A noodverordening(emergency ordinance) has been declared in Stadskanaal, a town in the northeastern province of Groningen, following violent unrest linked to a serious child abuse case.
As reported by RTL Nieuws, two women have been arrested on suspicion of severely abusing two young children. Residents have taken to the streets in response.
Mayor Klaas Sloots signed the order on May 14 after crowds gathered and turned violent in the town centre around 3:15 PM, leaving several homes in the area with smashed windows.
The municipality says calls for further disorder have been circulating on social media, and there are real indications of more trouble to come.
What the order means
The emergency ordinance applies to the area enclosed by Hoofdkade, Julianastraat, Stationslaan, and Brugkade, and will remain in force until Sunday, May 17, at 11:59 PM.
People may enter the designated zone only for a legitimate reason and, even then, must take the shortest possible route to their destination. Gatherings of three or more people without a valid purpose are also banned.
A range of objects are prohibited within the area, including stones, sticks, knuckledusters, fireworks, accelerants, and weapons.
Breaching the order is a criminal offence under Dutch law, punishable by up to three months’ detention or a fine of up to €5,500.
Both police and BOAs (buitengewoon opsporingsambtenaren or municipal enforcement officers) are authorised to enforce it.
The child abuse case behind the violence
The disturbances appear to be a direct reaction to the arrest of two local women, aged 31 and 33, reports RTL Nieuws. One of the homes targeted during the violence is believed to belong to the mother of one of the suspects.
The pair are suspected of the serious physical abuse of a 6-year-old girl and a 7-year-old boy. According to prosecutors, the girl suffered particularly severe mistreatment.
She was allegedly kicked, beaten, and kept locked away, and was sometimes denied food as a form of punishment. The abuse became so severe that by February, she had to be placed in an artificial coma due to malnourishment.
The authorities were notified after the girl’s school raised the alarm, and a criminal investigation into the horrendous abuse is now underway.
What do you think of this unrest? Let us know in the comments.
Dutch health officials confirm that all 26 passengers from the hantavirus-hit cruise ship MV Hondius who arrived in the Netherlands on repatriation flights have now tested negative for the virus.
The last group touched down at Eindhoven Air Base on Tuesday, arriving in the early hours of the morning.
Upon arrival, they were screened and tested by the GGD (municipal health service), with samples sent to both the RIVM and the Erasmus MC for laboratory analysis. As reported by the RIVM, all results came back clear.
Their ordeal isn’t quite over yet
All repatriated passengers currently face a mandatory six-week home quarantine, regardless of their test result.
Both the RIVM and the WHO have reiterated that the risk of a wider outbreak is very low, as the Andean variant does not naturally occur outside the Americas and only spreads between people in very rare circumstances.
If you’re looking for an international school that combines rigorous academics with a vibrant, multicultural environment, the International School of Amsterdam(ISA) is a standout choice.
Recently, we had the chance to visit ISA’s Early Years Open House, giving us an inside look at how this pioneering school nurtures young minds while supporting families from all over the world.
ISA was the first school in the world to offer a complete International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum from Pre-School to Grade 12.
Its mission, “To Educate for International Understanding,” is evident across all age groups.
Let’s talk about how ISA’s programme fosters learning without borders.
A campus designed to inspire learning and creativity
Firstly, the impressive ISA campus is purpose-built to encourage exploration and creativity.
Every classroom provides a comfortable and focused learning environment. For the younger students, the Early Years classrooms open directly onto expansive outdoor spaces, giving children plenty of room to play, explore, and learn in the fresh air.
Children at ISA can enjoy dynamic spaces. Image: International School of Amsterdam/Supplied
From bright art studios to dedicated sports areas and even shared kitchen spaces, everything is built to help children explore and investigate. And we can’t forget to mention the libraries.
They are equipped to the latest standard, offering state-of-the-art spaces that foster independent learning and a love for reading.
The Early Years library in particular has a vast selection of multilingual books for children, not just translations, but original stories in their native languages (something we found especially wonderful).
Every corner of the campus is designed to support not only academic achievement but also social-emotional growth.
ISA focuses on holistic education
ISA’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should develop the whole child, academically, socially, and emotionally.
The school’s approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, but also empathy, balance, and well-being.
Beyond strong academics, students take part in athletics, arts, service projects, and student-led clubs, learning the importance of teamwork and community.
Creativity is just one of the skills that ISA encourages. Image: International School of Amsterdam/Supplied
Every experience, inside and outside the classroom, is designed to help students grow into confident, caring, and open-minded individuals who are ready to make a positive impact in the world.
Their experiences ignite curiosity and build resilience, preparing them for a global future.
Beyond the classroom: a world of extracurriculars
Learning at ISA extends far beyond the classroom walls.
The school offers an impressive range of extracurricular activities designed to help students explore their interests and develop new skills, as well as in-house, quality after school care until 6 PM.
From sport, ballet, and music, to art, theatre, and even board games, there’s something for every passion.
Learning and play beyond the classroom. Image: International School of Amsterdam/Supplied
These programmes encourage teamwork, leadership, and creativity, while allowing students to connect across age groups and cultures.
It’s all part of ISA’s mission to nurture confident, curious, and well-rounded learners ready to take on the world.
Teachers who go the extra mile
And within the classroom? ISA’s teaching staff are highly experienced.
They participate in continuous professional development to ensure they can meet the diverse learning needs of an international student body.
Teachers are equipped to handle cultural differences, provide emotional support, and create a nurturing environment where every student can thrive.
Helping families feel at home in the Netherlands
ISA isn’t just a school for students; it’s a community for families. The school helps parents feel at home in the Netherlands through cultural guidance, events, and support networks.
The Parent-Teacher-Association (PTA) plays a key role in maintaining connections to families’ cultural roots while fostering engagement in the local community.
This approach ensures that ISA supports both students and the wider family unit.
Want to see ISA in action? Book a tour!
For parents considering an international education in Amsterdam, visiting the campus is the best way to experience ISA firsthand.
ISA offers state-of-the-art facilities. Image: International School of Amsterdam/Supplied
Tours of the school and meetings with the admissions team provide insight into daily life at ISA and the opportunities available for students.
What truly stands out about ISA is its sense of community. From the moment you step through the doors, you can feel the warmth, creativity, and global spirit that define this school.
It’s easy to imagine yourself, or your child, exploring, learning, and growing here every day.
Could ISA be the right school for your child? Let us know below!
Looking for a Dutch business bank account? As a freelancer, I found it difficult to find something affordable with all the features we need — so I set out on a hunt!
In this article, I’ve found the best banks that cater to freelancers and established businesses, are accessible to English speakers, and have high-tech invoicing and accounting features.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
While Finom’sspeedy registration and lack of BSN requirements are already powerful pros, features such as its built-in invoicing tools make it an excellent choice for freelancers and SMEs.
Even better? With up to 3% cashback, seamless international payments to over 150 countries, and a free — yes, FREE — account, Finom will help you save money, too!
Dutch neobank bunqoffers a handy AutoVAT system, seamless tap-to-pay capability for iPhone and Android, and a wide range of invoicing and bookkeeping integrations.
You’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan to get most of these features, but they’re well worth it.
Combining the ability to “spend like a local” in 150 currencies and hold cash in over 25 currencies, Revolut is a great choice for those with foreign clients.
Plus, Revolut’s powerful spend management tools help manage budgets and track company expenses — an asset for budding freelancers and established businesses alike.
Qontois a real game-changer when it comes to managing a team’s finances, whether that’s supervising multiple sub-accounts, setting custom permissions, or tracking down stray transactions.
Plus, your team can forget about needing to whip up invoices from scratch! The app allows you to upload your entire product or service catalogue, streamlining your entire invoicing process to just a few simple clicks.
With comprehensive monthly breakdowns of all payments made, 0.1% cashback on all purchases, and deposit protection of up to €100,000, N26is a great choice for a free and reliable business bank account.
Whilst there’s no physical card available with N26’s free plan, handy software helps wrangle your invoices and tax returns for you.
In addition to its six-month free plan for ZZP’ers, ABN Amro offers a traditional banking experience with excellent customer service.
Though not all information is available in English, its 24/7 customer support and physical branches are excellent at simplifying the banking process for business owners.
4 reasons to set up a business bank account in the Netherlands
With countless options to choose from, it’s high time we delved into why it’s a good idea to set up a Dutch business bank account. 👇
1. Conducting transactions in the Eurozone is easier than ever
Thanks to the Netherlands being in the SEPA zone (the European Union’s Single Euro Payments Area), making electronic payments to other EU countries and select non-EU countries is as cheap and speedy as making domestic transfers, provided you have a European IBAN.
Getting a Dutch bank account, therefore, is essential. If you’re planning on conducting any form of business in the EU, you’ll save precious time and money on cross-border cash transfers.
2. Invoicing is seamless and organised
Business bank accounts nowadays often come with a variety of built-in invoicing features and options to integrate accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks.
You can spend less time wrangling unpaid invoices and more time working on your business! 💪 Image: Freepik
As a result, you’re spared the hassle of wrangling unpaid bills yourself.
3. You can keep your home and work life separate
With a clear division between your personal bank account and that of your company’s, you needn’t scratch your head and wonder if that €50 was a tax-deductible business expense or last week’s grocery bill.
Let op: According to the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), some banks specify that non-business accounts are only for your personal use.
For this reason, making too many business transactions from a personal bank account may look quite suspicious and lead your bank to investigate your financial history.
4. There’s clearer insight into your business finances
When your business transactions are free of personal expenses, you have a far better picture of how well your income stacks up against the costs you’ve incurred over a financial period.
Even better? Most business bank accounts come with expenditure-tracking software, which will give you an in-depth look at how well your company is performing financially.
What documents do I need to open a Dutch business bank account?
In general, you will need a KVK number and valid proof of identity to open a business bank account in the Netherlands.
What is a KVK number? This is a unique identification number that the KVK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce) issues to a business after it has been officially registered.
However, many banks may also ask for a few additional details, such as your business address, the legal structure of your company, and what operations it will undertake.
As a result, it’s always a good idea to have documents outlining these at the ready.
Whether you’re a budding freelancer or the proud owner of an established company, there are many reasons to consider opening a business bank account for your Dutch company.
Have you opened a business bank account in the Netherlands? Tell us all about your experience in the comments below!
Business bank accounts in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
With a lot of info to sift through, it’s only natural that you’d have some questions. Let’s run through some of them! 👇
What is the best Dutch bank for freelancers?
Finom, Qonto, and N26 have excellent, feature-rich business bank accounts for freelancers — with comprehensive free plans.
Although it doesn’t provide the invoicing software and accounting integrations that the other two do, ABN Amro also offers a handy ZZP’er plan.
What is the best bank account for small businesses in the Netherlands?
Banks like Finom, N26, Revolut, and Qonto offer a wide range of features for freelancers and small businesses.
Do I need a business bank account in the Netherlands?
Whilst it’s not mandatory to open a business bank account here in the Netherlands, having one will offer a much clearer overview of your finances and help keep your work and personal life separate.
In addition to this, some Dutch banks explicitly state that personal accounts are only for personal use. Too many business transactions may cause them to flag your account and investigate your financial history.
What do I need to open a business bank account in the Netherlands?
All banks will ask you for your KVK number and some proof of identification, but many may also require you to submit additional details (such as your business address, the legal structure of your company, and what operations it will undertake).
You might have noticed concrete bunkers in the dunes along The Hague’s coastline, ominously pointing out toward the sea. What’s up with these bunkers and why are they there in the first place?
The fortifications extending through most of the Dutch coast are part of the so-called Atlantic Wall, built by Nazi Germany.
The project was supposed to extend from the Spanish border in the south, along the coast of France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, right up to the Norwegian coast.
The defensive bunkers and walls didn’t do their job yet their remnants are a reminder of the not-so-distant past.
1942, the start of the Atlantic Wall
From 1939 to 1941, it seemed as if the victory of Nazi Germany was on the horizon.
The Lowlands and France were swiftly conquered in 1940, while Great Britain was undergoing a brutal blitz.
Meanwhile, on the eastern front Operation Barbarossa kickstarted the invasion of the Soviet Union.
Nevertheless, the Nazi leadership was wary of the possibility of a two-front invasion.
With the Blitz in the UK stalling, and Stalingrad blocking Nazi advancement on the eastern front, there were concerns of a possible Allied invasion on the western seaboard.
The building of the Atlantic Wall
Constructions of the Atlantic Wall started in 1942 due to the fear of an invasion from the West.
Initially, it was called the New West Wall, but this didn’t have much of a ring to it so they changed its name to the Atlantic Wall for propaganda purposes.
The Atlantic Wall Museum in the Hook of Holland. Image: Frans Berkelaar/Wikimedia Commons/CC2.0
Nazi Germany directed many resources to construct the Wall with up to half a million people working on it during its peak.
The workers consisted of forced labourers from conquered countries, German soldiers, and professional builders from local communities.
The initial plans involved building 15,000 bunkers along the French, Belgian, and Dutch coasts. Due to limited resources, only 6,000 of those bunkers were finished by May 1, 1943.
In the Netherlands, the initial plan was to build 2,000 bunkers. Only 510 of those bunkers were completed.
Structures of the Atlantic Wall
These bunkers formed the Atlantic Wall out of independent structures in battle.
The bunker was the main fortification found along the Atlantic Wall and there was a major variation of size depending on the strategic location along the coast.
Bunkers can be found poking out of the dunes of The Hague. Image: Uberprutser/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0
The Wall also consisted of batteries containing anti-aircraft guns, radio installations, and storage facilities for ammunition and troops.
The defences were connected through a series of underground trenches.
Beyond bunkers and trenches, fences, and natural barriers such as steep dunes were also established.
Demolitions along the Atlantic Wall
Building the Atlantic Wall proved to be a traumatic experience for the communities living alongside the coast.
In the Netherlands alone, hundreds of thousands of people had to relocate from their homes which had been demolished by the Wall — some never to return.
In The Hague, for example, the Nazis built a 10-kilometre-long stretch that was 500 metres wide to make an anti-tank ditch, demolishing several neighbourhoods.
The tank ditch was built through The Hague, as seen from above in 1944. Image: RAF/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain.
They also destroyed many of the buildings alongside the main boulevard in Katwijk, including a historic fisherman’s quarter.
Nature was also hard-hit by the demolitions, excavating the dunes to build the wall. The Nazis cut forests down and destroyed thousands of hectares of farmland to build trenches and mines for the military.
Fall of the Atlantic Wall
From the get-go, the Atlantic Wall was more of a desperate attempt to prevent a Western invasion than it was a well-thought-out strategy. The Wall was, at best, a deterrent through propaganda meant to detract from an invasion.
The failure of the Wall became evident with the Normandy Invasion by Western forces on June 6, 1944.
While some areas of the Wall proved to repel attacks for some time, both on the ground and in the air, allied forces breached the defences relatively fast.
Post-war Atlantic Wall
Many bunkers were demolished immediately after the war throughout the late 40s and the 50s in the Netherlands. More bunkers were demolished in the 60s in Zeeland and Zuid-Holland as they became a flooding hazard.
Ruins of the Atlantic Wall along the coast in Katwijk. Image: Janericloebe/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
The Atlantic Wall nevertheless left its mark on the Netherlands and other countries. The ruins, ranging from bunkers to railways and sandpits, can be found all along the coast.
The Hague is one of the most distinct places where you can still see this heritage — not only in ruins scattered around but also in the city’s post-war development that emerged from the demolitions done to build the Atlantic Wall.
A brutal war, but Dutch heritage nonetheless
Immediately after the war, nobody wanted to see the Atlantic Wall for its historical significance, and for a good reason. Still, as years went by, people looked back at the Atlantic Wall not with horror but with historical curiosity and interest.
Towards the turn of the century, bunkers started to be excavated after many years under the sand.
Some were open to the public as museums, the first and most notable bunker being the Atlantic Wall Museum in the Hook of Holland, which opened back in 1996.
Moving to the Netherlands comes with a steep learning curve. And yes, that includes the supermarket.
The Dutch grocery landscape has its own unwritten rules, quirks, and surprises that can catch newcomers completely off guard.
From pricing strategies that border on performance art to some very firm opinions about plastic bags, here’s what you need to know before you wheel that winkelwagen (shopping trolley) down the aisle.
The whole system revolves around sales (kortingen)
You’ll notice it in your first week: a packet of cheese for €6.49 seems steep, but there’s a bright yellow sticker next to it offering two for €5. Suddenly, it makes sense.
Welcome to the Dutch aanbieding (sale) culture.
Grocery prices in the Netherlands are high by European standards when purchased at full price. But the Dutch didn’t become famously frugal by accident.
They’ve built their shopping habits almost entirely around promotions. Weekly aanbiedingen rotate across all the major supermarkets, and many Dutch households plan their meals around whatever’s on offer that week.
The trick is learning when and where to look. Apps like the Jumbo and Albert Heijn apps, or aggregator apps like Reclamefolder, let you browse the week’s deals before you leave the house.
Once you start shopping this way, full-price items start to feel almost offensive.
That pack of biscuits keeps getting smaller
How dare they make these delicious stroopwafels smaller…Image: Depositphotos
You’re not imagining it. That box of stroopwafels you bought three months ago definitely had more in it.
Shrinkflation is the practice of reducing product size while keeping the price the same, or even raising it. It’s a widespread issue in Dutch supermarkets, as it is across Europe.
Manufacturers quietly shave a few grams off a packet of crisps or reduce a juice bottle from 1 litre to 850ml, and most shoppers only notice when something tastes like it’s gone too fast.
Consumer organisation Consumentenbond has tracked dozens of examples in recent years and regularly names and shames the worst offenders.
Not all supermarkets are equal (and your wallet will know it)
Help yourself: do some grocery research first! Image: Magnific
The Netherlands has a clear hierarchy in grocery pricing, and it’s worth knowing where you stand.
At the budget end, Dirk consistently comes out as the cheapest option for everyday staples. It’s no-frills, it’s efficient, and it does the job.
Lidl and Aldi also punch well above their weight in terms of value, particularly for fresh produce and own-brand products.
In the middle, you’ve got Jumbo and Plus: solid all-rounders with decent quality and reliable promotions.
At the top of the pile sits Albert Heijn, or the appie as it’s universally known. It’s the most ubiquitous supermarket in the Netherlands and also the priciest.
The quality is generally good, the app is excellent, and their Bonuskaart loyalty card is worth getting. But you’ll pay a premium for the convenience and the sleek blue branding.
The rule of thumb: do your big weekly shop at Dirk or Lidl, and use AH for top-ups when it’s the only option (which, in many Dutch towns and cities, it very often is).
You can also just… not go to the supermarket
The easiest option? Just order those groceries home! Image: Depositphotos
Online grocery delivery is well-developed in the Netherlands, and it’s worth knowing your options.
Picnic is the most popular dedicated grocery delivery app. It’s app-only, operates on a fixed daily route in your neighbourhood, and is often competitively priced, with no delivery fee if you meet the minimum order.
Albert Heijn and Jumbo both offer same-day or next-day delivery through their own platforms, though these tend to be pricier.
In larger cities, some typical takeaway apps offer grocery delivery services. Yep, that means you can order groceries in Rotterdam using Thuisbezorgd.nl.
For those who want a middle-ground option, click-and-collect (ophalen) is widely available and lets you shop online, then pick up at a time that suits you. Especially useful if you’ve just moved and haven’t quite figured out the local supermarket layout yet.
You either bring your own bag or pay for one
Bring that backpack! Those bag prices add up. Image: Magnific
This one’s straightforward, but it still catches people out.
Since 2016, single-use plastic bags have been charged for across Dutch retailers. You’ll typically pay somewhere between €0.25 and €0.50 for a plastic bag at the checkout, depending on the shop and the size.
The Dutch response to this was predictably swift: practically everyone now walks around with a reusable bag stuffed in their coat pocket, backpack, or bike basket. It’s become second nature.
Your best bet is to keep a couple of sturdy tassen (bags) handy at all times.
Don’t head to the supermarket for hard liquor or cigarettes
You won’t get these at the Albert Heijn…Image: Depositphotos
Here’s something that surprises newcomers from countries where you can pick up a bottle of gin alongside your yoghurt.
In the Netherlands, supermarkets can sell beer and wine, but spirits above 15% ABV are only available at specialist slijterijen (off-licences) such as Gall & Gall or Mitra.
This means you won’t find whisky, vodka, rum, or gin on supermarket shelves, not even in Albert Heijn. The good news? There’s often a Gall & Gall right next to it.
Similarly, tobacco products, including cigarettes, are no longer sold in supermarkets. Following a Dutch government policy change that took full effect in 2024, supermarkets phased out tobacco sales entirely.
You’ll need to head to a tabakswinkel (tobacconist) or a petrol station to buy cigarettes.
It’s all part of the Netherlands’ broader public health push, and while it might take some getting used to, it does mean the checkout queue moves a little faster.
What’s been your biggest supermarket surprise since moving to the Netherlands? Drop it in the comments — we’d love to know what caught you off guard.
Handling your business’s finances with just a Dutch bank account works well when your business is small, and your payments stay with the Netherlands. However, things quickly begin to change once you start working with international clients.
As your business grows, it almost always needs to pay overseas suppliers or hire staff based in other countries. At that point, a domestic account is no longer enough.
Many business owners try to solve this by opening additional accounts abroad, but this often creates a messy mix of logins, statements, and financial data.
The solution? Choosing an international business account early helps keep your finances organised as your company grows.
Meet Airwallex, your go-to for global business banking
Airwallex is a modern financial platform designed for businesses that work globally. It brings together international payments, currency exchange, multi-currency wallets, and everyday financial operations to make your life far easier.
By letting Airwallex handle the money side, you get to do what matters the most: run your business.
How Airwallex makes your life easier
Curious how Airwallex can help your business? Let’s talk about it.
💻 For freelancers and remote workers
Freelancers often work with foreign clients, but getting paid in multiple currencies can be messy, expensive, and slow.
Airwallex solves this problem by letting you receive money in multiple currencies, including USD, AUD, CHF, and GBP at competitive exchange rates (without the usual bank mark-ups!).
You can also use multi-currency corporate or virtual Visa cards for international subscriptions, payments, or project expenses — all managed from a single dashboard.
Easily manage your business finances from the comfort of your home. Image: Depositphotos
💼 For small business owners & startups
Small businesses and startups need financial tools that move as fast as they do.
Airwallex offers borderless multiple-currency wallets, fast global payouts, and transparent fees, helping you scale your business without a complicated banking setup.
This is especially useful for e-commerce shops with customers around the world, as you can collect payments in different currencies and convert only when the rate works best for you.
Airwallex vs. traditional banks: what’s the difference?
Traditional banks are great for local and personal banking needs, but they’re not always the best choice for a modern business that earns and spends across borders.
Airwallex takes a different approach. It offers fast transfers, low FX (foreign exchange) rates, transparent pricing, and more, making it far easier to manage global finances without extra admin.
Feature
Traditional banks
Airwallex
International transfers
Slow processing and limited currencies
Fast payouts in 70+ currencies
FX rates
Higher mark-ups and unclear fees
Competitive rates with full transparency
Account setup
Extra steps for cross-border accounts
Multi-currency accounts created in minutes
Fees
Hidden charges and maintenance costs
Clear pricing with no surprises
Global suitability
Designed for local use
Built for international businesses and lifestyles
In short, Airwallex gives you the tools to operate globally, without bureaucratic headaches or hidden fees. This makes it a strong choice for anyone managing money across multiple countries and currencies.
Ready to take your finances to another level?
The Airwallex app lets you access your finances on the go. Image: Depositphotos
Airwallex offers different account types depending on your needs. Each option gives you access to multi-currency tools, with more features to unlock as your business grows.
Plan
What’s included?
Best for
Explore (€0 or €19/month)
• Multi-currency accounts with local details • Local and international transfers • Interbank FX (foreign exchange) rates • Up to 10 company cards and virtual cards • Basic bill payments and spend management • Online payments and accounting integrations
Freelancers, early-stage businesses, and global beginners
Grow (€49/month)
Everything in Explore, plus: • Up to 50 company cards • Advanced approvals for spend and bills • Rules-based bill automation and vendor workflows
SMEs and e-commerce shops handling regular global transactions
Accelerate (From €999/month)
Everything in Grow, plus: • Multi-entity money management • Advanced expense automation • Custom integrations and dedicated support
Larger companies operating across several markets
Once you sign up online and choose the plan that fits your business, you can open multi-currency accounts for markets such as the US, the UK, Australia, and beyond.
You can receive and send money in these currencies, convert when needed, and spend with virtual cards linked to your account.
If you’re ready to effectively manage your company’s finances and simplify your cross-border transactions, it might be the right time to give Airwallex a try.
The Netherlands is a progressive, innovative, forward-thinking country… with its very own deeply religious bible belt. 🙏🏻
Yup, you’ve read that correctly. Estimates suggest that about 2.5% of the Dutch population that lives in the Bible Belt directs their lives according to the dogma of orthodox Protestantism.
If pro-life, anti-vax or traditional dress comes to mind — you’re entirely on the right track!
Where is the Dutch Bible Belt?
The Dutch Bible Belt (or, as they say, bijbelgordel or refoband) is a stretch of land with the highest concentration of conservative, orthodox Protestants (Calvinists) in the country.
It reaches from the province of Zeeland in the southwest, past the provinces of South Holland, North Brabant, Utrecht, and Gelderland, to parts of the province of Overijssel in the northeast.
Not-so coincidentally, the Bible Belt’s territory overlaps with the voting pool of the SGP, the Dutch Reformed Political Party — which strives towards a government entirely based on the Bible.
The voting pool for the SGP (pictured above) largely overlaps with the Bible Belt territory. Image: Danny Cohen/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0
The stretch of land is called a ‘belt’ because of its upwards curve, which snuggly hugs the Netherlands at its imagined waist.
A (very) brief history of the Dutch Bible Belt
The Dutch Bible Belt as we know it today wasn’t actually formed until the 19th century. But does that make it modern and progressive? Not exactly.
So, how did it come into being?
When Flanders and North Brabant were conquered by the Spanish during the Eighty Years’ War, the Protestant inhabitants of the areas were forced to convert to Catholicism or, well, leave.
Many of them opted for the second option and moved up north. There, the new population critiqued the existing Dutch Reformed Church and eventually formed their own, more conservative subcultures within the religion.
The subcultures remixed some of the most conservative doctrines, and ta-da: the Bible Belt was born.
Who lives in the Dutch Bible Belt?
The Christian conservatives are actually not the majority in most towns in the Bible Belt. Instead, they often live alongside non-religious Nederlanders. This usually happens very peacefully.
The religious community looks down on doing any kind of work on Sundays. Image: Depositphotos
In reality, the fundamentalist Christians are only the majority in some select villages, such as Elspeet or Uddel, both in the province of Gelderland.
Here, certain political parties are especially popular, such as the ChristenUnie (Christian Union) and the SGP (Reformed Political Party) — who share some pretty conservative (and very questionable) values — but more on that later.
Those who are members of the conservative subcultures are often referred to as “Refo” (reformed), and there are about half a million of them. That’s about 2.5% of the overall Dutch population!
These hardcore bible-belters pair orthodox theology with a modest and obedient lifestyle. They strictly adhere to the word of God, and, in their view, the only valid truth can be found in the Bible. 📖
It’s common for families to read from the Bible together before or after dinner. Image: Freepik
While the rest of the country sometimes likes to ridicule the Bible Belt, the community enjoys their quiet, peaceful life, unaware of what is being said about them (they’re not allowed access to TVs or the internet, after all).
The controversies of the Dutch Bible Belt
While people (mostly) respect the traditions and beliefs of the Bible Belt communities in the Netherlands, there are some controversies that many of the rest of the Dutch population are happy to call out.
Against same-sex marriage
As devout believers in their Lord’s word, Bible Belters are against any form of same-sex relationships or LGBTQIA+ identification. Why? Because “God forbids it”.
In 2019, a Dutch version of the American Nashville Statement (Nashvilleverklaring) made headlines because it openly opposed gay marriage, non-monogamy, and transsexuality.
The statement found widespread support across the Dutch Bible Belt, and declared, among other things, that “it is sinful to approve of homosexual uncleanness or transgenderism” — and that any faithful Christian would understand this.
Against vaccination
The population of the Bible Belt has long been subject to heavy criticism for its stance against vaccinations. For religious reasons, many members of the community are not immunised against multiple common diseases.
This, of course, became a hot topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the conservative Calvinists refused to get vaccinated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAWja2Z_hUY
The result? They put countless others at risk of infection. Which wasn’t very “love thy neighbour” of them… 🤨
Why do they refuse to get vaccinated? Well, because they believe that “people should not use medicine that prevents God from punishing them.”
It goes as far as some of them claiming that even insurance policies are fundamentally wrong, “because they stand in opposition to the perfection of God”, who “knows what’s good for us.”
The village of Urk
Now, let’s be real: the above controversies are not too shocking coming from a conservative group of conservative believers.
So now, let’s move on to the village of Urk, a place that is known (and we mean New York Times-kinda known) for being the most conservativeplace in the Netherlands — and as a result, quite controversial.
We’re not going to lie: it looks quite charming! Image: Depositphotos
Located in the Dutch province of Flevoland and home to a whopping 21 Protestant churches, this small village is a cultural phenomenon in itself.
How do you sum up this special place? Well, according to this person on Reddit:
The reason for the fishy smell (and activity), but also for why religion has remained such an important societal pillar in Urk, is that, up until 1939, the village was an island off the coast.
We can only guess that the isolation of Urk’s residents is what has resulted in their old-fashioned beliefs (compared to the rest of the Netherlands).
One Redditor claims that “despite now being connected to the mainland, Urk’s cultural uniqueness stubbornly refuses to die.”
Beliefs, traditions and particularities of the Dutch Bible Belt
Wondering what the Bible Belters get up to in their day-to-day lives? Let’s have a look. 👇
They enjoy entertainment that aligns with their religion
TV? Not allowed. Non-religious music? Strictly forbidden. Internet? Taboo.
In many Bible Belt homes, the entire day revolves around one thing: God.
In these families, they read from the Bible before and after dinner, pray together, and listen to worship music — all while they avoid any activities that could be viewed as sinful.
They wear a traditional mode of dress
The fashion trends in the Bible Belt are, well, biblical. At church, but also in everyday life, modesty is most important.
What does that look like in practice? Well, the women wear conservative clothing that covers their bodies, and men dress modestly as well.
In some places, like Staphorst, women also wear a small cotton hat. Image: Marcel Antonisse/Wikimedia Commons/CC0
On Sundays specifically, to go to church, women in the Bible Belt wear a traditional black ensemble, which is made up of over a dozen items of clothing, including a calf-length, black, pleated skirt; an apron; a shawl and bonnet; and black shoes or wooden clogs.
They also wear hand-knitted black thigh-high socks. These are what gave rise to the Bible Belters’ nickname of Zwartekousen (black stockings).
They attend regular church services
It comes as no surprise that the inhabitants of the Bible Belt go to church regularly. But they seem not just to go to church — they live for church.
On Sundays (when the traditional dress comes on), some people head to church not just once, but twice!
In some places, you even have to report to the local congregation if (and why) you have to miss church on a Sunday.
Towns in the Bible Belt have the highest percentage of Church attendance. Image: Depositphotos
They have plenty of babies
Of course, no good believer would ever try to prevent God’s will by using contraception or getting abortions.
It’s no surprise, then, that statistics prove that the villages in the Dutch bible belt have extraordinarily high birth and fertility rates. In communities where people get married young, it is no exception for a family to have up to seven children.
Yup, that means there are plenty of cute babies in the Bible Belt! Image: Freepik
Of course, Urk has the highest birth rate in the whole country. One family specifically took it to the next level and has a total of 18(!) children. Lekker bezig? 😳
The Dutch Bible Belt is as devout as it is fascinating. In the country of decriminalised drugs and the Red Light District, the Bible Belt towns are unique cultural phenomena that offer a religious haven for many Dutch people.
So, if you ever find yourself in the Netherlands’ Bible Belt (for whatever reason), remember to dress respectfully, keep the music down, and take in all of the quirkiness that opposes the rest of the country. 🙌
Do you have any more fun (or shocking) facts about the Dutch Bible Belt? Tell us in the comments!
We don’t know if you’ve realised it yet, but let us break the news: people from the Netherlands are tall. In fact, they’re one of the tallest on the planet.
Studies show that the average height of a Dutch man is 1.86 m (over 6’0″), whereas the average American stands at 1.76 m (5’9”) tall.
So, why are the Dutch rather well-endowed? Here are four potential reasons.
1. Good ol’ natural selection
To kickstart our possible reasons why the Dutchies are so tall, we have natural selection. The idea behind it is simple: with time, there were more and more Dutch people with tall genes.
Scientists believe that a healthy mix of natural selection and good environmental conditions did the trick.
As Gert Stulp, a specialist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, wrote in a study called LifeLines:
“Height is very heritable — taller parents tend to have somewhat taller children than shorter parents. Because taller individuals would have more offspring in the next generation who would be taller, the average height in that generation would be a bit taller on average than the preceding generation, if all else is equal.”
2. Tall men get laid
This is where things get steamy: one of the reasons why the Dutch are so tall might be sex. Particularly, tall-people-sex.
According to the LifeLines study, tall men accompanied by a woman of average height conceive the most children. In the Netherlands, men with the most children were seven centimetres taller than the average.
Statistically speaking, taller men had an average of 0.24 more children than the least fertile men, who were about 14 cm below the average height.
Tall men seem to make a lot of babies that also happen to be tall. Image: Freepik
LifeLines reached this conclusion by looking into the lives and health of more than 94,500 people who lived in the northern parts of the Netherlands between 1935 and 1967.
Gene-maxing? We think so. 😉
3. They get enough snooze time
Everyone loves a good snooze. Although our hectic lives and busy schedules sometimes make it impossible to get a good night’s rest, it might be the reason behind getting taller.
Then, it comes as no surprise that the Netherlands has the best work-sleep balance in Europe! A Dutch person averages eight hours and five minutes of sleep for roughly 6.4 hours of work in a day.
4. All that cheese
Finally, one of the biggest reasons why Dutchies are so tall is because of all the Goudamn cheese they eat! It’s no secret that the Dutch love their dairy products.
Yummy cheese and being tall? Name a better combo. Image: Depositphotos
Visiting the cheese markets in Gouda, Alkmaar, or Edam will quickly help you understand why it’s such a popular Dutch staple.
But could it explain why the Dutch are as tall as they are? Scientists believe yes, but not entirely.
It’s not as simple as saying if you eat cheese, you grow tall. However, cheese contains protein and calcium, the key nutrients that bolster your height.
While we cannot spell out the exact explanation behind Dutch height, they must be doing something right.
Got your own theory on why the Dutch are so tall? Leave it in the comments below!
The morning commute to your office job is hardly anyone’s favourite part of the day. Standing on the crowded platform, two thoughts might come to mind.
One: If trains were at least twice as long, we wouldn’t have to squeeze between strangers for the next half hour.
And two: Or what if we just got rid of all those oppressive first-class compartments to make more room for the common person?
For a country that prides itself on equality, it seems positively medieval to have a separation between first and second class on trains in the Netherlands.
What’s the difference between first and second class on trains in the Netherlands?
Oh, trust us, we’ve all been wondering the same question. Even when you Google it, it’s hard to find any official differences (that are convincing, anyway).
If you get first-class tickets to an international train from the Netherlands, you’re looking at newspapers, complimentary meals and drinks, power outlets, lots of legroom, lounges, and TVs. Now that’s something!
The second class in NS trains has people sitting on the floor… meanwhile, here’s the first class. Image: NS
However, you barely get anything for your fancy ticket with normal NS trains. Still, you pay considerably more for the privilege of first class over second class.
For example, to go from Rotterdam to Amsterdam on a normal NS intercity train would cost you around €20.20 each way. This jumps to €36.36 for the same commute in a first-class carriage — a hike of €16.16.
Originally, the Dutch railway system had no less than three classes. Some considered this a reflection of 19th-century Dutch society, made up of dignitaries, citizens, and workers. This was reduced to the now familiar two classes in 1956.
Some Dutch politicians would like to take this one step further and call for a complete ban on class division in public transport.
The SP (Socialist Party) took this matter to parliament in 2013, arguing that the current first/second class division is outdated and inefficient.
They argued that letting travellers sit wherever they want would be a win-win scenario: travellers would be happier, and Dutch railway companies would be richer. Sounds pretty good!
First-class and second-class train travel in the Netherlands: the debate continues
Giving travellers the option to pay more or less for a ticket depending on how much comfort they want should not be controversial.
After all, we can choose how much we want to spend on a seat in a theatre, concert hall, or sports stadium.
Others may argue that levelling the ticket price would improve the overall quality of the train.
Railway companies charge significantly more for first-class tickets — around 80% on the Rotterdam–Amsterdam route alone — and a loss of that income has to be compensated somehow. And no one wants to lose the opportunity to score on cheap train tickets.
A first-class NS train ticket costs more than half as much as a second-class ticket. Image: Depositphotos
So, like a lot of often-returning discussions, the final stop hasn’t been called on this ride. Maybe the class division is here to stay.
Or perhaps one day… we will see the humble labourer sitting side by side with the stately millionaire — awkwardly avoiding eye contact by staring at their smartphone.
What are your thoughts on the class division in Dutch trains? Tell us in the comments below!
