Gambia achieved independence from Britain on Feb. 18, 1965, under the current flag. The center stripe is blue to symbolize the Gambia River. The red stripe is for the sun and the equator. The green stripe is for agricultural produce (peanuts, grains, and citrus fruits), while the white stripes are said to stand for peace and unity.

Gambia Official name: The Republic of the Gambia. Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [49]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 1,292,000. Population projection: (2000) 1,381,000; (2010) 1,864,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 30.6 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (at current market prices; 1996): U.S.$386,000,000 (U.S.$320 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 10.0%; meadows and pastures 19.0%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 17.2%; built-on area, wasteland, and other 53.8%.

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