Haarlem

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Industrial city and capital of the province of North Holland, the Netherlands, 20 km/12 mi west of Amsterdam; population (2003 est) 148,000. At Velsea, to the north, a road and rail tunnel runs under the North Sea Canal, linking North and South Holland. Industries include chemicals, machinery, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper products, and printing; dairying and livestock-raising (cattle, sheep, and poultry) are also important. Haarlem is in an area of flowering bulbs and has a 15th–16th-century cathedral and a Frans Hals museum.

History
Haarlem received its charter in 1245 but lost its privileges in 1492. It took part in the Dutch revolt against Spain in 1572 and was forced to submit to the Duke of Alva's son, Frederick of Toledo, in 1573. It was recaptured by William of Orange in 1577, who incorporated it in the united Netherlands. It grew in prosperity throughout the 17th century as a refuge for Huguenots and as an artistic centre. The painters Adriaen and Isaack van Ostade, Nicholas Berchem, Jacob van Ruisdael, and Bartholomeus van der Helst were born in Haarlem, and Frans Hals spent most of his life there. Haarlem fell into decline in the 18th century, but developed industries in the 19th century.

Green stands for agriculture, the lush vegetation, and the enduring vitality of the population. Gold symbolizes warmth, the bright spirit of the people, and the golden sands. Blue represents the sky and sea. Effective date: 24 October 1985. >>