I evaluated all 12 of them based on simplicity, meaningful symbolism, color and contrast, absence of lettering or seals, distinctiveness, and adaptability. Let’s find out which one I liked the most. And no, it is not the one where I am from.
#12 Utrecht.
The last one in the rankings. I’m not a big fan of the overall design. I prefer the Utrecht City flag much more than this one. The awkward cross at the top doesn’t appeal to me; the white of the cross interferes with the white of the top fess. It’s both complicated and boring at the same time.
#11 South Holland.
I live in this province, but I have never seen this flag waving in public. South Holland has the least provincialism of all the provinces. I dislike the yellow so much; it hurts my eyes and isn’t even a printable color.
#10 Flevoland
This flag looks as if someone left it hanging halfway in the water, and the colors have run. The white lily in the top corner is a pun, after Cornelis Lely who basically made the province out of the sea. I’m not sure if that belongs on a flag.
#9 Limburg
Looks too much like South Holland. The Limburgian lion (never existed) is very complex. However, the flag is very recognizable; it hangs on every roundabout in provicialist Limburg. The middle fess which symbolizes the Meuse River is awkwardly thin.
#8 Zeeland
Flagception. The flag features a smaller version of itself within its design. The small stroke around the coat of arms is a poor design choice. And again, that lion. However, I do love the blue waves that symbolize the sea.
#7 Drenthe
I like it, even though it doesn’t meet all design requirements. There’s a lot going on, but not too much. The stars represent the six Vehmic courts. I had to Google what that exactly means.
#6 Groningen
The Nordic flags have always been a favorite. I have no idea if it’s because of the design or the positive connotation I associate with these countries. Anyway, I definitely find this combination of Panama and the aforementioned flags successful. Nothing beats Groningen, except maybe five other flags.
#5 North Brabant
Brabant, my homeland. As a born and bred Brabander, I tried to objectively assess this flag, but I couldn’t. The checkerboard pattern reminds me of the flag of Croatia and there is a link, but it’s somewhat repetitive. Okay, it just gives me warm feelings. Let’s move on.
#4 North Holland
Very rare to see this flag flying in the wild, but I love its simplicity. It is derived from the coat of arms of the province, so that meaning is lost a bit, but let’s embrace this subtle beauty anyway.
#3 Gelderland
For me, the same applies to the flag of Gelderland as to that of North Holland: simplicity. I just think the use of colors is slightly better. I like to see this flag flying somewhere in the wild.
#2 Overijssel
Reminds me of the prefecture flags in Japan. Stylistic, minimalist. Great design and symbolism without being pretentious. Great color spectrum.
#1 Friesland
The Frisian flag is a distinctive and rich of historical symbolism. The flag features seven red pompeblêden (stylized lily pads) set against a pattern of blue and white diagonal stripes. Just a very strong and recognizable design I recon.
Well done, Fryslân.
