Usually that is the intention, but Holland is also a region INSIDE the Netherlands.If someone says Holland or the Netherlands referring to countries, they mean the same thing. But for a specific geographic term, it may mean a smaller area. The Netherlands have 12 regions/provinces including North-Holland (Noord-Holland) and South-Holland (Zuid-Holland). Since the capital Amsterdam is in North-Holland many people refer to the Netherlands as Holland. Dutch people dont mind - in fact its used a lot by them. Its just easier.