why do we call Netherlands Holland sometimes?

Answer 1

Holland is a region in the central-western part of the Netherlands. Holland is a former county of the Holy Roman Empire, ruled by the Count of Holland, and later the leading member of the Republic of the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands (Republiek der Zeven Verenigde Nederlanden, 1581–1795).


North Holland and South Holland lie along the western coast of the Netherlands.The area is today divided between two provinces of the Netherlands: North Holland (Noord-Holland) and South Holland (Zuid-Holland) that were created in 1840, and make up roughly 13% of the area of the Netherlands. A few regions that were historically Hollandic became part of other provinces as a result of reforms during the French occupation (1795-1813): Willemstad and surroundings, Biesbosch and the Land van Altena became part of North Brabant. In 1940, after the German occupation of the Netherlands, the islands of Vlieland and Terschelling went to Friesland. This was not changed back after World War II. In 1950, the island of Urk went to Overijssel (in 1986 to Flevoland). More recent territorial changes are the transfer of Oudewater, Woerden and Vianen from South Holland to the province of Utrecht, in 1970, 1989 and 2002 respectively.

Etymologically the word Holland is derived holt land ("wooded land"). A popular, but incorrect, fake etymology holds that it is derived from hol land ("hollow land"), inspired by the low-lying geography of both the Dutch and the English region (Holland, Lincolnshire).

The province of Holland was the cultural, political and economic center of the United Provinces. The greatest cities of the provinces were located within the province of Holland such as Amsterdam (capital of The Netherlands), Rotterdam, Leiden, Alkmaar, the Hague (the seat of government), Delft and Haarlem (capital of Noord-Holland). Today, together with Utrecht, this group of cities form what is called Randstad Holland. From the great port cities of Holland, Dutch merchants sailed to and from destinations all over Europe, and merchants from all over Europe gathered to trade in the warehouses of Amsterdam and other trading cities of Holland. As a result, many Europeans heard of the United Provinces first as "Holland" rather than "Republic of the Seven United Provinces of the Netherlands". This tradition continues to this day.

However, from 1806-1810, there did exist the Napoleonic Kingdom of Holland, which included much of the modern Netherlands.

Answer 2

This is because during the so called golden period of the Netherlands the two "Holland" provinces were the economic power houses of the country...North Holland (Amsterdam) and South Holland (The Hague and Rotterdam). The rest of the country was farmland and regarded as pretty backward.

Still today, these two provinces are economically the most important.

Answer 3

Holland is a region in the Netherlands. Historically, this had all the power, so it stuck.

Though, if someone could explain to me how either words give the word Dutch !?! i would be very grateful!

Answer 4

May be because Holland (North and South) is the most visited Province.

Answer 5

the country is called netherland but the lower region of the country is called holland. thank you! thank you very much!!!

Answer 6

So, many good answers.

To sarahlouu. Dutch is from Diets, the pre-language in that part of Europe. From Diets German and Dutch evolved.

Answer 7

it good question, but I cannot response, it little bit a choquing cause !!

Answer 8

Because they like it when we do that.