The flag is dark green to symbolize Islam, plant life, and the hope placed in Bengali youth. Its original design included a red disk and a silhouette of the country. On Jan. 13, 1972, the silhouette was removed and the disk shifted off-center. The disk is the "rising sun of a new country" colored by the blood of those who fought for independence.

Bangladesh Official name: Gana Prajatantri Bangladesh (People's Republic of Bangladesh). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (Parliament [330]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 127,567,000. Population projection: (2000) 131,999,000; (2010) 153,084,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 14.6 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$31,217,000,000 (U.S.$260 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 14.6%; pasture 4.6%; agriculture 74.5%; other 6.3%.

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