Facts about Holland

As I am still here in Holland I thought I'd find and share some interesting facts about Holland that you may or may not already know based on findings from various websites (so don't blame me if it's not 100% accurate)...

1. The population of Holland is around 16 million

2. There are twice as many bikes as there are cars in Holland - and be warned if you're driving in Holland as the cyclists have the right of way - always! Be prepared for them to ride straight across your path and if you hit one you're in real trouble.

3. Around half of the Netherlands lies below sea level.

This figure varies a lot amongst websites, some claiming a quarter, others a third, others over 50% but I ended up trusting the National Geographic website on the following page...

http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/08/0829_wiredutch.html

4. Dutch men are the tallest in the world at an average of 6 feet.

Interestingly in the nineteenth century the Netherlands was renowned for having the shortest men in Europe, with an average height of just 5'4" in 1850.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_height

So, why?

One suggestion is due to the threat of Holland falling underwater and the need to keep one's head above water.

Another is down to the clogs they wear adding an extra 3 inches to their appearance.

But really...

Most likely it's down to the nation's health and wealth. Dutch people thrive on a protein-rich diet (they can't get enough cheese, milk and bread) and they have a national health service that ensures healthy development of their growing kids.

A regular visit to Scherpenzeel, Holland

I am in Holland at the moment, which is a regular thing for me as Heuga Home Flooring is based in Scherpenzeel in the Netherlands and the rest of the Marketing team are based out here so I tend to come over every other week to keep up to date.

This is the true home of the first carpet tile which was originally made over 50 years ago just around the corner from where I am writing.

It is 10.30pm Dutch time, I am in my hotel room as I write and I am not alone... I have the whining buzz of a mosquito in the room with me and I think I need to try and find it before falling asleep!

This is a picture of our Heuga showroom in Holland where I will spend most of the next 2 days. In here we have a big conference table at the other end of the room and we have meetings and catch-ups in here.

Our design student changes the floor design from time to time. At the moment this floor is a combination of half and quarter tiles of Simply Soft with the main floor in FunkyFeet.