Official Palette
Symbolism
There is no official meaning for the colors, but they are widely seen as representing the Slavic people (Pan-Slavic colors). Common interpretations suggest white for nobility, blue for honesty and loyalty, and red for courage and love.
History
The tricolor was first used by Peter the Great in 1696 after he visited the Netherlands. It served as a civil ensign for centuries before becoming the national flag of the Russian Empire and later the Russian Federation in 1991.
Construction
The flag has a 2:3 ratio and consists of three equal horizontal bands of white, blue, and red.
Color Meanings
Country Facts
- Population
- 143.4M
- Capital
- Moscow
- Languages
- Russian
- Continent
- Europe · Asia
- Subregion
- Eastern Europe
- Landlocked
- No
- Borders
- ISO 3166-1
- RU
Flag Identification
- Adopted
- December 11, 1993
- Proportions
2:3 (≈1.500)
- Total Colors
- 3
- Primary Layout
- Horizontal bands
Influences
Lookalike Comparison
Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.
Direct Lookalike Comparison
Quick Tell
Russia is white-blue-red; the Netherlands is red-white-blue.
Historical Divergence
Russia's current tricolor dates to December 11, 1993. The Dutch order is red on top.
Flags with resemblance
The Netherlands is red-white-blue. Russia is white-blue-red. Both are horizontal 2:3 tricolors.
Related flags
Flag Protocol
- The bands must be horizontal and of equal height
- Must be treated with the highest honor as a national symbol
Practice
Think you know the flags of Europe? Test your recognition in a quick practice round.