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After a korting? The ultimate guide to cheap shops in the Netherlands

Emma Brown
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After a korting? The ultimate guide to cheap shops in the Netherlands

Looking for the equivalent of a dollar store, a euro shop, or a pound shop in the Netherlands? Here’s what we know about shopping cheaply in the land of kortingen (discounts).

The longer you live here and search around, the more you get to know about the best places to shop.

Sometimes we can all feel the pinch and we just need some guidance on budgeting our money and getting the most from it.

Well, we have compiled a list of the very best cheap shops in the Netherlands, so you can get the best korting! You’ll be well on your way to frantically lobbing mountains of items in your shopping baskets.

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

Cheap shops in the Netherlands for household items

Let’s begin where most internationals in the Netherlands begin — looking for household items.

Action

Action is amazing — and it’s honestly what saved me when I first moved to the Netherlands with minimal money and an unfurnished house.

It’s a store that sells random household items such as cutlery, phone chargers, photo frames, bed linen, toiletries, cleaning products, and general decorative items.

man-walking-in-front-of-action-storefront-a-cheap-shop-in-the-netherlands
You’ll spot one of these cheap shops in almost every Dutch city! Image: Abuzer van Leeuwan/Supplied

It’s all ridiculously cheap and a lot of it doesn’t even look that cheap if you choose right. Action has a ton of stores all over the country, so it’s easy to find if you want to shop there. 🙌

SoLow

Again, similar to both Action and Big Bazaar, SoLow provides you with cheap household goods and other items.

This ranges from things like scarves and gloves to the more adult items, such as jokey sex games and beer pong (oi, oi).

They also sell car and bike items, culinary items, cards, and decorative items. SoLow is only found in some cities though, unfortunately.

Flying Tiger

Want hippy and cool items for good prices? Check out Flying Tiger! This shop has become a bit of an obsession for many of us.

As you wander around, you slowly end up building your trolley with more and more interesting goods (some of which you will probably never ever use).

Flying Tiger is a perfect shop to fill your home with pointless inexpensive items! Worth it though. 😉

IKEA

We all know and love IKEA!

From affordable furniture to handy household items to enough baking tools to fulfil your dreams of turning into a regular Martha Stewart, this Swedish superstore is a great option for internationals on a budget.

Plus they sell the best meatballs. I shall say no more. 👀

Cheap supermarkets in the Netherlands

Once you’ve got yourself some cheap shelves, it’s time to fill them with affordable food! Let’s talk about affordable supermarkets in the Netherlands.

Aldi

If you’re looking for the cheapest supermarket, head to Aldi.

READ MORE |The ultimate guide to the cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands

Aldi is honestly dirt cheap and good for the essentials, such as bread, milk, chopped tomatoes, sauces, butter, etc. If you’re strapped for cash, head to Aldi to do your shop!

Lidl

Lidl is ever so slightly more expensive than Aldi, but with a bigger and better range of food.

The supermarket also does special weeks, so it’s perfect for internationals looking for certain cuisines or ingredients they can’t find at their local Aldi.

woman-doing-grocery-run-at-lidl-a-cheap-supermarket-in-the-netherlands
Lidl is a great option if you don’t fancy overpaying for your groceries! Image: Freepik

The other week they had ‘British week’ and I raided Lidl about four times to buy back-bacon, sticky toffee pudding, and cheddar cheese like an animal.

So it’s worth checking out what food they are stocking every week!

TIP: Lidl also sells some pretty nice furniture online if you’re after some inexpensive furniture.

Cheap shops in the Netherlands for clothing

The next step as an international in the Netherlands may be to reinvent yourself in order to romanticise your experience of living in a new country — and how do you do that? New clothes of course!

But please, make them affordable.

Primark

Most people know what Primark is and thankfully they have it here in the Netherlands! Primark is good if you need something cheap and cheerful to wear.

READ MORE | 11 ways to live waste-free in the Netherlands

They also sell some household goods and duvet covers to decorate your home with.

Primark stores are mainly concentrated in Holland, so you may have to travel a bit further afield if you’re right in the north.

C&A

When it comes to building up your wardrobe with staple pieces and affordable knits to get you through winter, C&A is an excellent option for budget-conscious shoppers.

woman-stocking-her-wardrobe-with-clothes-from-cheap-shop-c-and-a-netherlands
If you’re looking for great basics to stock your wardrobe with, C&A can’t be beaten! Image: Freepik

There are some really nice clothes in there and the sales are really good too, so have a shop around and you might find something really good.

Definitely a shop to check out for some nice, yet inexpensive clothes.

Zeeman

Carrying both clothes and household items in their stores, Zeeman is a relatively inexpensive option for internationals on the hunt for a new wardrobe.

The clothes are items such as underwear, gym wear, t-shirts, and jumpers.

READ MORE | Great webshops in the Netherlands: the Dutch way to shop!

The household items are usually items such as cleaning products and kitchen wear. A good shop for a flying visit if you’re after a few cheap t-shirts and a bottle of bleach.

Cheap shops in the Netherlands for electronics

The final task as an international may be to find an adapter for all your electronic plugs that have suddenly been rendered useless.

There’s one main shop for finding something that both works and is cheap — that’s a hard combo, trust us.

MediaMarkt — but only when a sale is on

The best place to go for electrical goods is MediaMarkt.

They have lots of stores up and down the country so you can go to the store and see the items for yourself. The range of goods is quite extensive but there is usually some sort of sale on.

So, if you’re looking for some electrical goods, here’s your go-to. Only if there’s a sale on — otherwise, it can be a bit pricey for some items.

We hope this cheap shop guide has got you well on your way to securing yourself a great deal.

After all, what are we going to do with all those euros we have managed to save? Maybe you can buy those guilt-free bottles of wine after all! 🍷

What’s your favourite store to go to in the Netherlands when you want to save some money? Let us know in the comments!

Wet and windy weather forecast for the Netherlands this weekend

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Wet and windy weather forecast for the Netherlands this weekend

Perhaps, like us, you’ve been enjoying the brief period of sunny weather and warm, terras-friendly temperatures. Maar helaas… it looks like rainy Dutch weather is set to return with a vengeance! 😮‍💨☔️

Be sure to pack your brolly when you head off to work this morning, as Weeronline reports that there’ll be showers in the north and northwest of the country.

Unless, of course, you’re lucky enough to live in Limburg or east of Brabant! These regions will largely remain dry — and may even see some sun.

Expect more rain this weekend

All of this means, unfortunately, that you may also need to shelve those epic weekend plans of yours — or, at least, pop some waterproofs and wellies on them. 😉

@dutchreview

The rain really adds to the dewy look 💅 #Meme #MemeCut #fyp #fypシ゚viral #dutchreview #dutchweather #expatlife

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Country-wide rain showers will kick off on Saturday morning, and some regions may even see thunderstorms or the occasional bout of hail.

At 8 to 10 degrees Celsius during the day, it’ll also be marginally colder than usual for late March.

Sunday will see even stronger and more regular showers, with some rather powerful gusts of wind.

The weather is expected to dry out somewhat by Sunday afternoon, and by early evening, various parts of the country may even see some sunshine.

Next week, thankfully, will likely see much drier weather.

How will the rain affect your weekend plans (if at all)? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Dutch fraternity publicly sends out a “slut-list” objectifying fellow female students

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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Dutch fraternity publicly sends out a “slut-list” objectifying fellow female students

Male-dominated student associations in the Netherlands appear to have a track record of questionable (disgusting) sexist behaviour — and it seems like no matter how often they are condemned, they just don’t get the memo.

In Utrecht, the Utrechtsch Studenten Corps (USC) student association is now under scrutiny after the NOS got ahold of their so-called “bangalijst” — a list that slut-shames, sexualises, and objectifies female students from the university.

A banga-what? According to the Dutch police, “banga” is Dutch slang for “slut”, and bangalijsts are lists “young people send to each other via email and social media with rankings of girls who they think are the biggest sluts.”

Sensitive personal details shared

In a PowerPoint document, the group of male students is said to have compiled details such as names, photos, addresses, and phone numbers of some 30 young female students to share their opinions on them.

The women were each “rated” with repulsive descriptions like “quite horny”, “nice and ordinary”, “needs to wear make-up”, and “lekker ass”.

READ MORE | How men can step up against sexual misconduct in the Netherlands

At the same time, a second list circulated with details of women the USC “wants nothing to do with” — who were ridiculed for their appearance and weight.

Both lists — comments, photos, and addresses included — were allegedly sent out thousands of times online.

Suspensions, sanctions, and legal action

According to the student association, “those responsible have been suspended immediately for an indefinite period, and they have been denied participation in the planned ski trip”.

The USC also states that it “distances itself from this abhorrent action” — but too little, too late.

Utrecht University’s Rector Magnificus, Henk Kummeling, told the NOS that “what happened is repulsive and exceeds the limits of the permissible”.

READ MORE | Dutch sororities and fraternities: yep, they exist (and are echt bizarre)

As a result, Utrecht University has temporarily stopped subsidising the association and banned USC representatives from university events for the rest of this academic year.

A group of parents of the affected girls is also preparing to take legal action to hold the responsible men liable for the psychological and social consequences for their daughters.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

This 25-year-old Dutchie kidnapped his ex in a crazy car chase (and it was all caught on video!)

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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This 25-year-old Dutchie kidnapped his ex in a crazy car chase (and it was all caught on video!)

Police have published images from the insane hot pursuit involving 10 police cars, multiple gunshots, knifepoint threats, traffic collisions AND a helicopter in August 2022.

The culprit? A 25-year-old Dutchman — and just wait till you hear the punishment he received. 🤯

READ MORE | Why driving in the Netherlands is stressful

Why the wild ride?

The driver, a man from Hoogeveen in Drenthe, kidnapped his ex-girlfriend after their relationship ended. He could not accept her moving on, according to Eindhovens Dagblad.

After forcing her into the car at knifepoint, he hit the gas while she hit 112. 

READ MORE | Dutch emergency numbers you should know in the Netherlands

Speeds of up to 200 km/h were measured as the police chased the man from Belgium across the Dutch border. 🚨

Wanna see how it all played out? (Pssst… jump to (04:00) to see the action. 🤫)

In a Hollywood-style chase, two warning shots were fired, a police helicopter was deployed, and one of the police vehicles was involved in a collision. 

After all this, the man was finally trapped and arrested. Fortunately, his ex-girlfriend was unharmed in the chaos.

So he served his time, right?

Technically, yes. But that “time” only amounted to one and a half months in prison and 240 hours of community service. 

Oh, and he owes his ex-girlfriend €1,500 in damages. Sure, that covers the stress of the ordeal. 👀

READ MORE | I lived in a former Dutch prison: here’s what it’s like

The court acknowledged the driver’s mental difficulties as a reason for the charges being on the minimal side. 

What do you think of the punishment for this reckless driver? Let us know in the comments below.

Slow down! Amsterdam tests a new system to automatically slow down e-bikes

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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Slow down! Amsterdam tests a new system to automatically slow down e-bikes

Amsterdam could soon introduce an innovative solution to slow speeding e-bikes down, with a system that controls their whizz in busy areas.

New ‘intelligent speed adjustment’ technology can actively regulate motor speed, aiming to make Dutch streets safer for everyone.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #129: Bike recklessly — and somehow remain unhurt

With bike lanes getting increasingly congested throughout the Netherlands, there’s just not enough room to zoom these days. But how does the tech work?

Forget fast and furious

Though some reports have suggested that the new technology will be able to remotely brake an e-bike, this is not the case.

Instead, as NRC reports, the system automatically turns off e-bikes’ pedal assistance when they enter a vulnerable area — meaning the pace from then on is down to plain old human leg power. 💪

READ MORE | 8 marvellous things about the Dutch and their bikes

The alerts have memorable names, too. Firstly, there are “nudges” which notify you of potential dangers in the surrounding area. 

And the active speed lowering? That’s called a “nanny” (— perhaps a nod to the elderly Dutchies’ electric love when it comes to cycling options? 🥺).

Though the exact tech specs have not been revealed yet, the intention is that the new technology would be compatible with all major e-bike motors, so the roll-out would be significant. 💨

Tried and tested

In a test-ride, Amsterdam’s Alderwoman, Melanie Van der Horst, recently demonstrated the initiative’s impressive capabilities. 

“I saw a child playing football on my screen. A little later, it switched to red, and my speed dropped to 15 kilometres per hour”, she told the NRC.

READ MORE | How to rent a bike in Amsterdam in 2024

This is great news for schools, parks, and commuter zones, which should all be made safer with the speed adjustment technology in place.

So, when can we expect to hear fewer whizzing noises as we wait to cross those busy Amsterdam streets? The development team are currently refining the technology and aims to roll out a trial next year. 

Would you be happy to see these regulations introduced soon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

This Dutch city smokes the most weed in all of Europe (and no, it’s not Amsterdam)

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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This Dutch city smokes the most weed in all of Europe (and no, it’s not Amsterdam)

The Netherlands is great at many things: being happy, sleeping, speaking English and, well, smoking weed.

In fact, the Dutch are so good at consuming the forbidden herb that a whopping three of their cities ranked in the top five for the cities with the highest cannabis consumption in Europe, the NRC reports.

That’s the result of a recent study conducted by the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), for which researchers tested the water in sewage treatment plants in 88 cities in 24 European countries.

Rotterdam takes the crown

Good ol’ Rotterdam snags the honour (if we can call it that) of first place in the weed Olympics. 🥇

That means the concentration of cannabis residues in the sewage in no other participating European city is as high as in the Dutch port city.

But Rotterdammers don’t only like to smoke the occasional joint; they’re also fans of other drugs, it seems.

READ MORE | Taking drugs in the Netherlands: ecstasy use in Holland

The city came in second place for residues of MDMA and ketamine and in fifth place for cocaine.

What about other Dutch cities?

So, about the other Dutch representation in the top five of the most weed-smoking cities in Europe. Following Rotterdam in the top spot are Leeuwarden (#3) and Amsterdam (#4). 🌱

Amsterdam and Leeuwarden are also third and fourth place for cocaine use, following the cities of Antwerp (Belgium) and Tarragona (Spain). When it comes to MDMA, Amsterdam sits in third place, Utrecht in fourth, and Leeuwarden comes in seventh place.

Surprised by Leeuwarden’s stats? You’re not the only one; the Dutch researchers who participated in the study are right there with you.

As Laura Smit-Rigter tells NRC, “if you look at the demographic profile of Leeuwarden, it is not a city with many students or tourism,” so the results were not expected to be so… high. 😉

What do you think about the high drug consumption in Dutch cities? Share your thoughts in the comments!

The time Dutchies used cheese to defend themselves against the French

Farah Al Mazouni 🇸🇾 🇺🇸
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The time Dutchies used cheese to defend themselves against the French

The term “cheesehead” or kaaskoppen didn’t exactly come about as a compliment to the world-renowned Dutch goods — turns out, there’s an un-brie-lievable history. 📔

Dutch cheese is a tried and tested lunch staple, and it’s simply one of the best in the world.

READ MORE | Say cheese! The Dutch are officially the world’s number 1 cheese-loving nation

Another simple fact? The origin of the word kaaskoppen itself — let’s slice it up. 🧀🔪

The first half, kaaskop, refers to a wooden mould used to shape the cheese, traditionally used to press typically round Dutch cheese like Edam.

Next, kop refers to the human head. We’re getting closer, Watson! 🔍

READ MORE │ Dutch cheese varieties: the comprehensive (and cheesy) guide

With 800 million kilos of cheese produced annually in the Netherlands, you’d be forgiven for thinking “cheeseheads” is some sort of testament to the Dutchies’ love for their Gouda, Edam, Maasdam, and cheese markets.

So what’s the story?

The term can be traced back to an innovative method of defence recruited by the Dutchies in the 19th century. 🤺

During Napoleon’s occupation of the Netherlands, Dutch cheese producers grew tired and fed up with French soldiers stealing their beloved Gouda cheese.

As a form of protection when confronting French soldiers, Dutch farmers DIY-ed helmets carved out of cheese barrels. Ta-da, the “cheeseheads” term was born!

Since then, the French and Belgians, who also picked up the word during the Revolution, used “cheeseheads” as an insult for the Dutch — which is ironic since both of these countries are also cheese lovers. 🤷‍♀️

You can read up on the surprising number of traditional insults used against the Netherlands in Frogs and Cheese Heads, which looks at their not-so-positive international reputation over time.

READ MORE | 8 books about the Netherlands you need to read

It turns out the Dutch weren’t always just known lightheartedly as direct and stingy!

Did you know this story about the origin of the term cheesehead? What do you think about it? Tell us in the comments below!

Is this the best eSIM in the Netherlands? Airalo reviewed

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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Is this the best eSIM in the Netherlands? Airalo reviewed

With a range of geographical and data-based packages, multiple SIM capabilities, and pure ease of usage, Airalo offers powerful benefits for internationals on the go. 🛫

Finding the perfect eSIM card to suit your needs isn’t an easy process. With varying data packages offered, different regions supported, and the question of device compatibility cropping up, things can get… rather confusing.

Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. 

Are you an international with a bad case of the travel bug? Let’s talk about why Airalo is a good choice for you! 🙌

This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.

First things first: what’s an eSIM?

Everyone and their mum has probably seen a physical SIM card; a tiny piece of plastic that provides your mobile phone with a data/cellular package. 

READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

The process to get one of these precious pieces of plastic in the Netherlands can include forking over your BSN, housing information, and ID/passport — which is kind of a drag if you ask us. 🤷🏻‍♀️

man-checking-his-phone-messages-while-using-an-esim-in-the-netherlands
eSIMs are the easiest option for internationals looking to get connected in a jiffy. Image: Freepik

An eSIM, on the other hand, is the humble SIM’s flashier, more modern cousin. And the best part? 

Also known as an embedded SIM, this is a virtual SIM card that can be downloaded and installed on a range of devices. 

Offering the same capabilities as physical SIM cards, with fewer bureaucratic hoops to jump through, this is often a much easier option for internationals looking to set up their phone in the Netherlands. 

Now, let’s talk about Airalo. 

What we liked about Airalo’s eSIMs

We love a whole host of things: puppies, Dutch apple pie, travelling… and mobile data packages that offer us excellent bang for our buck. ✨

Thankfully, Airalo fits the last category like a glove. Founded in 2019, the eSIM company has rapidly become a go-to option for both internationals in the Netherlands and global eSIM users.

Coming with a whole host of super handig (handy) features, we can see why:

1. Installation and activation are quick, simple, and stress-free

Show of hands… who has time for complicated and overly technical instructions? Not us. 🙅🏻‍♀️

Thankfully, Airalo’s eSIMs are a piece of cake to set up. To install your eSIM of choice, you just download the Airalo app and select an eSIM under the ‘Install eSIM’ option.

To properly install and activate your eSIM, you then follow the comprehensive (and easy) instructions on the Airalo website.

2. Choosing the best package for our travel plans was a breeze

As anyone who’s ever gone clothes-shopping knows, one size most certainly doesn’t fit all. 

Airalo approaches their eSIM packages with the same level of personalisation and… honestly? We really dig it!

international-taking-photo-of-tulips-with-their-mobile-using-an-esim-in-the-netherlands
Whether you’re here to snap pictures of gorgeous tulips, study, or settle down for work, an eSIM can be a powerful tool in helping you feel at home! Image: Freepik

The eSIM provider has three main packages:

This makes it easier than ever to choose the best eSIM package for your travel plans.

3. Opting for an eSIM saves you data roaming fees

With a traditional SIM, you usually need to opt for data roaming to use your cellular data outside of your home network’s area of coverage. 

This means that if you choose to visit a South American country with a Dutch SIM, you will likely need to pay data roaming fees.

For those itching to skip the fuss and fees of data roaming (like us!), Airalo provides a way to simply install a country-specific or regional eSIM that covers the country you’re travelling to. 🏖️

This provides the data coverage you need — without the extra fees that make your wallet sad.

4. Travelling often? You can use multiple eSIMs on one device

eSIMs are all about convenience, so it doesn’t surprise us that Airalo allows you to use multiple eSIMs on one device.

woman-scrolling-phone-whilst-on-vacation-using-the-best-esim-netherlands
Uncomplicated is the name of the game — leaving you free to enjoy your travels. Image: Freepik

For one thing, you can forget about needing to manually remove and reinstall your physical SIM every time you travel for business or leisure.

READ MORE | The best SIM-only plans in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

With all your eSIMs stored digitally on your mobile, all you need to do is activate one when you need to use it.

5. In fact, you can even use an eSIM and a regular SIM card together

This brings us to one of our favourite features: the fact that Airalo allows you to use both an eSIM and a regular SIM.

Giving you the best of both worlds, you’re spared the hassle of removing (and potentially losing!) your original SIM to use an eSIM.

Oh, and the cherry on top of this beautiful stroopwafel cake? Even with a virtual SIM activated, Airalo’s eSIMs enable you to keep your physical one, with your home country’s number still connected.

6. Using only as much data as you need is easy

Data tracking might sound like an absolute hassle, but that’s why Airalo created a handy iOS app to keep it simple.

You can keep a close eye on how much data you’re using — all from the comfort of your home screen. 🤳🏼

But wait… what if you’re not an iOS user? Well, as an Android fan, you can opt to get push notifications when your data is running low.

Woman-calling-her-landlord-in-the-netherlands-using-esim
Whether you’re making a quick call, looking for directions, or uploading your travel pics to the ‘gram, there’s likely an eSIM package to suit your data needs. Image: Depositphotos

By offering these services, Airalo ensures that you’re never stranded in the countryside with no mobile connection.

Airalo eSIMs: what we didn’t love

Oké, it’s time to be real: much like a selection of Dutch sandwich spreads, there were also aspects of using Airalo’s eSIMs that we didn’t quite fancy. Let’s get into them! 👇

1. You’ll need to check if eSIMs are compatible with your mobile device

If you own an older mobile, for example, most eSIMs will likely be incompatible with your device.

In addition to this, the usage of eSIMs on certain devices in certain areas of the globe may be controlled. 

According to Airalo, if (for example) you’re using a Samsung Galaxy device from South Korea or an iPhone from Mainland China, your mobile will likely not support Airalo eSIMs.

But in general, it seems that you’re good to use an eSIM if you have a fairly modern phone that came out after 2018 (but best check!).

Note: Airalo isn’t alone in having this problem, however. Many eSIM providers only offer compatibility with newer phone models. 

2. You need an internet connection to activate your eSIM

Just as you pre-warm the tosti-maker before popping in your kaas tosti (grilled cheese), you will need to prep your eSIM before you use it.

More specifically, you’ll need to activate it. Whilst the process isn’t difficult, it can be annoying if you’re activating it on the road or don’t have access to very stable WiFi.

bearded-man-leaning-against-wall-and-activating-best-esim-netherlands
It’s always easier to activate your eSIM before your trip so that you’re not relying on public WiFi to get the job done. Image: Freepik

Our tip? Just make sure you actually set the eSIM up before you find yourself on a plane to Australia.

3. You may not be connected to your data provider of choice

While Airalo carefully choose which local data providers it partners with, you may not always be able to connect to your provider of choice.

For example, their Dutch eSIMs partner with KPN as a local provider, which is well-known for its extensive coverage and reliable mobile network. However, if you prefer Odido’s super-speedy connectivity, you’re not going to have access to it with an Airalo eSIM.

The verdict: it’s great for international globetrotters

Despite some minor sticking points, we found that Airalo’s eSIMs offer internationals in the Netherlands unbeatable value for a wide range of products and services.

Whether you’re a globetrotter at heart or simply travelling for your work/studies, Airalo can provide you with the tools to stay connected with your friends, colleagues, and loved ones — no matter where in the world you are.

Have you ever used an eSIM? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

The Netherlands just ranked as the 6th happiest country IN THE WORLD

Lottie Gale 🇬🇧
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The Netherlands just ranked as the 6th happiest country IN THE WORLD

The 2024 World Happiness Report is here, and once again, the Dutch have smiled their way into the top 10. The Nordic countries remain on top, and Finland continues its 7-year streak at number 1. 

The United Nations-sponsored report ranks the happiest countries in the world based on people’s overall life satisfaction. To do so, they take into account measures such as:

  • Freedom in making life choices
  • Social support within communities
  • Levels of corruption in governments
  • Physical health of citizens
  • Generosity within communities
  • Average living standards (GDP per capita)

Déjà vu or something new?

The top 10 have remained fairly stable over the last few years, although researchers say the Finns are now more closely followed by the Danes. 

Both countries have their strong connection with nature to thank for their smiling success, apparently. 🌱

READ MORE | 5 Dutch nature reserves to stretch your legs and enjoy the sights

Another similarity? All of the top 10 countries, except for Australia and the Netherlands, have populations of less than 15 million.

Happiness rankingCountry
1Finland 🇫🇮
2Denmark 🇩🇰
3Iceland 🇮🇸
4Sweden 🇸🇪
5Israel 🇮🇱
6The Netherlands 🇳🇱
7Norway 🇳🇴
8Luxembourg 🇱🇺
9Switzerland 🇨🇭
10Austria 🇦🇹
Source: 2024 World Happiness Report/Amazon AWS

So, none of the countries with the largest populations are in the top 20 anymore; meaning the US (#23) and Germany (#24) have dropped out for the first time in the report’s history! 🤯

Sadly, Afghanistan remains the world’s lowest-ranked country for happiness. Lebanon, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, and Congo also rank near the bottom.

The Dutch difference

So, the Dutchies had their say, and it landed them in the sixth spot. But at one place lower than last year, is the Netherlands’ happiness fading? 🤔

Only slightly — for the women, anyway. Research reveals the drop in ranking is largely driven by a decline in Dutch women’s reported happiness.

READ MORE | Being a feminist in the Netherlands: surprisingly, it’s a challenge 

The Netherlands is also one of the countries where the elderly are happier than the young — but again, there are no dramatic differences to worry about. 

Dutch people over 60 are the 7th happiest in the world, while Dutch under 30 are the 9th.

Why’s that? The report mentions Dutch well-being practices such as De Hogeweyk in Weesp, the first dementia village of its kind, and the sense-stimulating Snoezelen rooms as potential reasons for impressive happiness levels later in life. 

Despite the discrepancies, here’s to keeping the Dutch smiles alive into 2025! 🙌

What do you think of this year’s ranking? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

The Netherlands threatens sanctions against Israel over potential Rafah land attack

Lyna Meyrer 🇱🇺
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The Netherlands threatens sanctions against Israel over potential Rafah land attack

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has stated that the cabinet will meet immediately to discuss sanctions for Israel should the country go through with its planned land attack on Rafah in Gaza.

What exactly these sanctions will entail is not clear, but one thing is certain: An attack on Rafah will have major “political consequences,” Rutte says.

As the NOS reports, the prime minister has also passed this message on to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Big concerns about the humanitarian situation

According to Rutte, a possible attack on the strip of land could be a “game changer” that will cause a humanitarian disaster. He has expressed major concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

So far, the Netherlands has supported Israel in the fight against Hamas and only taken “small steps” against them. Now, they expect a big step from Israel: refraining from launching a ground assault on Rafah.

Yet, as RTL Nieuws reports, Netanyahu stressed just three days ago, on 17 March, that “no international pressure” will stop Israel from carrying out the operation in Rafah.

What’s going on in Rafah?

Rafah is the southernmost point of the Gaza Strip, located at the border between Gaza and Egypt.

There are currently over a million Palestinian civilians trapped here, who have been driven into the city by Israeli bombings. They have nowhere to go in case of a ground offensive.

So, why does Israel want to attack? Well, according to Israel, four Hamas brigades are present within Rafah — which they view as sufficient to justify the ongoing airstrikes as well as a planned land assault.

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