Flag of the Netherlands

The Dutch flag dates back to 1579, when the Netherlands proclaimed its independence. At the time it was orange, white and blue, the colours of William of Orange.

Orange was replaced by red during the 17th century but it remains the national colour and, the national flag is always accompanied by an orange banner on official holidays or diplomatic visits abroad.

The flag was officially adopted in 1796 and confirmed as the national emblem in 1937.

It has slightly different proportions to the Luxembourg flag and a darker shade of blue.