Indonesia's red and white flag was associated with the Majapahit empire which existed from the 13th to the 16th century. It was adopted on Aug. 17, 1945, and it remained after Indonesia won its independence from The Netherlands in 1949. Red is for courage and white for honesty. The flag is identical, except in dimensions, to the flag of Monaco.

Indonesia Official name: Republik Indonesia (Republic of Indonesia). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with two legislative houses (House of People's Representatives [480]; People's Consultative Assembly [980]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 202,957,000. Population projection: (2000) 209,342,000; (2010) 237,973,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 14.5 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$213,384,000,000 (U.S.$1,080 per capita).

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