Belarus

The National Flag of Belarus

The national flag of Belarus is a profound symbol of the country’s heritage, culture, and unity. The flag, commonly known as the Belarus flag or the flag of Belarus, features two horizontal stripes of red and green, with a vertical white and red ornamental pattern along the hoist. Each element of the flag holds significant meaning, reflecting the history and values of Belarus.

Belarus Flag Clip Art Images, Background, and Wallpapers

Free Download of the Belarus Flag Image

To download an image of the Belarus flag, right-click on the image and select “Save image as…” on a desktop or laptop. On a mobile device, press and hold on the image, then select “Download image” or “Save image” from the options that appear.

For Apple (iPhone/iPad):

• Press and hold the image.
• A menu will appear; tap “Add to Photos” or “Save Image.”

For Android:

• Press and hold the image.
• From the menu that appears, choose “Download image” or “Save image.”

This will save the image to your device’s photo gallery or downloads folder.

Design and Colors of the Belarus Flag

The Belarus flag features a design rich in symbolism and cultural significance:

• Red Horizontal Stripe: The top red stripe represents the nation’s history, valor, and the sacrifices made by its people throughout various conflicts.
• Green Horizontal Stripe: The bottom green stripe symbolizes the country’s lush vegetation, forests, and the hope for growth and prosperity.
• White and Red Ornament Pattern: Located at the hoist side, this vertical pattern is derived from traditional Belarusian decorative art, representing the rich cultural heritage and artistic spirit of the Belarusian people.
• Red: (#D22730) Symbolizes the nation’s bravery and the blood shed in defense of the country.
• Green: (#4AA657) Represents the abundant forests and fields of Belarus, as well as life and renewal.
• White and Red Ornament: Reflects the country’s traditional crafts and the unity of its people.

The Origins and Design of the Belarus Flag

The flag of Belarus has a rich history that mirrors the nation’s journey through various periods of change and development. The current design was adopted on June 7, 1995, following a national referendum, and is based on the flag used during the Belarusian Soviet Socialist Republic with some modifications to the ornament pattern and colors.

The Evolution of a National Symbol

The Belarus flag has evolved over time, reflecting the country’s historical context:

• 1918 – White-Red-White Flag: The original flag used during the short-lived Belarusian People’s Republic, featuring three horizontal stripes of white, red, and white.
• Soviet Era: A red flag with communist symbols, representing Belarus as a part of the Soviet Union.
• Post-Independence: The current flag reintroduced traditional elements while maintaining continuity with the Soviet-era design, symbolizing both heritage and sovereignty.

The Traditional Ornament Pattern

The vertical ornamental pattern on the flag’s hoist side is a significant cultural symbol:

• Derived from traditional Belarusian embroidery, known as “vyšyvanka.”
• Represents the artistic heritage and the importance of folk art in Belarusian culture.
• Symbolizes unity, continuity, and the connection between past and present.

Symbolism of the Colors

Each color on the Belarus flag carries deep meaning:

• Red: Represents the nation’s history, courage, and the sacrifices made by its people.
• Green: Symbolizes the country’s natural beauty, agriculture, and hope for the future.
• White and Red Ornament: Reflects cultural identity, traditional values, and the unity of the Belarusian people.

Adoption and Official Recognition

The current design of the Belarus flag was officially adopted after a 1995 referendum:

• Replaced the white-red-white flag used between 1991 and 1995.
• Aimed to represent national unity and a connection to historical roots.
• Protected under Belarusian law, which outlines specific guidelines for its display and handling.

The Flag in Modern Belarusian Identity

Today, the Belarus flag is a powerful symbol of national pride and identity:

• Displayed during national holidays, public events, and international representations.
• Emphasizes the country’s sovereignty, cultural heritage, and aspirations.
• Serves as a reminder of the nation’s history and the resilience of its people.

The Significance of the Belarus Flag

The flag of Belarus holds a deep and significant place in the hearts of its people, symbolizing the rich history, culture, and unity of the nation. Displaying the Belarus flag is an act of patriotism and respect, and it is done according to specific rules and on designated days that hold special meaning for the country.

When the Flag of Belarus Can Be Displayed

The Belarus flag may be displayed on any day, but there are specific guidelines for when and how it should be presented:

• Should always be treated with respect and not allowed to touch the ground.
• Flown on public buildings, schools, and during official ceremonies.
• Citizens are encouraged to display the flag during national holidays and significant events.

Flag Days and National Holidays

In Belarus, several official flag days and national holidays prominently feature the flag:

• July 3 – Independence Day (Republic Day): Marks the liberation of Minsk in 1944. The flag is displayed nationwide during celebrations and military parades.
• May 9 – Victory Day: Commemorates victory in World War II. The flag honors veterans and the memory of those who sacrificed their lives.
• March 15 – Constitution Day: Celebrates the adoption of the Belarusian Constitution in 1994.

Patriotism and the Belarus Flag

The Belarus flag is not just a national symbol; it embodies the pride and love that Belarusians have for their country:

• Displayed in homes, businesses, and public spaces during important occasions.
• Used in educational settings to teach about national history and values.
• Featured in cultural events, sports competitions, and international gatherings.

Belarus Flag Emoji Codes

1. Unicode Code Points

• Unicode: U+1F1E7 U+1F1FE
• UTF-16: D83C DDE7 D83C DDFE

2. HTML Entities

• HTML Entity (Decimal): 🇧🇾
• HTML Entity (Hexadecimal): 🇧🇾

3. CSS

content: "\1F1E7\1F1FE";

4. JavaScript (JSON) & Java

// JavaScript Example
const belarusFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFE";

// Java Example
String belarusFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFE";

5. PHP & Ruby

// PHP Example
$belarusFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1FE}";

// Ruby Example
belarus_flag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1FE}"

6. Perl

my $belarusFlag = "\x{1F1E7}\x{1F1FE}";

7. Python

belarus_flag = "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1FE"

8. C#

string belarusFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFE";

9. Swift

let belarusFlag = "\u{1F1E7}\u{1F1FE}"

10. Objective-C

NSString *belarusFlag = @"\U0001F1E7\U0001F1FE";

11. JSON

{
  "belarusFlag": "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFE"
}

12. SQL

INSERT INTO table_name (column_name) VALUES ('\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFE');

13. Shell Scripting (Bash)

belarus_flag=$'\U1F1E7\U1F1FE'

14. Go (Golang)

belarusFlag := "\U0001F1E7\U0001F1FE"

15. Kotlin

val belarusFlag = "\uD83C\uDDE7\uD83C\uDDFE"

About Belarus

Geography and Topography

Location and Geography

Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. The diverse geography of Belarus includes:

• Flat terrain with vast marshlands, such as the Pripyat Marshes
• Major rivers, including the Dnieper, Western Dvina, and Neman
• Extensive forests covering approximately 40% of the land
• Over 11,000 lakes, with Lake Narach being the largest
• Rolling hills and highlands in the north, known as the Belarusian Ridge

Belarus Map

Area and Population

The Republic of Belarus covers an area of approximately 207,600 square kilometers. As of 2023, the population is estimated to be around 9.3 million people.

Demographics and Ethnic Composition

Belarus has a relatively homogeneous population, with the following ethnic composition:

• Belarusians: approximately 84% of the population
• Russians: around 8%
• Poles: about 3%
• Ukrainians: roughly 2%
• Other ethnic groups, including Jews, Lithuanians, and Tatars

Name and History

Origin of the Name “Belarus”

The name “Belarus” means “White Russia” or “White Ruthenia,” originating from the medieval term “Belaya Rus.” The exact origin is uncertain, but it may refer to the areas that were not conquered by the Mongols.

History

The history of Belarus is rich and complex, influenced by various empires and states over the centuries. Key historical events include:

• The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, where Belarusian lands were significant from the 13th to the 16th centuries
• The Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth (1569-1795), with Belarusian territories as part of this union
• Annexation by the Russian Empire after the partitions of Poland in the late 18th century
• Declaration of the Belarusian People’s Republic in 1918, though short-lived
• Incorporation into the Soviet Union as the Byelorussian Soviet Socialist Republic
• Severe devastation during World War II, with significant loss of life and infrastructure
• Declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, becoming the Republic of Belarus

Government and Politics

Capital

Minsk is the capital and largest city of Belarus. It serves as the administrative, cultural, and economic center of the country.

Government and Politics

Belarus operates as a presidential republic with a strong centralized government. The President of Belarus is the head of state, and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The country has a bicameral parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives and the Council of the Republic. Since 1994, Alexander Lukashenko has served as president.

Values and Culture

Belarusian culture emphasizes community, tradition, and a strong connection to the land. Folk traditions, music, and crafts play an important role in national identity.

Religion

Belarus is religiously diverse, with Eastern Orthodox Christianity being the predominant faith, practiced by about 80% of believers. Other religions include Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism, and Islam.

Holidays

Major public holidays in Belarus include:

• Independence Day on July 3
• Victory Day on May 9
• Radunitsa (Ancestors Veneration Day), celebrated on the second Tuesday after Easter
• Christmas on December 25 (Catholic) and January 7 (Orthodox)

Demographics and Society

Language

The official languages of Belarus are Belarusian and Russian. Russian is widely spoken, while Belarusian is used in rural areas and by those who wish to preserve national identity.

Society and Sports

Belarus has a strong sporting culture, with ice hockey and football (soccer) being the most popular sports. The country has produced world-class athletes in gymnastics, athletics, and winter sports.

Safety

Belarus is generally considered safe for residents and visitors. The crime rate is relatively low, but standard precautions are advised, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.

Economy and Currency

Economy

Belarus has a mixed economy with a significant state-controlled sector. Key industries include:

• Manufacturing, especially machinery and equipment
• Agriculture, producing potatoes, grains, and dairy products
• Petrochemicals and fertilizers
• IT and technology services, with a growing software development sector

Currency

The official currency of Belarus is the Belarusian Ruble (BYN).

Culture and Arts

Culture and Arts

Belarusian culture is rich in folklore, literature, and arts. Notable contributions include:

• Literature by authors like Yanka Kupala and Yakub Kolas
• Traditional music featuring instruments like the tsymbaly
• Visual arts, including painting and iconography

Cuisine

Belarusian cuisine is hearty and relies heavily on local produce. Key elements include:

• Potato dishes, such as draniki (potato pancakes)
• Meat dishes, including pork and sausages
• Bread and baked goods, often made with rye flour
• Soups like borscht

National Anthem

The national anthem of Belarus is “My Belarusy” (“We Belarusians”), adopted in 2002 with lyrics emphasizing national unity and pride.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Transportation

Belarus has a well-developed transportation network, including:

• Extensive railways connecting major cities and neighboring countries
• Highways and roads facilitating domestic travel
• Airports, with Minsk National Airport being the main international gateway
• Public transport in cities, including buses, trams, and a metro system in Minsk

Time Zone

Belarus operates on Moscow Standard Time (MSK), which is UTC+3.

Web and Phone Code

Belarus’s internet country code is “.by,” and its international dialing code is +375.

Belarus: Things to See and Do

Belarus offers a range of cultural and natural attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Belarus:

Explore Historic Cities

• Minsk: The capital city offers Soviet-era architecture, museums, and cultural venues like the National Opera and Ballet Theatre.
• Grodno: Known for its well-preserved old town, castles, and churches reflecting Polish-Lithuanian heritage.

Visit Castles and Fortresses

• Nesvizh Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this castle is a prime example of Belarusian architecture and history.
• Mir Castle Complex: Another UNESCO site featuring Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.

Enjoy Natural Landscapes

• Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park: One of Europe’s last primeval forests, home to the European bison (zubr).
• Braslav Lakes National Park: Offers beautiful lakes and opportunities for boating and fishing.

Experience Cultural Festivals

• Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk: An international art festival featuring music, dance, and cultural performances.
• Radunitsa: A traditional holiday to honor ancestors, observed with visits to cemeteries and family gatherings.

Discover Folk Traditions

• Dudutki Ethnographic Museum: Experience traditional crafts, food, and rural Belarusian life.
• Khatyn Memorial Complex: A solemn site commemorating the villages destroyed during World War II.

Savor Belarusian Cuisine

• Try local dishes: Sample traditional foods like draniki, machanka (pork stew), and kvass (fermented beverage).
• Visit local markets: Explore markets in Minsk and other cities for fresh produce and local products.

Attend Sporting Events

• Ice Hockey Matches: Experience the excitement of a game, especially during national championships.
• European Games Venues: Visit facilities used during the 2019 European Games hosted by Minsk.

Relax in Spa Towns

• Belarusian Sanatoriums: Enjoy health and wellness treatments in natural settings, popular among locals and visitors.