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Netherlands Travel GuideINTRODUCTION Netherlands, offers numerous sightseeing options for tourists in this very flat-terrained nation--and not all of them revolve around the quintessential dykes, tulips and windmills. The Netherlands is full of charming canals, beautiful history, and fabulous museums. The name "Holland" is often used interchangeably with "Netherlands". Holland also refers to a specific region of western Netherlands, as well as the nation as a whole, although there can be a great deal of confusion in this matter. More than likely, however, natives will understand that you are trying to say with the use of either name. Amsterdam, like the rest of the country, is very socially liberal. Many activities which are illegal in the United States are legal or ignored in Amsterdam, such as prostitution and the possession/consumption of marijuana and "shrooms" which are purchased in specified head shops. The prostitution is typically centered around a red light district, so unless you are willing to pass through the racier areas, stick to you maps and steer clear. Twenty percent of the land lies below sea level, where a fifth of the population of the nation lives. The lowland geography of the land earned the region of Benelux the name The Low Countries. The Hague is the seat of the government in the Netherlands and the International Court of Justice. Groningen is one of the country's largest cities, which offers breathtaking views of the countryside. ATTRACTIONS The Anne Frank Musueum commemorates the life of the famous author and Holocaust victim in the very annex in which she was confined. Check it out: http://www.annefrank.org/ Check out the art and history of everyone's favorite one-eared painter at the Van Gogh Museum. For those of you with a taste for oddities, check out Amsterdam's Museum of Torture. Amsterdam is famous for its nightlife and cafes, and has a plethora of shows and music to offer. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Capital: Amsterdam Climate: Pack a sweater because Holland is usually a cool country that boasts cool summers and mild winters. If you're looking for an easy time communicating with locals during your trip to Europe, you are looking in the right place in the Netherlands. A very large portion of the population speaks English. Currency: Euro Languages: Dutch and English. Power: 230 V, 50 Hz Time Zone: DST +0200 UTC ATTRACTIONS LODGING 
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