Geography
Located in Western Europe,
bordered by Germany to the East, and
Belgium to the South.
· Total land area is 33 889 km²
· One of the highest population densities
in the world
· Lowest point at Prins Alexanderpolder,
at -7m below sea level
· Highest point is Vaalserberg, at
321m above sea level.
Map of The Hague
Climate
A temperate maritime
climate:
· winter daytime 0 - 10°c
· winter nighttime often below freezing
· summer daytime generally between
20 - 30°c.
· summer nights tend to fall in the
10 - 20° range.
Rainfall throughout the year is evenly
distributed, often as a light, persistent
drizzle.
From March to May, the rain tends
to fall in short, sharp bursts. The
summer months can be quite humid,
particularly in the warmest months
of June to September. Sunshine is
prevalent throughout May to August.
History
The Netherlands has a fascinating history and was once a dominant economic power in Europe. This tiny country has produced great thinkers, explorers, artists and scientists.
Origins of the nation
The Netherlands of today has its roots in the late 16th century. Through a long process of strategic marriages and political manoeuvring, the provinces that we know as the Netherlands became possessions of the Holy Roman Empire and eventually of Phillip II of Spain. These provinces enjoyed a degree of autonomy before the authoritarian and centralised rule of the new Catholic overlord. After a series of rebellions in the late 16th century, the seven northern provinces succeeded in breaking away from Spanish rule and formed the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands . Although called a republic, they were in fact ruled by the princes of the House of Orange, the ancestors of the present royal family of the Netherlands.
The Golden Age
The period during the 17th and early 18th centuries known as the Golden Age, was a period when The Netherlands dominated the world in trade, science, and the arts. Well-built Dutch ships sailed the seas, bringing wealth from colonies in the East Indies and Africa and extending Dutch influence around the world. Trade produced a wealthy middle class of merchants who built the tall gabled houses now so typical of Dutch cities, and produced a society that was affluent and orderly at a time when much of Europe was desperately poor. The arts and sciences flourished. Artists such as Rembrandt, Hals, and Vermeer left a legacy of great paintings while Dutch scientists were responsible for many enduring inventions including the microscope and the Mercator Projection, (the style of map in which the globe is depicted on a flat surface).
The Dutch demonstrated a level of tolerance to other nationalities and religions that was unprecedented in Europe at the time. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in France found refuge in the Netherlands, working in the textile industry. Similarly, English pilgrims lived in Leiden for 12 years before setting out for America. Although the Netherlands was by this time a Protestant nation, Jews and Catholics were allowed to practice their own religions.
Dutch influence waned in the late 18th century and the Netherlands fell under control of the Napoleon until his eventual defeat.
World War II
During WWII the German army occupied The Netherlands. Despite initial protests from Dutch leaders and academics, the Jewish population was ruthlessly hunted down. The civilian population suffered much hardship during the war. There are still bunkers in the North Sea dunes with battlefields in the west and many individual tales of tragedy and heroism.
May 4th is commemorated each year with solemn wreath laying ceremonies and two minutes of silence at 20:00 for those killed in war. Please respect this should you be here at the time. Every five years marks Liberation Day, 5th May 1945 is also celebrated as an official holiday, usually accompanied by displays and local events. Here in The Hague area, Scheveningen Prison, Clingendael Park, Bezuidenhout, and even south Wassenaar have wartime stories to tell.
Introduction to The Hague
Count Floris IV of Holland purchased land alongside a pond at the beginning of the 13 th century to build a hunting lodge. This dune land is now the centre of The Hague. The pond, known as the Hofvijver (Court's Pond) still exists today and is located next to the Binnenhof. The house and its surrounding area was called Haga which means 'land surrounded by hedges.' Centuries later Haga became 's-Gravenhage , ( graven is Dutch for counts).
In 1256 Count Floris V built a palace in the area. From that moment on, the number of inhabitants grew and Haga became a village. This palace and its surroundings is the Binnenhof, or inner court, and is a collection of buildings that has been the location of the Dutch Parliament since 1446. Within this collection of buildings is the Ridderzaal (Knight's Hall), where the Queen holds her annual speech.
In the 17th century, after the liberation from the Spanish, many of the original buildings were replaced with palaces and buildings for the new protestant leader, the Prince of Oranje. One of these palaces is the Mauritshuis (House of Maurits, now a museum). The Hague remained a village until the days of Napoleon. Napoleon made his brother Lodewijk the first King of the Netherlands. Holland had, until then, been a Republic, governed by the cities. In 1806, Lodewijk finally gave The Hague city rights.
Interesting Facts
• Storks live in the city of The Hague and are represented on the city's coat of arms and are the logo of the municipality. In the Middle Agesstorks were encouraged to remain in the area to remove fish scraps from the markets. The large birds nested on the buildings around the Binnenhof and in the area of the Groenmarkt and were seen as bringers of luck and prosperity.
• In 1456 the Thirty Knights of the Mighty Order of the Gulden Vlies (Golden Fleece) came to The Hague for their first meeting. They came in full armour, some arriving on horseback and many on foot. The Knights had their meeting in the Hall of Knights, or Ridderzaal , and at the Grote Kerk (Big Church) where you can still see the remnants of their weaponry.
• There has always been a focus on protecting woodland areas and parks in The Hague. In the early Middle Ages the Counts of Holland used the land for hunting and from the 14th century onwards, forest wardens and citizens alike have protected the forest areas. This was supported by the 1576 act of Redemption, with a law banning the felling or selling of trees.
Would you like to know more?
• The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age by Simon Schama: A very readable book about the life and culture of the times.
• The Mauritshuis (Korte Vijverberg 8, The Hague) houses famous masterpieces from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Steen and Hals and others from the Dutch Golden Age.
• The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom, her story of protecting Jews from the Nazi invaders. Visit her house in Haarlem (about 45 minutes drive from the Hague) and the church of St Bavo, and imagine the military trucks rumbling through the square.
• Arnhem Region - Operation Market Garden, The National War and Resistance Museum in Overloon, the Hartenstein Airborne Museum, and the Museum of the 1944 liberation in Groesbeek.
Courses on Dutch History and Culture are available in English from some of the Universities. Details can be obtained from the Nuffic Institute at www.nuffic.nl
An ‘Understanding the Dutch’
course offered by the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam is
also available to interested expatriates.
Language
The official language is Dutch. The
Dutch are excellent linguists. English,
German and French are widely understood
and spoken.
Why do we call it “Dutch”
in English? The word originates from
the old Dutch word Duits -“from
the people” and prior to the
19th century the people of The Netherlands
(Nederland) referred to their language
as Nederduits. Today however Duits
refers to German and the language
of the Netherlands is called Nederlands.
If you would like to have a list of
Dutch teachers or Institutes, please
contact Outpost The Hague on Tel:
+31 (0)70 377 6530 or outpost@shell.com
Religion
Dutch culture has been shaped by
the strict Calvinist principals of
the past. However, Dutch society today
is largely secular. Whatever your
religion, you will be free to practice
as you choose.
Places of Worship in The Hague
area
Anglican
Church of St. John and St. Philip of The Hague
Ary van der Spuyweg 1, The Hague (near the Peace Palace)
070 355 5359
churchoffice@stjohn-stphilip.org
www.stjohn-stphilip.org
Church of St. James
BSN Senior School, Voorschoten
Church office 071 561 1528 office@stjames.nl
www.stjames.nl
St. Mary's Anglican/ Episcopal Church in Rotterdam
Pieter de Hoochweg 133
Rotterdam
010 476 4043
Baha`'i
The Baha`'i Faith National Center
Riouwstraat 27
The Hague
070 517 8024
Baptist
Trinity International Church
Gruttolaan 21-23
Leidschendam
070 517 8024
office@trinitychurch.nl
www.trinitychurch.nl
Buddhist
Buddhist Group Den Haag
De Ruimte Witte de Withstraat 25/27
The Hague
070-348 8071 denhaag@diamantweg-boeddhisme.nl
www.diamantweg-boeddhisme.nl/centra_adressen.html#denhaag
Tradition: Tibetan, Diamond Way
Buddhist Institute
499 Mient
The Hague
International Zen Institute
Tymtuin 8
Leiderdorp
071 582 0939
Jishin@wxs.nl
Affilliation: World Fellowship of Buddhists
Ching Chueh Buddhist Association Netherlands
Soestdijksekade 960
The Hague
070 330 0235
info@ekayana.org
www.ekayana.org
Tradition: Chinese Mahayana
Hague Kagyu Practice Group
Louise Henriëttestraat 24
The Hague
070 347 3828
kagyuhaag@diamantweg-boeddhisme.nl
Tradition: Tibetan, Karma Kagyu (Diamond Way)
Kanzeon Zen Centrum Den Haag
Frankenslag 342
The Hague
070 350 4601
kanzeon@worldmail.nl
www.kanzeon.nl/
Tradition: Zen
Stichting Sakya Thegchen Ling
Boeddhistisch Dharma Centrum
Tibetaans Boeddhistisch Instituut
Laan Van Meerdervoort 200A
The Hague
070 360 6649
Christian Scientist
First Church of Christ Scientist
Andries Bickerweg 1B
The Hague
070 3636652
Crossroads International Church
International and Interdenominational community
Meeting at The British School of the Netherlands - Junior School
Vlaskamp 19
The Hague
Church office 070 322 2485
www.crossroadschurch.nl
Interdominational Pentecostal church
Green Park Hotel (Golden Tulip) Leidsenhage Shopping Complex
Leidschendam
06 1292 9578
shepherdplace@priest.com
Hindu
Shri Ram Mandir (Mr Ramdhani)
Mijtenstraat 183
The Hague
Temple 070 389 5093
Home 070 389 9823
Jewish
Liberal Jewish Congregation
Community Hall: Prinsessegracht 26
Synagogue: Jan Evertstraat 7
The Hague
070 365 6893
www.ljgdenhaag.nl
Rabbi: A.S. Soetendorp
Orthodox Jewish Synagogue
Cornelius Houtmanstraat 11
2593 RD The Hague
070 347 3201
Scheveningen Synagogue,
Doorniksestraat 152
2587 AZ Scheveningen
070 358 6363
Rabbi: S. Katzman
Mormon
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Brahmslaan 2
2234 Leiden
071 572 0352
Muslim
Muslim Information Center
Beeklaan 207
The Hague
070 361 4463
Al-Hikmah Mosque
Heeswijkplein 170-171
The Hague (close to Rijswijk office)
Mobarak Moskee
Oostduinlaan 79
The Hague (near Shell Headquarters Central Office)
070 324 5902
Protestant
American Protestant Church of The Hague
Esther de Boer - van Rijklaan 20
The Hague
070 324 4490 info@americanprotestantchurch.org
www.APCH.nl
Roman Catholic
Church of Our Saviour
Parish House: Ruychrocklaan 126
The Hague
070 328 0816
info@parish.nl
www.parish.nl
Weekend masses at the Church of Our Lord of Good Counsel
Bezuidenhoutseweg 157
The Hague
Russian Orthodox Church
1 e Sweelinckstraat 54
The Hague
070 365 3497
Culture
The
750 year- old city of The Hague is
the third largest city of The Netherlands.
Home to Queen Beatrix, The Hague is
known as the royal city. With the
presence of the Houses of Parliament
and the several Ministries, it is
also known as the political and administrative
capital of The Netherlands. Many international
companies are based here. In recent
years, The Hague has developed a reputation
as an International City of Peace
and Justice and is the fourth UN city
in the world, thanks to the establishment
of the International Court of Justice,
the Yugoslavia and Rwanda Tribunals
and the International Court. A permanent
peace flame symbolizes the peaceful
character of the city.
The Hague is a multicultural city
with almost a half million people.
The Hague is the place to be for people
who love shopping. All the major department
stores are located in the city centre.
You can also saunter in the small
shopping malls, streets, or at the
historical squares. Many boutiques
and clothing shops can be found here.
The Hague is also known for its variety
of antique shops and art galleries.
In town you will also find nice restaurants
and grand cafés. The Dutch
in general enjoy many types of cuisines
such as Indonesian, French, Dutch,
Italian and Arab. Chinese cuisine
is also popular here.
There is always something going on
in The Hague to suit everybody, young
and old, from clubs to sports to city
events. The many events create a pleasant
festival atmosphere in The Hague.
Parkpop for example, the largest free
pop festival of Europe, or the
Pasar Malam Besar, the biggest Eurasian festival in the world. The real sports fanatics participate
of course in the City-Pier-City Loop,
the international half marathon of
The Hague. For updated information
on what’s on in the city check
the local council website www.denhaag.com.
The Hague is also a city of museums.
Many well -known museums are located
in this city, with an international
arts collection, like the Mauritshuis.
This museum has many paintings of
Rembrandt, Vermeer, Jan Steen, Frans
Hals and Paulus Potter. The Panorama
Mesdag is one of the largest panorama
paintings of the world, which portraits
Scheveningen as it was in 1881. The
Gemeentemuseum owes its reputation
to paintings of Piet Mondriaan, like
the Victory Boogie Woogie, paintings
by Picasso and the British painter
Francis Bacon.
The Hague has two beautiful seaside resorts! Scheveningen and Kijkduin are both very attractive beach areas.
Scheveningen, the most famous beach
resort in The Netherlands, is not
very far from the city centre of The
Hague. Other than the beach, there
are fine restaurants and one can also
enjoy walking on the Palace Promenade.
The shops are open the whole year
through. In the heart of Scheveningen
is the modern Holland Casino, the
beautiful Steigenberger Kurhaus Hotel
and the Fortis Circus Theatre.
Kijkduin, the wonderful, quiet seaside resort Kijkduin is well worth visiting! A romantic walk on the beach, followed by a nice meal in one of the small restaurants on the boulevard .
Cultural
Sensitivities - Do's and Don'ts
· Do be punctual
- whether it is an appointment at
the dentist or an invitation to a
friend's house
· Do not drop in unannounced to visit
your Dutch friends. Make an appointment
to visit first.
· Do shake hands when meeting someone
new or when visiting someone in an
official capacity - such as your doctor
or dentist. It is also quite usual
to shake hands again as you leave.
On social occasions, three kisses
instead of a handshake is normal.
· Do take notice of the Dutch style
of dress. The Dutch will dress informally
for most occasions, but this is done
with a sense of style. Casual does
not mean sloppy.
· Do offer coffee! Serve proper brewed
coffee, not instant and not decaffeinated.
Have plenty of milk (or better yet
Dutch "koffiemelk") and
sugar on hand too.
· Do adapt to the dog loving culture.
Understanding The Dutch - Intercultural Training Programme
This course is organised by the Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam. For more information: www.kit.nl
If applicable, Shell will reimburse the cost for this 2-day group programme, but the individual should pay it first by using his/her company credit card.
Size
and Makeup of the Expatriate Community Due to the number
of large, multinational companies
located in the Netherlands, there
is a high proportion of expatriates
and foreigners within the population
in The Hague. This is reflected in
part by the number of services geared
toward the English speaking expatriate
community. Organisations such as Access,
Expatica and Roundabout all provide
similar services.
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