Earlier versions of the flag were used from the 1920s, but the current flag was hoisted officially on July 22, 1947. The orange was said to stand for courage and sacrifice, white for peace and truth, and green for faith and chivalry. The blue wheel is a chakra, associated with Emperor Asoka's attempts to unite India in the 3rd century BC.

India Official name: Bharat (Hindi); Republic of India (English). Form of government: multiparty federal republic with two legislative houses (Council of States [245], House of the People [545]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 984,004,000. Population projection: (2000) 1,017,645,000; (2010) 1,182,000,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 16.3 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$357,759,000,000 (U.S.$380 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 23.0%; meadows and pastures 3.8%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 57.1%; other 16.1%.

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