Flag of Belarus
countryThe flag of Belarus was adopted on February 10, 2012. Red and green horizontal bands with a red ornamental pattern at the hoist. It uses 3 colours: red, green and white. The official proportions are 1:2.
Hoist
Ratio 1:2
Fly
Basic Flag Information
| Flag Name | Flag of Belarus |
|---|---|
| Country | Belarus |
| Official Country Name | Republic of Belarus |
| Capital | Minsk |
| Continent | Europe |
| Region | Eastern Europe |
| ISO Country Code | BY / BLR |
| Internet Domain | .by |
| Calling Code | +375 |
| Currency | Belarusian ruble (BYN) |
| National Language(s) | Belarusian, Russian |
| Demonym | Belarusian |
| Area | 207,600 km² |
| Population | 9,483,499 (2018 est.) |
Flag Specifications
| Official Flag Name | Flag of Belarus |
|---|---|
| Adopted On | February 10, 2012 |
| First Used | 1951 |
| Current Version Adopted | February 10, 2012 |
| Flag Proportion | 1:2 |
| Flag Shape | Rectangle |
| Number of Colors | 3 |
| Main Colors | Red, Green, White |
| Design Type | Red and green horizontal bands with a red ornamental pattern at the hoist |
| Official Status | Official National Flag |
| Government Authority | Government of Belarus |
Flag Color Information
| Color | Appearance | HEX Code | RGB | CMYK |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red | #C8313E | 200, 49, 62 | 0, 76, 69, 22 | |
| Green | #4AA657 | 74, 166, 87 | 55, 0, 48, 35 | |
| White | #FFFFFF | 255, 255, 255 | 0, 0, 0, 0 |
Flag Design and Symbols
| Red colour | Represents the past, and the fight against fascism |
|---|---|
| Green colour | Represents the forests, fields and future |
| White colour | Represents freedom and the ornament |
| Ornamental pattern | A traditional Belarusian woven rushnyk design from 1917, standing for the cultural heritage and the unity of the people |
Flag History
| Year / Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1951 | The design was first used |
| 2012-02-10 | The current flag was officially adopted |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
| Present | The flag remains in official use |
Flag Dimensions and Construction
| Official Ratio | 1:2 |
|---|---|
| Width | 1 units (hoist) |
| Length | 2 units (fly) |
Belarus Flag Usage
| Government Buildings | Yes |
|---|---|
| Schools | Yes |
| Civil Use | Yes |
| Official Ceremonies | Yes |
| Sports Events | Yes |
| National Holidays | Yes |
| Military | Yes |
| Naval Use | Yes |
| Embassies | Yes |
| International Events | Yes |
Other Official Flags of Belarus
| Flag Type | Use | Link |
|---|---|---|
| National Flag | National representation | View flag |
| Civil Flag | Used by civilians | View flag |
| State Flag | Used by government | View flag |
| War Flag | Used during military operations | View flag |
| Naval Ensign | Used by the navy | View flag |
| Air Force Flag | Used by the air force | View flag |
| Presidential Standard | Used by the head of state | View flag |
| Royal Standard | Used by the monarch | View flag |
| Historical Flag | Previous national flag | View flag |
Quick Facts About the Flag
| Flag Age | 14 years old as of 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adoption Date | February 10, 2012 |
| Oldest Version | 1951 |
| Most Common Color | Red |
| Unique Feature | Red and green horizontal bands with a red ornamental pattern at the hoist |
Facts about the Flag of Belarus
- The ornamental pattern along the hoist is a traditional woven textile design, and Belarus is one of very few countries to place a folk-craft motif on its national flag.
- The current design was adopted by referendum in 1995 and is close to the Soviet-era Byelorussian flag with the hammer and sickle removed.
- The white-red-white flag used between 1991 and 1995 remains in wide use by the opposition, so two flags are effectively in circulation.
- The flag of Belarus was officially adopted on February 10, 2012.
- The design is older than its adoption. It was already in use in 1951, 61 years before it was formally made the flag of Belarus.
- The flag in its present form is 14 years old as of 2026.
- Design type: Red and green horizontal bands with a red ornamental pattern at the hoist.
- The official proportions are 1:2. It shares that ratio with 54 national flags.
- The flag uses 3 colours: red, green and white.
- The red on the flag stands for the past, and the fight against fascism.
- The green on the flag stands for the forests, fields and future.
- The white on the flag stands for freedom and the ornament.
- Ornamental pattern: A traditional Belarusian woven rushnyk design from 1917, standing for the cultural heritage and the unity of the people.
- Belarus became independent on 25 August 1991 from the Soviet Union.
- Ice hockey and football are the most popular sports.
- The national animal is the European bison, the wisent.
- The national anthem is "My Belarusy".
- The flag is flown everywhere on 3 July, Independence Day.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Flag of Belarus
When was the flag of Belarus adopted?
The flag of Belarus was officially adopted on February 10, 2012, though the design had already been in use since 1951.
What do the colours of the flag of Belarus mean?
Red for the past, and the fight against fascism, green for the forests, fields and future and white for freedom and the ornament.
When did Belarus gain independence?
Belarus became independent on 25 August 1991 from the Soviet Union.
What is the national sport of Belarus?
Ice hockey and football are the most popular sports.
What do the symbols on the flag of Belarus represent?
Ornamental pattern — A traditional Belarusian woven rushnyk design from 1917, standing for the cultural heritage and the unity of the people.
What are the proportions of the flag of Belarus?
The official ratio is 1:2, which makes the flag rectangular. It shares those proportions with 54 national flags.
What is the national anthem of Belarus?
The national anthem is "My Belarusy".
When is the national day of Belarus?
It falls on 3 July, Independence Day, and the flag is flown across the country.
What is the national animal of Belarus?
The national animal is the European bison, the wisent.
What is the capital of Belarus?
The capital is Minsk. The currency is the Belarusian ruble (BYN) and the language spoken is Belarusian, Russian.