The national flag of the Netherlands (Dutch: Vlag van Nederland), often referred to as the "Dutch Tricolor," consists of three horizontal stripes of equal size, with the colors red on the top, white in the middle, and blue on the bottom. This simple and iconic design dates back to the 16th century and carries profound symbolism. The red stripe symbolizes valor and bravery, the white represents peace and purity, and the blue stands for vigilance and justice. Additionally, the Dutch Tricolor is associated with the country's historical struggle for independence from Spanish rule, making it a symbol of national identity and the Dutch people's enduring spirit of liberty. For this reason, the colors are also known as "freedom colors".
| Proportion: | 2:3 (not formalised by law) |
|---|---|
| Adopted: | 1575 (first full colour depiction), 1596 (red replacement for orange), 1937 (red reaffirmed), 1949 (colours standardised) |
| Flag image: | Animated GIF (25 frames looped) |
| Flag emoji code: | 🇳🇱 |
The coat of arms of the Netherlands (greater version) is a more ornate and complex emblem. It features a shield depicting a crowned lion rampant holding a sword and seven arrows in its right paw. The lion, known as the "Leo Belgicus," represents the strength and courage of the Dutch people. Above the shield is a royal crown, symbolizing the Dutch monarchy, and flanked by two golden lions as supporters. The lion supporters are an emblem of the House of Orange-Nassau, the royal dynasty of the Netherlands. The greater coat of arms is a symbol of the Dutch monarchy's authority and the unity of the various regions within the Dutch Kingdom, underscoring the country's historical and constitutional monarchy.
The Netherlands, officially known as the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a sovereign state and constitutional monarchy in Western Europe. Its capital is Amsterdam (official) and its population is about 17.53 million (2021). According to its land and sea borders, it borders with Belgium, Germany, Saint Kitts and Nevis, the United Kingdom, and Venezuela.
| Capital and largest city: | Amsterdam |
|---|---|
| Other major cities: | Rotterdam, The Hague |
| Official language: | Dutch |
| Region: | Western Europe |
| Ethnic groups: | 79.3% Dutch, 6.3% Other European, 4.9% Indo, 2.4% Turks, 2.2% Moroccans, 2.1% Surinamese, 0.9% Caribbeans, 0.3% Chinese, 0.3% Iraqis, 3.9% Other |
| Religions: | 50.1% Not religious, 43.8% Christianity, 4.9% Islam, 1.2% Other |
| Nationality name: | Dutch |
| Area: | 42,508 km² (16,412 sq mi) |
| Population: | 17.53 million (2021) |
| Country codes: | NL, NLD (ISO 3166) |
| Internet Top-Level Domain: | .nl |
| Calling code: | +31 |
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