Adopted in 1992
| Capital | Kiev |
|---|---|
| Population | 37 860 221 inh. |
| Area | 603 550 km² |
| Population density | 62.7 inh./km² |
| Local time | --:-- |
| Language(s) | Ukrainian |
| Political system | Unitary semi-presidential constitutional republic |
| National anthem | Shche ne vmerla Ukraïny ni slava ni volya (The glory and the will of Ukraine has not yet died) |
| Currency | Ukrainian hryvnia (UAH) |
| Land borders | Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova |
| Maritime borders | Black Sea, Sea of Azov |
The flag: history and symbolism
Flag History
Blue and yellow go back to the arms of the principalities of Galicia-Volhynia and of the city of Lviv, which bore a golden lion on a blue field in the 14th century. In 1848, the Supreme Ruthenian Council, meeting in Lviv, adopted a flag in these two colours.
The Ukrainian People's Republic made blue and yellow its flag in 1918. Banned during the Soviet period, the flag reappeared at the end of the 1980s: on 24 July 1990, it was raised in front of Kyiv City Hall.
On 4 September 1991, shortly after independence was declared, it flew over the Parliament (the Verkhovna Rada). It was officially adopted on 28 January 1992.
Meaning of Colours & Emblems
The most widespread interpretation links the two colours to the country's landscapes:
- Blue: the sky.
- Yellow: the wheat fields, a symbol of Ukraine's agricultural wealth.
In heraldic terms, the two colours come from the golden lion on a blue field in the medieval arms of Galicia.
Anecdotes & Fun Facts
Since 2004, 23 August, the day before Independence Day, has been National Flag Day in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian flag shares its colours with that of Sweden, but stands apart with its two equal horizontal bands and no cross.
In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the order of the colours varied: some versions placed yellow at the top. The current order, blue above yellow, became established with independence.
Flags of Neighbouring Countries
Sport and history
Athletes
Clubs
Olympic Games
Frequently asked questions
What is the capital of Ukraine?
Kiev is the capital of Ukraine.
What do the colours of the flag of Ukraine mean?
The most widespread interpretation links the two colours to the country's landscapes: Blue: the sky. Yellow: the wheat fields, a symbol of Ukraine's agricultural wealth. In heraldic terms, the two colours come from the golden lion on a blue field in the medieval arms of Galicia.