Some facts about the Netherlands Not only cheese ! Some facts about the Netherlands A short introduction to our country, our province and our city.

Do you know where the Netherlands are located ?

Nr. 21 Indeed, a very small country ! Which number represents the Netherlands ?

So, this is my country. Next question : what is the capital ? B Yes, Amsterdam. But where is Amsterdam ? Is it A, B, C or D ? C It is C. D And now, about my town. Where is Maastricht ? A, B or D ? The correct answer is A. A

And what are the names of our neighbour countries ? Belgium Germany B Germany A Belgium

The Belgians are very popular : they have good food, good beer and are not arrogant….. And as you can see, Maastricht is just 2 km. From the Belgian border.

Thinking about the Netherlands, I see ….. Cheese Windmills Oranje The Queen Tulips Coffeeshops Wooden shoes Water A flat country And ………? ( your own ideas )

Indeed, all these things you can see in our country ……...

Now let’s talk about water Now let’s talk about water. Did you know that nearly half of the Netherlands is below sea-level? The lowest point is near Amsterdam International Airport : - 5 meters !! The blue part on the map is below sea-level. This part is protected by sand-dunes …. and dikes.

B is correct, it is called Vaalserberg. As you can see, it is on the border with Belgium and Germany. So, a greater part is flat. But in the south, where we live, there are hills. We call it the “ mountains” of the Netherlands. These 3 pillars mark the highest point. It is called Drielandenpunt, point where 3 countries meet. The highest point in the Netherlands is : a. 1259 meters b. 322 meters c. 788 meters

Here are some pictures of these hills.

OK, now let’s go to Maastricht, the capital of our province of Limburg Do you know how many inhabitants Maastricht does have ? 229.000 b. 168.000 c. 122.000 Answer = C

This is the flag of our province , ….. The heraldic figure of Maastricht ….. the flag of Maastricht, …

Maastricht is the southernmost city of the Netherlands : it already existed in the Roman times, and has a lot of monuments .

The word Maas in Maastricht is : a river , a mountain or a person? Maastricht means : place where you can cross the river Maas. It already existed in Roman times. Its history went on through the Middle Ages, with Charles the Great , French occupation in the 17 century until modern times with the treaty of Maastricht.

In and near Maastricht there are also underground galleries from the 17th century ….. ….. and caves.

The Provinciehuis, the place where the famous treaty of Maastricht was signed in …………? 1991 ! 1994 1991 1998 Opposite the City Centre, the quarter of Wijck.

In the evening….. Maastricht is good for relaxing !

As you can see…..

Once a year Maastricht and the whole province change into a dancing, partying community : Carnaval !

Now, finally, something about our school Now, finally, something about our school. What is the name of our school ? Maastricht College College Simple Mind Porta Mosana College What is the age of the students ? between 6 and 16 years. between 12 and 18 years. between 10 and 16 years. This is the logo of our school. Porta is Latin for gate : it opens the gate to the future. Mosana means : from the river Maas.

THANK YOU Now you know something about my country, my city and my school. Of course this is just a little bit. There are a lot of websites that you can visit if you want to learn more. The website of my school : www.portamosana.nl