In the early 1960s, anti-Portuguese groups adopted flags of green (for forests), black (for the majority population), white (for rivers and the ocean), gold (for peace and mineral wealth), and red (for the blood of liberation). The current flag was readopted in 1983; on its star are a book, a hoe, and an assault rifle.

Mozambique Official name: República de Moçambique (Republic of Mozambique). Form of government: multiparty republic with a single legislative house (Assembly of the Republic [250]). Head of state and government: President assisted by the Prime Minister. Population (1998): 18,641,000. Population projection: (2000) 19,614,000; (2010) 24,809,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 26.0 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$1,472,000,000 (U.S.$80 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 22.1%; meadows and pastures 56.1%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 4.0%; other 17.8%.

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