Hoi! Welcome to the land of windmills, tulips, and cycles—the Netherlands, a low-lying country in Northwestern Europe. There are around 18 million people living here, and the capital is Amsterdam, famous for its historic canals and artistic heritage. The official language is Dutch, and the country is often colloquially called “Holland,” though that technically refers to only two of its twelve provinces.

The Netherlands covers about 41,850 square kilometers (16,158 square miles). The country is roughly the same size as the state of Maryland in the U.S.. It is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, and about 26% of the country is actually below sea level, protected by an incredible system of dikes and pumps.

The most popular sport is Football, and the national team—famously known as the “Oranje”—is world-renowned for its “Total Football” style. Their national animal is the Lion, which has been a symbol of the Dutch monarchy for centuries.

The flag consists of three horizontal stripes of red, white, and blue, where the red represents bravery and strength, the white symbolizes peace and honesty, and the blue stands for vigilance and justice.

The food is comforting and hearty. You must try Stroopwafels, two thin waffles stuck together with a layer of sweet caramel syrup. Another favorite is Bitterballen, savory deep-fried meat-based snacks often served with mustard. For something more traditional, try Stamppot, a dish of mashed potatoes mixed with vegetables and served with a large sausage. Because of their long maritime history, the Dutch also love Haring (raw herring), typically eaten with onions and pickles.

The Netherlands is home to Keukenhof, the world’s largest flower garden, where millions of tulips bloom every spring. The country features more bicycles than people, with over 35,000 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths making it the most bike-friendly nation on Earth. You can visit the Kinderdijk Windmills, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing the 18th-century technology used to keep the land dry. For art lovers, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum house some of the world’s greatest masterpieces. Interestingly, the Netherlands was the first country in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

From the modern skyline of Rotterdam to the peaceful “Garden of Europe,” the Netherlands is a land of innovation and timeless charm. Dank je! That means “Thank you!”