Originally the civil ensign, this flag was first
recognized for use on land in 1883, and was used
until the fall of the Kerensky Government in
1917. It was re-adopted as the flag of the Russian Federation in August of 1991.
(Sources: State Department Background Notes >1998; CIA World Factbook 1997 )
Please note: If a holiday falls on a Thursday, Friday and Saturday may also be holidays. In addition, many cities and towns celebrate local holidays as well.