Mr. Coates is a columnist for Algemeen Dagblad, a Dutch daily newspaper, and the author of “Why the Dutch Are Different.” GOUDA, the Netherlands — In the fields around where I live, in the ...

Flag of William I with which he achieved the independence of the Netherlands. The standard of this monarch, who led the revolts, was an orange flag – a nod to the name of the House of Orange.

The Netherlands' jerseys, a bright shade of orange, might stand out more than any others. The bold color is a massive contrast from a pretty simple red, white, and blue striped flag. It also makes ...