The national flag of Belgium was adopted January 23, 1831, soon after the Belgians gained their independence from the Netherlands in 1830. It contains three equal vertical bands of black (hoist side), yellow, and red; the vertical design was based on the flag of France, whereas the colours were taken from the colours of the duchy of Brabant. When riots were starting as result of the Belgian revolution against the Dutch domination, a civil guard was established which wore the colours of Brabant.