The Stars and Stripes has white stars corresponding to the states of the union (50 since July 4, 1960), as well as stripes for the 13 original states. The first unofficial national flag, hoisted on Jan. 1, 1776, had the British Union flag in the canton. The official flag dates to June 14, 1777; its design was standardized in 1912 and 1934.

United States Official name: United States of America. Form of government: federal republic with two legislative houses (Senate [100]; House of Representatives [435]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 270,262,000. Population projection: (2000) 274,894,000; (2010) 297,976,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 5.7 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (at current market prices; 1996): U.S.$7,567,100,000,000 (U.S.$28,495 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 32.3%; meadows and pastures 26.1%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 20.5%; other 21.1%.

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