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.
Known as ‘white sun in blue sky’, the flag of Chinese revolutionary leader Sun Zhong Shan appears in the canton. The rays of the sun represent 12 traditional Chinese hours (each equalling two hours) symbolizing progress. Red is a traditional Chinese colour. Effective date: 8 October 1928.