Netherlands: flag, capital, currency and history

Netherlands, officially the Kingdom of the Netherlands, is a country in Western Europe, Europe. Its capital is Amsterdam. The currency is the Euro. Languages spoken include Dutch.

Quick facts about Netherlands

Official name: Kingdom of the Netherlands
Capital: AmsterdamAmsterdam is the capital. The government and the royal residence are at The Hague.
Region: Europe, Western Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Languages: Dutch
Calling code: +31
Internet domain: .nl
Area: 41,850 km² (16,158 sq mi)
Land borders: Belgium, Germany
Demonym: Dutch
National day: King's Day, April 27

Flag of Netherlands

Download the flag of Netherlands as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇳🇱.

SVG (vector)

History of Netherlands

The Low Countries were part of the Roman and later Frankish realms before passing to the Burgundian and then Habsburg dynasties. A revolt against Spanish rule began in 1568 and led to the Dutch Republic, whose independence was formally recognised in 1648. In the 17th century the Dutch Republic became a major trading and maritime power through firms such as the Dutch East India Company. French conquest in 1795 ended the republic, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands was established in 1815. German forces occupied the country from 1940 to 1945. Today it is a constitutional monarchy, with Amsterdam as its capital.

Key dates

1568The Eighty Years' War begins as a revolt against Spanish Habsburg rule.
1579Northern provinces form the Union of Utrecht, a basis for the Dutch Republic.
1602The Dutch East India Company is founded.
1648The Peace of Munster ends the Eighty Years' War and recognises Dutch independence.
1795French revolutionary forces take control and establish the Batavian Republic.
1815The Kingdom of the Netherlands is established under King William I.
1940Germany invades and occupies the country until 1945.