In a federation with French Sudan (now Mali) on April 4, 1959, Senegal used a flag with a human figure in the center. After the federation broke up in August 1960, Senegal substituted a green star for the central figure. Green is for hope and religion, yellow is for natural riches and labor, and red is for independence, life, and socialism.

Senegal Official name: République du Sénégal (Republic of Senegal). Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [140]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 9,723,000. Population projection: (2000) 10,390,000; (2010) 14,362,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 33.7 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (at current market prices; 1996): U.S.$18,206,000,000 (U.S.$3,410 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 39.5%; meadows and pastures 29.6%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 12.2%; other 18.7%.

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