In the mid-19th century Cuban exiles designed the flag, which was later carried into battle against Spanish forces. It was adopted on May 20, 1902. The stripes were for the three military districts of Cuba and the purity of the patriotic cause. The red triangle was for strength, constancy, and equality, and the white star symbolized independence.

Cuba Official name: República de Cuba (Republic of Cuba). Form of government: unitary socialist republic with one legislative house (National Assembly of the People's Power [601]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 11,116,000. Population projection: (2000) 11,201,000; (2010) 11,516,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 5.8 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$12,892,000,000 (U.S.$1,170 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 23.7%; meadows and pastures 27.0%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 30.7%; other 18.6%.

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