In 1877 the flag of the Congo Free State was blue with a gold star, for a shining light in the "Dark Continent." At independence (June 30, 1962) six stars were added for the existing six provinces, but in 1971 the flag was replaced with a green flag depicting an arm and a torch. The regime led by Laurent Kabila restored the old flag on May 17, 1997.

Congo, Democratic Republic of the Official name: République Democratique du Congo (Democratic Republic of the Congo). Form of government: transitional military regime. Chief of state: President. Population (1998): 49,001,000. Population projection: (2000) 51,988,000; (2010) 70,276,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 33.0 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 76.7%; meadows and pastures 6.6%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 3.5%; other 13.2%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$5,727,000,000 (U.S.$130 per capita).

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