Dutch people

The Dutch are a Germanic people living in the Netherlands primarily descending from Franks and Saxons from Lower Saxony, who lived in the Netherlands during the 5th century.

Culture

Contribution to humanity

Since the late 16th century the Dutch people have become heavily involved in world trade and have contributed heavily to it and to the emergence of capitalism. The Dutch also contributed to shipbuilding. Dutch influence has been dominant on the terrain of dike construction and water management. A large part of the world's polders is located in the Netherlands.

Related Topics:
Trade - Capitalism - Shipbuilding - Dike - Polder

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For a more complete list of famous Dutch people see List of Dutch people.

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Language

Almost all ethnically Dutch people speak the Dutch language, except for some elderly people who still can only speak their own dialect. The Dutch language is a West Germanic, Low Franconian language. The language originated in the Middle Ages, was standardized in the 16th century and has many Frankish and some Saxon influences.

Related Topics:
West Germanic - Low Franconian language

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As the Netherlands have colonized Suriname in the 17th century, the language is also spoken there. Most people in Flanders speak Dutch as well.

Related Topics:
Suriname - Flanders

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Religion

Secularization is high in the Netherlands: A plurality of Dutch people (41% of the Dutch people) does not belong to any denomination. Those belonging to a denomination are mainly Christians. 30% of the Dutch people are Roman Catholic and 13% are Protestant. Currently, approximately 10% is Muslim.

Related Topics:
Secularization - Christians - Roman Catholic - Protestant - Muslim

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Symbols

The Dutch flag consists of three horizontal bands coloured red (top), a white and a blue. The flag originated in the late 16th century. The red band which originally was orange represents the house of Orange-Nassau, which has ruled the Netherlands since William of Orange made the Netherlands independent from Spain. The colour blue also symbolises the house of Orange-Nassau. The origin of the white band is not certain.

Related Topics:
Dutch flag - Orange-Nassau - William of Orange

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