The Netherlands or Holland – What’s the Difference?

Many people use Holland and The Netherlands as if they mean the same thing—but they’re not quite the same.

The Netherlands is the official name of the country located in northwestern Europe. It consists of 12 provinces, including North Holland (Noord-Holland) and South Holland (Zuid-Holland). These two provinces are the most densely populated and home to major cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

Holland, on the other hand, refers only to those two provinces: North and South Holland. Because these areas have been historically important for trade, government, and culture, the name "Holland" became commonly used—especially by foreigners—to refer to the entire country.

Map of the Netherlands including provinces and major cities

So, while it’s not wrong to say Holland, it’s a bit like calling the entire United States "California." It’s technically incorrect, but people might know what you mean.

For official or formal use, and to be accurate, it's always best to say The Netherlands—a name that literally means “low lands.” And that’s no coincidence: about a third of the country lies below sea level. The Dutch have become world-renowned for their water management skills, building dikes, canals, and pumps to keep their land dry for centuries.