At independence from Britain in 1979 a national flag was designed, but it was replaced by the current flag on Oct. 22, 1985. The three green diamonds are arranged in the form of a V. Green is for the rich vegetation and the vitality of the people, yellow is for sand and personal warmth, and blue is for sea and sky.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Official name: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. Form of government: constitutional monarchy with one legislative house (House of Assembly [21]). Chief of state: British Monarch represented by Governor-General. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 113,000. Population projection: (2000) 114,000; (2010) 124,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): 15.9 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 36%; meadows and pastures 5%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 28%; other 31%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$264,000,000 (U.S.$2,370 per capita).

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