The country's correct name is the Netherlands, but many English speakers call the country Holland.
In reality Holland does exist, there is North Holland and South Holland, but these are parts of the Netherlands - like a state or county.
Netherlands
Holland? Or the Netherlands? And what’s the difference between the two? The Netherlands is often referred to as Holland. Nevertheless, the official name of the country is the (Kingdom of the) Netherlands. The Netherlands consists out of twelve provinces. Two of them, North and South Holland, are the two provinces that together make Holland. Due to the maritime and economic power of these provinces in the 17th century, the Netherlands became known worldwide as Holland. To make matters even more confusing the inhabitants of the Netherlands are called Dutch.
Internationally, ‘Holland’ is often used to indicate the Netherlands. Holland is also the brand that is used to promote business and leisure trips to the Netherlands. We have chosen Holland as brand name because Holland is internationally well-known, popular and an accessible name for our country. Furthermore Holland stands for all our country’s positive elements, the elements that attract foreign leisure and business travellers. Holland also sounds more hospitable than the rather official ‘the Netherlands’.
The name of the country you refer to is called The Netherlands, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Someone from The Netherlands is Dutch and they will most likely speak Dutch (these days they will probably speak English too, but the official language is Dutch).
All Dutch export is labeled : " Made in Holland. "
That probably contributes to the confusion.
Both names are used in the same amounts by travellers.
Both the same really, strange little country but friendly people
