During the European uprisings of 1848, Croatians designed a flag based on that of Russia. In April 1941 the fascistic Ustasa used this flag, adding the checkered shield of Croatia. A communist star soon replaced the shield, but the current flag was adopted on Dec. 22, 1990. Atop the shield is a "crown" inlaid with historic coats of arms.

Croatia Official name: Republika Hrvatska (Republic of Croatia). Form of government: multiparty republic with a two-chambered legislature (House of Zupanije [68]; House of Representatives [127]). Head of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 4,672,000. Population projection: (2000) 4,681,000; (2010) 4,634,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): -0.1 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forest 37.1%; pasture 19.3%; agriculture 21.6%; other 22.0%. Gross domestic product (1996): U.S.$18,130,000,000 (U.S.$3,800 per capita).

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