The Netherlands, a country in northwestern Europe, is known for a flat landscape of canals, tulip fields, windmills and cycling routes. Amsterdam, the capital, is home to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the house where Jewish diarist Anne Frank hid during WWII. Canalside mansions and a trove of works from artists including Rembrandt and Vermeer remain from the city's 17th-century "Golden Age."
The significance of the flag lies within the colors chosen. The colors used in the flag of the Netherlands are based on the coat of arms of Prince William of Orange, who was a leading fighter in the freedom for the Dutch. The main difference is that the red band was originally orange in color. However, the orange dye originally used was quite unstable and would eventually turn red, leading the nation to change the official color to red.
| Capital and largest city | Amsterdam[a] 52°22′N 4°53′E |
|---|---|
| Government seat | The Hague[a] |
| Official languages | Dutch |
Co-official[b] | |
Recognised[c] | |
| Ethnic groups (2019)[2] |
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| Religion (2019)[3] |
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| Demonym(s) | Dutch |
| Sovereign state | Kingdom of the Netherlands |
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| Area | |
• Total | 16,164 sq mi (4,000 square miles bigger than Maryland |
• Water (%) | 10.32 |
| Population | |
• 2020 estimate | 17,469,635 (about the same as NY state) |
| Currency | |
Current Time: 6:15PM (5 hours ahead)
Current Weather: rainy, 53 degrees
Flight: NYC-> Amsterdam 7h, $550
Dutch Queen
Vallserberg
Wilhelmus
Tulip Fields
