The design incorporates the colors of the Dutch flag with a horizontal bicolor of red and blue with the coat of arms of Sint Maarten on a white chevron. The red symbolizes unity and courage, the blue tranquility and certainty of forgiveness, and the white purity and faith. These qualities are seen as important in a flag to represent a country. The coat of arms is based on a seal that was used by the Lords of Brielle during the 17th century. They were merchants from Amsterdam who settled in New York City after being expelled from St. Maartin. The lords built a house on Duke Street in Manhattan where they would meet to discuss business affairs. This house is now known as "The Castle" and is a museum devoted to telling the story of Sint Maarten. Sint Maarten became a national park in 2011. It is the only French department that is also an overseas territory and thus has its own government and parliament. The island has two distinct geographical areas: a low-lying north coast with many beaches and cays, and a high central plateau with pine forests and cattle farms. There are several large cities on the island including Philipsburg, which is the capital. It is located on the north coast near France. About 75% of the island is covered by forest.