Flag of Belarus
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Image:FIAV_56.png
Flag Ratio: 1:2
The current national flag of Belarus was adopted on June 7, 1995 and approved by referendum replacing a different design that had served since independence from the Soviet Union. The newer flag is similar to the 1951 flag of Byelorussian SSR used when it was part of the Soviet Union, with the omission of the hammer and sickle.
The decorative pattern on the left edge is a traditional Belorussian pattern, while the red is supposed to symbolize the blood spilt by the defenders of Belarus. The green is for the forests of the nation.
The former flag of Belarus was devised by the Belarus National Republic, and was based off the colors of the Republic's coat of arms, which had a white horseman on a red background. The flag was later used by Belarus after it obtained independence, changing to the current symbols in 1995, after a controversial referendum.
See also:
| National flags |
| List of national flags | Gallery of national flags |
| List of national coats of arms |
de:Flagge Weißrusslands
et:Valgevene vapp
he:דגל בלארוס
it:Bandiera Bielorussa
lt:Baltarusijos vėliava