Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | NL, NLD, 528 |
| Official Name | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Amsterdam |
| Government Type | Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliamentary System |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Calling Code | +31 |
| Member Of | United Nations, European Union, NATO, World Trade Organization, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Bank, International Monetary Fund |
| Population | Approximately 17.4 million |
| Total Area | 41,543 km² |
| Highest Point | Mount Scenery on Saba (887 meters, 2,910 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Zuidplaspolder (-7 meters, -23 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | USD 52,368 |
| Life Expectancy | 82 years |
| Internet TLD | .nl |
Netherlands National Anthem
Het Wilhelmus (The William)
William of Nassau, scion
Of a Dutch and ancient line,
I dedicate undying
Faith to this land of mine.
A prince am I undaunted,
Of Orange, ever free,
To the king of Spain I’ve granted
A lifelong loyalty.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Netherlands Flag
The national flag of the Netherlands, known as the “Dutch Tricolor,” is one of the oldest tricolor flags in continuous use. Officially adopted on February 19, 1937, but in use since the 17th century, the flag consists of three horizontal bands of color: red on the top, white in the middle, and blue on the bottom.
The origins of the Dutch flag date back to the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in the late 16th century. Initially, the flag had an orange stripe instead of the red one. The orange color represented the Prince of Orange, a leader in the Dutch independence movement. Over time, the orange stripe was replaced by a red one. This change was likely due to the red dye’s superior visibility at sea and its common use in maritime flags at the time.
The flag’s colors have significant meaning: red symbolizes the people and their freedom, white stands for peace and honesty, and blue represents loyalty, justice, and vigilance. Throughout history, the flag has been a symbol of Dutch independence, maritime power, and national pride. It has witnessed the Netherlands’ transformation from a powerful maritime empire to a modern, democratic state.
The Dutch flag has inspired the color schemes of several other national flags, notably the Russian and French flags. It is a potent national symbol, prominently displayed on national holidays, at international events, and in public buildings. The flag’s simple design and striking colors have made it an enduring symbol of the Dutch nation and its values.
