the 17th century. It is impossible to overlook how the colonies shaped Dutch culture. Since the early Stone Age, people have lived