16 country comparison

Throughout my life, I’ve only lived in 2 places, which are Belgium and the Netherlands. Many people think the Netherlands and Belgium are very similar, but having lived in both places, I know the differences. I am from the Netherlands, but I have lived longer in Belgium.

The first thing I have noticed were the people, believe it or not, people from Belgium and the Netherlands are very different. From my experience, I have noticed that dutch people are far more open, social, and positive, but also more aggressive. When you walk through Holland, people always wave at you, or smile at you, or try to start a conversation, I think this is quite a positive thing to have as a country. Holland itself is quite a happy and joyful country. But I have also noticed, behind that layer of positivity and socialism, there is also quite a lot of aggression. I once tried to grab a food product in the store, but a man thought I was standing to close, so he started lashing out at me. I have many examples of people getting quite aggressive, but 1 example proves my point.

Now, I have noticed in Belgium that people are very distant, not very social or talkative, and tend to not even smile at you when you’re walking by, but instead just stare at you. I have also had moments were much unnecessary aggression is used. Whenever I bike and someone is biking towards me, instead of smiling a little, they will either totally ignore you, or stare into your eyes wanting to show they’re tough or something. I think on this subject Holland does it better. I once was biking on quite a thin path, there were no bike paths, so I was next to the cars, but a step higher. Then I accidentally slipped of that footpath with my bike and almost hit the car. The person in the car started shouting at me without considering to see if I was hurt in any way. I do not think all Belgian people are this way, very distant and non talkative, but I have many examples that prove my statement is close to right.

Now, I also see a difference in bike paths. Holland is known for the many bikers, there are 23 million bikes that are being used in Holland, which is more than the population. So Holland has made sure there are bike paths everywhere. Anywhere you go, you see bike paths, they are everywhere, and they are. very wide and safe. In Amsterdam it is quite easy to get around with bike because there are bike paths everywhere, Antwerp only has a few. Belgium has a lot less bike paths and it can be quite unsafe in many spots.

There is also differences in the law that includes legal drug use. In Belgium it is socially allowed and tolerated to have weed, but it’s illegal to buy it. In Holland, you can go to any coffee shop and buy weed. I think Belgium has a better system, although it doesn’t make sense that you can own it but not buy it.

There is also a difference in roads. As soon as you cross the borders you notice a difference. I think Holland has better roads, they take care of them more. Don’t get me wrong, Belgium has nice roads, but in Holland they are cleaner and smoother. Belgian roads do not bother me though, even though Dutch roads are a little better, Belgian roads are still quite good.