The tricolor flag was recognized in 1906 but altered after the revolution of 1979. Along the central stripe are the Arabic words "Allahu akbar" ("God is great"), repeated 22 times. The coat of arms can be read as a rendition of the word "Allah", as a globe, or as two crescents. The green is for Islam, white for peace, and red for valor.

Iran Official name: Jomhuri-ye Eslami-ye Iran (Islamic Republic of Iran). Form of government: unitary Islamic republic with one legislative house (Islamic Consultative Assembly [270]). Supreme political/religious authority: Leader. Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 61,531,000. Population projection: (2000) 63,328,000; (2010) 73,130,000. Gross national product (1995-96): U.S.$60,792,000,000 (U.S.$1,000 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 7.0%; pasture 26.9%; agriculture 11.1%; other 55.0%.

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