A group of micro-organisms belonging to the domain of the Archaea. They give off methane gas as a by-product of their metabolism, and are common in sewage treatment plants and hot springs, where the temperature is high and oxygen is absent.
White, blue, and red became known as the pan-Slavic colours, influencing many other Eastern European flags. White, blue, and red are also the colours of the arms of the Duchy of Moscow. Effective date: 11 December 1993.