Hello Holland!

4 | People & Society People & Society | 5
People of different rank and social status, to the extent that they
exist in the Netherlands, happily live side by side. In the past, we
all had to pull together to keep our polders and our feet dry, and
we continue to pull together now. If money needs to be collected
after a natural disaster somewhere in the world. If the Dutch
football team needs our support. Or if we can help reduce global
warming a little by using low-energy light bulbs or separating our
waste. Dutch society is caring, with a strong sense of solidarity,
all kinds of schemes to help people on low incomes, a first-class
healthcare system, and clubs and associations with very active
memberships.
A frank and open people
Everybody’s equal, even the royal family
Prevention and information
Our welfare state promises all Dutch citizens a decent life. And
Dutch health care is among the best in Europe. We want to keep it
that way, too, even as the demand for care inevitably rises due to
demographic ageing. This will cost a lot of money, and the Netherlands
is already a big spender on health care. That is why we
are letting the market do its job, and why more attention is being
focused on prevention and information.
Regulation
At the same time, the Dutch do what they like. We set great store
by freedom and tolerance, so we are more willing to accept things
that are controversial or even prohibited in other countries. Like
legalised prostitution and sales of soft drugs. Provided they are
strictly regulated, that is, because we do like to have things properly
under control.
Photo: WFA