We’ve all met that one person who doesn’t know their difference between the Netherlands and Holland. Maybe at some point, you were that person yourself!

The Netherlands, Holland, Lowlands, and Low Countries… all of them sound somewhat similar, yet they all stand for something different. To add to the confusion, there’s also the Randstad.

If you can’t wrap your head around all these names and want to know whether the Dutch national anthem or the Dutch flag represents one or the other, we’ve got you covered.

This History with Hilbert video will clear up the difference between the Netherlands and Holland once and for all and will tell you many more fun facts about the different provinces in the Netherlands.

Do you feel ready to impress your friends with your knowledge of Dutch geography? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feature Image: Ian/Unsplash
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2018, and was fully updated in March 2021 for your reading pleasure.