On Dec. 30, 1906, the All India Muslim League approved this typically Muslim flag, with its star and crescent. At independence (Aug. 14, 1947) a white stripe was added for minority religious groups. Also symbolized are prosperity and peace by the green and white colors, progress by the crescent, and knowledge and light by the star.

Pakistan Official name: Islam-i Jamhuriya-e Pakistan (Islamic Republic of Pakistan). Form of government: multiparty, federal Islamic republic with two legislative houses (Senate [87]; National Assembly [217]). Chief of state: President. Chief of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 141,900,000. Population projection: (2000) 147,140,000; (2010) 176,400,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 28.5 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$63,567,000,000 (U.S.$480 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 4.5%; pasture 6.5%; agriculture 27.7%; other 61.3%.

© 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated