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
white: Nobility, frankness, and peace
blue: Honesty, loyalty, and the Virgin Mary
red: Courage, love, and sacrifice
Country Facts
- Population
- 143.4M
- Capital
- Moscow
- Languages
- Russian
- Continent
- Europe · Asia
- 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
Flag of the Netherlands (observed by Peter the Great)
Flags with resemblance
Visually close designs. Compare colors and emblems, or try similarities mode.
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.