History of the Netherlands Dutch-speaking territory in the Netherlands was taken from Spain, but not in Flanders, which to this day remains part of Belgium. Flanders was the most radical anti-Spanish territory. Many Flemish fled to Holland, among them half of the population of Antwerp, 3/4 of Bruges and Ghent and the entire population of Nieuwpoort, Dunkerque and countryside. His successful campaign gave the Catholics control of the lower half of the Low Countries, and was part of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. The war dragged on for another half century, but the main fighting was over. The Peace of Westphalia, signed in 1648, confirmed the
Day of the German-speaking Community the German-speaking area ("Gebiet") of Belgium; outside this area, it shall be hoisted on the buildings which, because of their use, are ascribed to the German-speaking Community or are temporarily put at its disposal. In the German-speaking area of Belgium, the flag shall be further hoisted on the administrative buildings under the same conditions and on the same days as the Belgian national flag. Source: Official website of the German-speaking Community Day of the German-speaking Community The Day of the German-speaking Community is a holiday in Belgium celebrated on 15 November each year. It is a public holiday for the