Flag of Russia: colours, history and facts for kids

What does the flag of Russia look like?

The flag of Russia has three stripes going across: white on top, then blue, then red.

Where did the flag come from?

In 1699, Peter the Great chose a white, blue and red flag for Russia's merchant ships. It is said to follow the red, white and blue flag of the Netherlands, with the stripes in a different order.

It was made Russia's official flag again on 21 August 1991.

Flags that look like the flag of Russia

Some flags use the same colours or the same shape. Here is how to tell them apart:

Russia in a nutshell

• Capital city: Moscow
• Continent: Europe
• Countries next door: Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland and Ukraine. Russia's borders with Lithuania and Poland are through Kaliningrad, a part of Russia. China and Russia each have 14 countries next door.
• A fact to impress your friends: Russia is so wide it covers 11 time zones.

Quick quiz: the flag of Russia

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