The Kingdom of the Netherlands

King Willem-Alexander is the Head of State of the “Koninkrijk der Nederlanden” (Kingdom of the Netherlands) and of the individual countries that make up the Kingdom.  The Kingdom of the Netherlands is made of four countries: Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands. The Netherlands includes three public bodies located in the Caribbean region: Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

The Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands comprises the countries of Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten; and the three public bodies of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands has overarching responsibility for foreign relations, defence and Dutch nationality law. Agreements made on these matters apply to the entire Kingdom. The Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and St Maarten must comply with and implement these agreements. In areas such as healthcare, tourism, and employment, the individual countries determine their own policy.

The Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence serve all four countries of the Kingdom, as do the Dutch embassies and consulates around the world. The Netherlands makes foreign policy for the entire Kingdom. In doing so, it must take account of the interests of the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

More information :  What are the different parts of the Kingdom of the Netherlands? | Government.nl,  www.government.nl/topics/caribbean-parts-of-the-kingdom

How do we celebrate King’s Day?

King's Day is celebrated by people all across the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is the Dutch national day that unites everyone. There are many events and activities for people of all ages. In most towns and cities, King's Day flea markets pop up with residents (often children) selling second-hand items and homemade treats, and free music concerts are held. People dress in orange and proudly wave Dutch flags, or paint a small tricolour on their cheeks.

Traditionally on King's Day, the  Royal Family visits a different Dutch municipality on King’s Day, which allows the locals to show off their city and the surrounding area in their own unique, festive way. This year the Royal Family visits  Emmen . If you are curious to learn more about the history of our national day, please visit the website of the Royal House of the Netherlands .

Why the love for orange?

Dutch people wear orange as a symbol of national unity and a sign of pride for the Netherlands. Why orange? The Royal Family bears the name “ Huis van Oranje ” ( House of Orange ) and as a result, it has become the national colour. It originated with Willem of Orange. He was born Willem of Nassau-Dillenburg in 1533. At the age of 11, he inherited the Principality of Orange in the south of France, becoming a sovereign monarch. His full name became Willem of Orange-Nassau – or Willem of Orange for short. He led the Dutch revolt against Spain. When he captured the city of Den Briel from Spain, people used orange as a symbolic colour for the first time. 

More information :  King's Day: a national holiday and the ultimate Dutch party - Holland.com