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Politics & World • National Symbol

Flag of Russia

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

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Flag of Russia is the national flag of the Russian Federation. It is a horizontal tricolour of white, blue, and red stripes of equal size, with a width-to-length ratio of 2:3. The current design was readopted in the early 1990s after the dissolution of the Soviet Union and is an official state symbol of Russia. Canadian readers may encounter this flag in news, diplomacy, international sport, and comparisons of national symbols, as Russia is a major geopolitical actor.

Design and specifications

The flag is a rectangular tricolour with three equal horizontal stripes in white, blue, and red. Federal law sets the proportions at 2:3 and describes the flag as an official state symbol of the Russian Federation. The law does not specify exact shades for the blue and red colours.

History

The white-blue-red tricolour is associated with Russia from the late 17th century and was used in imperial times. It was restored as the national flag of the Russian Federation in 1991 and confirmed by law in the 1990s and 2000s. Historical accounts link the design to Peter the Great.

Symbolism

Sources give varying interpretations of the colours, including meanings such as peace, honesty, fidelity, courage, or statehood. These meanings are commonly cited but are not fixed by the current flag law.

Use and status

The flag is used as the national symbol of the Russian Federation and is displayed on official state occasions and government buildings. It is one of Russia’s principal official symbols alongside the coat of arms and anthem.

Key facts

  • The flag consists of three equal horizontal bands: white on top, blue in the middle, and red on the bottom.
  • The flag’s proportion is 2:3.
  • The white–blue–red tricolour was readopted in 1991 after the end of the Soviet era.
  • Federal law defines the flag as an official state symbol of the Russian Federation.
  • Historical accounts link the design to Peter the Great and the late 17th to early 18th centuries.
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Canadian context

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.

Frequently asked 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.
Is the Russian flag legally a state symbol?
Yes. Federal law describes it as an official state symbol of the Russian Federation.
Do the colours have official meanings?
Current law does not assign a specific legal meaning, but historical and popular interpretations vary across sources.

References

  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.