After Portugal withdrew from Angola on Nov. 11, 1975, the flag of the leading rebel group gained recognition. Inspired by designs of the Viet Cong and the former Soviet Union, it includes a star for internationalism and progress, a cogwheel for industrial workers, and a machete for agricultural workers.

Angola Official name: República de Angola (Republic of Angola). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [220]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 10,865,000. Population projection: (2000) 11,487,000; (2010) 14,932,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 26.9 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$2,972,000,000 (U.S.$270 per capita). Land use (1995): forested 18.5%; meadows and pastures 43.3%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 2.8%; other 35.4%.

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