Holland is very much a European culture with a multicultural, multilingual and sophisticated populace. The history of Holland is similar to that of other European nations with the usual raft of dynasties and kingdoms raised and toppled. Consequently the Netherlands has borders that have changed over the centuries and a royal family that has remained constant since the early 1800s. The governing royalty of the Netherlands are the House of Orange-Nassau. The Netherlands is ruled by the King of this House who is currently Queen Beatrix. In addition to the royal palace there are many other castles throughout Holland and many still house members of the royal family or other titled members of Dutch society.
The population of Holland is diverse and reflects the universal trend toward multicultural communities although the Dutch continue to retain a strong cultural identity. While windmills and cheese are the historic symbols of Dutch culture, today perhaps Heineken and The Hague have taken over as representations of Holland on the world stage. Although Dutch is the official language of Holland it is common for the Dutch to be fluent in French, English and or German as well. These amazing linguists seem to have an innate ability to communicate.
Family is at the heart of every aspect of Dutch culture. Children are active participants in family life and rarely excluded from activities. Dutch people consider themselves to be disciplined, clean and of high ideals and values. These traits are reflected in everything the Dutch do day to day and during events, festivals and celebrations.
