Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 11, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Civic Brief • National Symbol

Flag of Russia

The Flag of Russia is the national flag of the Russian Federation.

Updated September 11, 20261 min readCited sources

The Flag of Russia is a horizontal tricolour of white, blue, and red. It was readopted in 1991 after the Soviet era and is an official state symbol.

Design and specifications

The flag consists of three equal horizontal bands: white on top, blue in the middle, and red on the bottom. Its official width-to-length ratio is 2:3. Federal law describes it as an official state symbol but does not specify exact shades for the blue and red.

History

The white-blue-red tricolour has been associated with Russia since the late 17th century, often linked to Peter the Great. It was used in imperial times, then replaced during the Soviet era. The design was readopted as the national flag in 1991 and confirmed by law in the 1990s and 2000s.

Symbolism and use

Current law does not assign official meanings to the colours, but popular interpretations include peace (white), fidelity (blue), and courage (red). The flag is displayed on state occasions and government buildings, alongside the coat of arms and anthem as a principal national symbol.

In short

  • Horizontal tricolour: white, blue, red (equal bands).
  • Proportion is 2:3.
  • Readopted in 1991 after the Soviet Union dissolved.
  • Official state symbol, but colour shades are not legally defined.
Canadian angle

Canadian readers may encounter the Flag of Russia in news, diplomacy, international sport, and comparisons of national symbols, especially because Russia is a major geopolitical actor.

Quick questions

What does the Flag of Russia look like?
It is a horizontal tricolour with white on top, blue in the middle, and red on the bottom.
What is the ratio of the Russian flag?
The official width-to-length ratio is 2:3.
When was the current Russian flag adopted?
The white-blue-red tricolour was readopted in 1991, and the current federal law defining it dates from the 1990s and 2000s.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Russia
    Supports: Basic design description, proportion, and historical overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/flag-of-Russia
    Supports: Historical adoption and general background on the flag.
  3. President of Russia — http://en.flag.kremlin.ru/
    Supports: Official description, proportions, and legal status.
  4. Government of the Russian Federation — http://www.gov.ru/main/symbols/gsrf3_1_en.html
    Supports: Federal law establishing the national flag and its description.
  5. Russia Beyond — https://www.gw2ru.com/basic-facts/1178-russian--national-flag
    Supports: Historical notes and common colour interpretations.