Island in Zeeland province, the Netherlands, in the estuary of the River Schelde; area 200 sq km/80 sq mi. The capital is Middelburg. Industries include shipbuilding, engineering, and petrochemicals. There is dairying, and sugar beet and root vegetables are grown.
Blue symbolizes hope, the clear sky, and the streams of the south. Yellow stands for the sun and the Sahara Desert. Red represents unity, prosperity, and national sacrifice. Effective date: 6 November 1959.