Texel

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Largest and southernmost of the Frisian Islands, in North Holland province, the Netherlands; area 190 sq km/73 sq mi; population (2006 est) 13,700. It is separated from the mainland by the 4 km/2.5 mi wide Marsdiep channel and is reached by boat from Den Helder. Den Burg is the chief settlement. Local industries include tourism, fishing and farming. Texel sheep are kept for their wool and cheese. The northern part of the island is called Eierland (Egg Land) because it is a good breeding ground for thousands of birds.

The farmhouses have a peculiarly square shape, with tall pyramidal roofs (stolpen).

In the Anglo-Dutch Wars, a Dutch fleet was heavily defeated by the English in the North Sea just off Texel on 31 July 1653.

The bright blue field stands for the Pacific Ocean. The shield is taken from the coat of arms. Effective date: 10 October 1970. >>