The central shield includes five smaller shields for a victory over the Moors in 1139 and a red border with gold castles. Behind the shield is an armillary sphere (an astronomical device) recalling world explorations and the kingdom of Brazil. Red and green were used in many early Portuguese flags. The current flag dates to June 30, 1911.

Portugal Official name: República Portuguesa (Portuguese Republic). Form of government: republic with one legislative house (Assembly of the Republic [230]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 9,964,000. Population projection: (2000) 9,998,000; (2010) 10,170,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 0.3 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$100,934,000,000 (U.S.$10,160 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 35.9%; pasture 10.9%; agriculture 31.5%; other 21.7%.

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