The flag was introduced in 1871. It has blue and white stripes (colors of the former United Provinces of Central America) and a coat of arms with the quetzal (the national bird), a scroll, a wreath, and crossed rifles and sabres. Different artistic variations have been used but on Sept. 12, 1968, the present pattern was established.

Guatemala Official name: República de Guatemala (Republic of Guatemala). Form of government: republic with one legislative house (Congress of the Republic [80]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 10,802,000. Population projection: (2000) 11,385,000; (2010) 14,631,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1994): 27.9 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$16,018,000,000 (U.S.$1,470 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 53.6%; meadows and pastures 24.0%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 17.6%; other 4.8%.

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