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Netherlands

Europe

Quick Facts

Capital

Amsterdam

Population

17.6M

Area

41,543 km²

Density

424 /km²

Median age

43 yrs

Constituent countries

Aruba

Curaçao

Sint Maarten

Description

Adoption

Used from the late 16th century
colours fixed by royal decree on 19 February 1937 (89 years).

Designed byNo individual designer; one of the oldest tricolours.

Design & Symbolism

Specs plus what each color and emblem means on this flag — tap an element to reveal its meaning.

Proportions

2:3

Shape

Rectangular

Colors

Red#AE1C28 · Pantone 186 C

Red replaced the orange of William of Orange's 'Prince's Flag' in the 17th century.

White#FFFFFF

White comes from the arms of the House of Orange-Nassau.

Blue#21468B · Pantone 288 C

Blue likewise comes from the arms of William of Orange.

Construction details

Proportions 2:3. Three equal horizontal bands, red, white, blue.

Construction sheet

Etiquette & protocol

How the flag should be used and displayed with respect.

Specific rules — Netherlands

The flag is honoured on 27 April (King's Day); an orange pennant is then added above it.
It is raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset.

Common conventions

Keep the flag clean and never let it touch the ground.
Never fly a torn or faded flag — repair or replace it.
Illuminate the flag if it stays up at night.
Never use the flag as clothing, packaging or advertising.
Dispose of a worn flag respectfully, not in the trash.

Did you know?

It is one of the oldest tricolours in the world, used from the late 16th century.

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