The Nigerian flag became official upon independence from Britain on Oct. 1, 1960. The flag design is purposefully simple in order not to favor the symbolism of any particular ethnic or religious group. Agriculture is represented by the green stripes while unity and peace are symbolized by the white stripe.

Nigeria Official name: Federal Republic of Nigeria. Form of government: multiparty republic. Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 110,532,000. Population projection: (2000) 117,171,000; (2010) 150,274,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1990-95): 30.0 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$27,599,000,000 (U.S.$240 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 15.7%; pasture 43.9%; agriculture 35.9%; other 4.5%.

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