The colors of the flag have no official symbolic meaning. Introduced in 1785 by King Charles III, the flag was changed only under the Spanish Republic (1931-39). Under different regimes, however, the coat of arms has been altered. The current design dates from Dec. 18, 1981, with the death of Francisco Franco and the resurgence of democracy.

Spain Official name: Reino de España (Kingdom of Spain). Form of government: constitutional monarchy with two legislative houses (Senate [257]; Congress of Deputies [350]). Chief of state: King. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 39,371,000. Population projection: (2000) 39,466,000; (2010) 39,917,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): 0.5 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$563,249,000,000 (U.S.$14,350 per capita).

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