Chosen prior to independence (March 12, 1968) from British rule, the flag of Mauritius is unique in having four equal horizontal stripes. The yellow color is for the "light of freedom" while the red is for the struggle for independence. Blue symbolizes the insularity of the nation in the Indian Ocean, and green is for the vegetation.

Mauritius Official name: Republic of Mauritius. Form of government: republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [66]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 1,157,000. Population projection: (2000) 1,169,000; (2010) 1,298,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): 11.6 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (at current market prices; 1996): U.S.$4,205,000,000 (U.S.$3,710 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 21.7%; meadows and pastures 3.4%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 52.2%; other 22.7%.

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