The Netherlands have a gay community, and we are quit tolerant (most of the time). But that's not where this page is about.

Holland (and Zeeland, Friesland, Groningen, Flevoland, Utrecht and parts of Gelderland) is located below sea level. Without the dikes, 12 out of the present 16 million inhabitants would be living in a giant lake instead of in comfortable homes.

That's why we build dikes. And we rebuild them; construct better ones and design canals, wetlands and removable constructions to keep the water out.

In time we will give you more information. For now we will just mention the fact that the Netherlands' lowlands are really flat & that this would show if the dikes wouldn't block your view. But remember: if your view wasn't blocked you would need scuba equipment to look around.