The government that flies this flag now controls very little territory, but internationally the flag is recognized for Afghanistan. Adopted on Dec. 3, 1992, it contains a coat of arms in gold emphasizing traditional Muslim values. The more reactionary Muslim forces known as the Taliban (Taleban) fly white flags in the rest of the country.

Afghanistan Form of government: Islamic emirate. Head of state and government: Leader of the faithful. Population (1998): 24,792,000. Population projection: (2000) 26,668,000; (2010) 34,098,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 25.0 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$5,666,000,000 (U.S.$250 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 2.9%; meadows and pastures 46.0%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 12.4%; other 38.7%.

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