Netherland+facts

**Religious Beliefs-** Roman Catholicism is the major religion. If you had a business meeting, make sure not to say any Catholic jokes. **Social Customs-** In the Netherlands, people mind their own business. Individual privacy is thought of as a necessity. At your company’s building, do not ask about a person’s private life. **Physical Geography-** The Netherlands has three large, major rivers; the Rhine, the Waal, and the Meuse. The southwestern part of the country is a massive river delta. The two time zones of the Netherlands are Central European Time (CET) and Central European Summer Time (CEST). The effect that this has on business is that imports that are scheduled to arrive at a certain time from a different country must be thoroughly researched in order for the import to arrive on time since the time zones may be different. The major rivers help provide for a rich economy in that they are connected to major cities that may have businesses that base their wealth on the rivers such as the fishing industry. **Communication-** The official language is Dutch, but many people are fluent in English. To say “Hello” in Dutch you simply say “Hello.” To say “Goodbye” you say “Vaarwel.” **Government Laws/Regulations-** Different kinds of laws of the Netherlands include: civil law, criminal law, constitutional law, administrative law, European law, and international law. The European law allows the freedom of movement of people, goods, services, and capital for Netherlands businesses **Workday/Hours Holidays-** Most people in the Netherlands go to work Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-6:00 pm. Some major holidays include: January 1- New Year’s Day, March/April- Easter, April 30- Queen’s Day, May 4- Remembrance of the Dead, December 25- Christmas. During these holidays there are very few businesses that stay open during the day. **Climate/Weather-** The Dutch enjoy cool summers and mild winters. This weather allows businesses to stay open through snowy winters since it is only mild. **Accepted Business Practices-** It is important to be on time for business. You should give at least one or two weeks notice for an appointment. Also, keep business letters formal, businesslike, and grammatically correct. Always tip the coffee or tobacco attendant in the waiting room of a corporate building. When addressing individuals in writing, be sure to use their full and correct title. Do not assume that appointments can be changed on short notice. **Education-** The Netherlands people obtain virtually a 100% literacy rate. More than 20% of adults continue their education beyond the secondary level (high school in the U.S.). The education system teaches foreign language classes well. **Flag/Colors-** The flag of the Netherlands is a horizontal tricolor of red, white, and blue respectively. Orange used to be in place of red, but the orange was unstable and would turn red due to exposure to the sun. As a result, red was made an official color of the flag **Native Foods-** Erwtensoep is a thick, pea soup, full of fresh vegetables, served with smoked sausage, cubes of bacon, pig’s knuckle, and bread. Groentensoep is a clear consommé with vegetables, meatballs, and vermicelli. **Business Attire-** Business attire varies from industry to industry. In the financial industry, men wear dark suits, ties, and white shirts while women dress in dark suits and white blouses. Some industries allow very informal dress. The higher a person’s rank, the more informally he or she can dress in some industries.
 * Interesting Facts of the Netherlands **
 * Family Structure- Netherlands people believe in a strong nuclear family. That is, everyone in the immediate family is passionate towards each other. The mother and father are usually the ones that obtain a job in the workforce and bring home the money. **
 * Political Structure-** The government is made up of a parliamentary democracy. This democracy allows there to be entrepreneurs in the nation.
 * Currency-** The currency of the Netherlands is the Euro. 1 U.S. dollar is equal to about .7488 euros.
 * Imports/Exports-** The Netherlands’ major imports include: machinery, transportation equipment, chemicals, fuels, various food, and clothing while it exports machinery, chemicals, natural gas, processed foods, and horticultural products. Nebraska imports agricultural and forest products, metals, transportation equipment, and machinery. Nebraska exports agricultural products and machinery, energy, machinery, and transportation equipment
 * Standard of Living-** The Dutch have a very high standard of living, which carries into the work environment; people should always be on task and mind their own business.