Country profile: Netherlands

The Dutch flag originated in the revolt of the provinces of the Low Countries against the Spanish Crown during the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648). The insurgents rallied behind William of Orange, known as William the Silent, and adopted an orange, white and blue flag, known as the ‘Prince's Flag’ (Prinsenvlag), inspired by the colours of his livery.

During the 17th century, orange gradually gave way to red, although no text ever required the change. Several explanations have been put forward: the orange dye, which was unstable, turned red over time, and red was more visible at sea. Some also see in it a reflection of the rivalry between the States of Holland and the House of Orange.

Red, white and blue officially became the national colours by a royal decree of 19 February 1937. The decree was partly a response to the use of the orange, white and blue flag by the Dutch National Socialist Movement, which had made it its emblem.

No official meaning is attributed to the colours of the Dutch flag. They are above all the legacy of the revolt led by the House of Orange-Nassau in the 16th century.

• Red: it replaced the original orange, the colour of William of Orange, without taking on its dynastic meaning.
• White and blue: they already featured on the Prince's Flag and are often linked to the colours of William of Orange's livery.

The flag is frequently described as the oldest tricolour still in use, and it served as a model for several other flags.

Although the flag is red, white and blue, the Dutch people's favourite colour remains orange, that of the royal House of Orange-Nassau. The national teams play in orange, and on the birthdays of members of the royal family and on King's Day (27 April), an orange pennant is flown above the national flag.

The flag of New York City, formerly New Amsterdam, founded by the Dutch, uses the blue, white and orange of the Prince's Flag in vertical stripes, as a reminder of its origins.

According to a widespread tradition, Tsar Peter the Great drew inspiration from the Dutch flag, after studying shipbuilding in the Dutch Republic, when he established Russia's white, blue and red flag.