The Eastern Roman Empire 3951453, with its capital at Constantinople (formerly Byzantium, modern Istanbul). It was the direct continuation of the Roman Empire in the East, and inherited many of its traditions and institutions.
Blue stands for faith and loyalty, the sea, lakes, and the sky. Black represents past suffering and is the colour of the traditional peasant's jacket. White symbolizes virtue and enlightenment and is the colour of snow, birch bark, and the midnight sun. Effective date: 16 November 1990.