Russian Flag
While the hammer and sickle on a red background will always be associated
with the Russian flag, in fact this flag was abolished in 1991, when the
Soviet Union collapsed.
The current flag is the country's original flag, and was designed by Peter the Great in the 17th century, after he visited western Europe. The flag, a variation of the Dutch flag, was initially used as a civil ensign for Russian ships. It was officially recognized as the country's flag in 1799.
The flag is a horizontal tricolore of white, blue, and red. When other eastern European countries began to seek liberation from foreign domination during the 19th century, they also adopted these three colors in honor of Russia. As a result, the colors of red, blue, and white are known as the Pan-Slavic colors.
Related Russian Link
- Russia Flag - description and illustration of the Russian flag.