Philippines, Netherlands

[AirbusA321]

Do I always have to use "the" before "Netherlands" and "Philippines"?

F.ex. in sentences like:
Flying back to the Netherlands from the Philippines is always an exhausting experience.
or
Which place do you like more, the Philippines or the Netherlands?

I could imagine that sometimes "the" is not necessary.

 

[Rover_KE]

Click here. 'Netherlands' is often used attributively; 'Philippines' not so much.

 

[GoesStation]

It would be unusual to use "Netherlands" attributively in American English.

 

[Roman55]

I don't like it used like that in BrE either but you do come across it, especially in sports journalism.