The Kingdom of the Netherlands is better known by the tourist community as Holland. The country of tulips and windmills has a flag and coat of arms as the main state symbols, like most world powers. The flag of Holland or the Kingdom of the Netherlands is a rectangular panel divided horizontally into three equal stripes of different colors. The bottom field of the flag is blue, the middle one is white, and the top is a red stripe. The length and width of the rectangle are related to each other as 3: 2.
The Dutch national flag can be hoisted on both government offices and private homes. It is used by all army units, sea and river vessels.
History of the orange stripe
At the end of the 16th century, the family banner of the Prince of Orange was approved as the flag of Holland. The tricolor with orange, white and blue stripes represented the republic for half a century, after which revolutionary sentiments caused many changes, including in state symbols. The orange field, symbolizing monarchical power, was replaced with a red one. This was also of practical importance, because the orange stripe burned out too quickly in the sun.
The royal orange pennant is still significant in the country's symbolism and is hoisted over the national flag on important events and holidays.
The orange field, decorated with a blue cross and a coat of arms with a golden lion and crown, is the royal standard of the monarch of the Netherlands. The favorite color of the Dutch is also present on the flag of the Minister of Defense. Four bright orange stripes on a deep purple rectangular field adorn the flagpole of the kingdom's main military department.
Provincial subtleties
The provinces of the Netherlands have heraldic features and each has its own symbols - flags and emblems. North Holland shall raise the yellow-red-blue tricolor as the official flag. In South Holland, the flag looks especially colorful: a bright red lion rests on its hind legs on a sunny yellow banner. The same lions adorn the coat of arms of this province of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
