Red represents the blood shed by defenders of the country, and green represents the forests and the future. The red-on-white ornamental pattern at the hoist is a traditional Belarusian woven design called a 'ruchnik'.
History
Adopted in 1995 following a controversial referendum, replacing the white-red-white flag used since independence in 1991. The design is a modified version of the former Byelorussian SSR flag.
Construction
A 1:2 ratio. A horizontal bicolour of red (top, two-thirds height) and green (bottom, one-third height). A traditional ornamental pattern occupies 1/9th of the flag's length at the hoist.
Color Meanings
red: The blood shed for independence and sacrifices of the nation
green: The vast forests, nature, and a hopeful future
white: Purity and the spirit of the Belarusian people
Latvia
Lithuania
Poland
Russia
Ukraine
