Capital of Zhitomir oblast in western Ukraine, 125 km/78 mi west of Kiev; population (2001) 284,200. Zhitomir, on the Teterev River, is a timber and grain centre, and has furniture factories, sugar refineries, and a large brewing industry. The city was founded in the 13th century.
The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936.