On Sept. 1, 1920, French-administered Lebanon adopted a flag based on the French tricolor. The current red-white flag was established by the constitution of 1943, which divided power among the Muslim and Christian sects. On the central stripe is a cedar tree, which is a biblical symbol for holiness, peace, and eternity.

Lebanon Official name: Al-Jumhuriyah al-Lubnaniyah (Republic of Lebanon). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [128]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 3,506,000. Population projection: (2000) 3,620,000; (2010) 4,164,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 19.8 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 7.8%; meadows and pastures 1.0%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 29.9%; wasteland and other areas 61.3%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$12,118,000,000 (U.S.$2,970 per capita).

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