Russia

About the flag

Correct—this is the flag of Russia. The modern tricolor dates back to Peter the Great, who adapted it from the Dutch flag for Russian ships in the late 1600s; it later became a model for many Slavic nations (the Pan-Slavic colors). After the Soviet era’s hammer-and-sickle flag, Russia restored this tricolor in 1991. A handy mnemonic: think “snow, sky, sacrifice”—white for Russia’s snowy expanses, blue for its vast skies and faith, red for courage and history. To avoid mix-ups: Spain’s flag has a central coat of arms with bold red–yellow bands, Cyprus shows the island’s map and olive branches, and Moldova features an eagle with a shield.