Each of the provinces in the Netherlands is led by its own government and has a separate flag and coat of arms. The official language is Dutch, but English is widely spoken in all of the country's 12 provinces of North Holland, Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, Fleoland, Utrecht, South Holland, Gelderland, Zeeland, North Brabant and Limburg. Sometimes referred to as Holland, the Netherlands offers a variety of museums, theater and art opportunities for visitors. Highlights include the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rembrandt House Museum and Hermitage, a museum housed in a building from the 17th century. For visitors who travel to the Netherlands in the spring, one of the country's best known attractions are tulips. Near Lisse, more than seven million flowers and tulips can be seen in full bloom.
Ireland is divided into four provinces--Ulster, Connaught, Leinster and Munster. Each has its own landscape and landmarks for visitors to enjoy. English and Gaelic are the official languages of Ireland, and major road signs are in both languages. On the west side of Ireland is Connaught, offering coastal views and a variety of islands and bays to discover. Ulster is in northern Ireland and surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean. Munster offers lush scenery and views as visitors drive along winding roads through the countryside. It is also known for its archaeological discoveries. The last of the provinces, Leinster, is known for its historical significance. More than half of Ireland also lives in this one province.
Belgium, a small country between the Netherlands and France, has three regions. Two of the country's regions, the Flanders and Wallonia regions, are divided into five provinces each. The Brussels-Capital region is not separated into provinces. Although the official languages in Belgium are Dutch and French, English is spoken throughout much of the country.
The Flanders region is in northern Belgium. The region is flat and features canals, sandy beaches and cities once popular during medieval times. The provinces are Antwerp, Limburg, Flemish Brabant, East Flanders and West Flanders. Wallonia is in the more mountainous southern portion of the country. Visitors will find castles, museums, art and other historical landmarks. Its provinces are Hainaut, Walloon Brabant, Namur, Liege and Luxembourg.
