Capital of North Brabant province, the Netherlands, at the confluence of the Aa and Dommel rivers, 45 km/28 mi southeast of Utrecht; population (1997) 126,500. There is an important cattle market here. The Gothic cathedral, St John's, dates back to the 11th century, although it was rebuilt or extended in the 14th century. It was the birthplace of the painter Hieronymus Bosch.
A condor, poised to attack enemies, protects the nation under its wings. Blue symbolizes independence from Spain. Yellow recalls the Federation of Greater Colombia. Red stands for courage. Effective date: 7 November 1900.