Netherlands

by Seward, Pat; Arora Lal, Sunandini

• ISBN13: 9780761420521
• ISBN10: 0761420525
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-07-30
• Publisher: Benchmark Books

Summary

Diversity is the spice of life, and the highly regarded Cultures of the World series celebrates just that in fully updated, and expanded editions. As has always been true of these outstanding titles, an abundance of vibrant photographs -- including those new to this edition -- stimulate the imaginations of young readers as they travel the globe. A new chapter on the environment focuses on politics and economics as well as on endangered species and the effects of industrialization. Additional authentic recipes add general interest while new maps offer further, easy-to-find facts in "About the Geography, " "About the Culture" and "About the Economy" sections.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 5
Geography	p. 7
Different regions
Reclaiming the land
The Delta Project
Climate
Flora and fauna
Towns and settlements
History	p. 19
Foreign invasions
The Middle Ages
Dutch revolt
The Golden Age
Continuing wars
French Revolution and after
World wars and German occupation
End of empire
The Netherlands today
The European Union
Government	p. 31
Parliament
The executive
The monarchy
Attitudes toward royalty
Other institutions
Checks and balances
Provincial government
Municipalities and regional authorities
Water control boards
The courts
Economy	p. 39
Trade
Transportation
Technology and manufacturing
Energy
Agriculture
Flowershop of the world
Fishing
Environment	p. 49
Ecosystems
Wildlife
Cleaning the air
Green energy
Public efforts
Environmental issues in the Netherlands Antilles
Dutch	p. 57
Population growth and migration
Who are the Dutch?
The Dutch character
Costumes and characteristics
Chintz and stripes
Famous people
Lifestyle	p. 67
Standards of living
Home is where the heart is
Women
Learning the basics
Secondary schools
Caring for the sick
Providing for retirement
Getting around
Public transportation
Religion	p. 79
Arrival of Christianity
Protestants
Catholics and tolerance
Jansenists and Old Catholics
Other religions
The pillarization of society
Post-war change
Language	p. 87
Influence on English
Pronunciation
Dialects and other languages
Radio and television
Freedom of speech
Forms of address
Learning a little Dutch
Arts	p. 95
Support for the arts
Masters of the Golden Age
Van Gogh and modern artists
Theater and cinema
Music and dance
Barrel organs and carillons
Stylish urban architecture
Dutch furniture
Leisure	p. 105
Rest and relax
National sports
Skating
Local sports
Vacations abroad
Vacations at home
Festivals	p. 113
The Queen's birthday
Remembrance and liberation
Carnival in the south
Easter
Christmas and New Year
Cultural festivals and floral parades
Food	p. 121
Vegetables, meat, and fish
Eating habits
The main meal of the day
Specialties
Drinks
Seasonal foods
Regional foods
Eating out and fast food
A taste of the East
Map of the Netherlands	p. 132
About the Economy	p. 135
About the Culture	p. 137
Time Line	p. 138
Glossary	p. 140
Further Information	p. 141
Bibliography	p. 142
Index	p. 142
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