The Venezuelan flag was adopted on March 28, 1864. Francisco de Miranda, who helped pave the way for Venezuela's independence from Spain, is considered the flag's creator. The stars are for the original seven provinces. In the upper hoist corner, the national arms are added to flags which serve the government.

Venezuela Official name: República de Venezuela (Republic of Venezuela). Form of government: federal multiparty republic with two legislative houses (Senate [49]; Chamber of Deputies [189]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 23,242,000. Population projection: (2000) 24,170,000; (2010) 28,716,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 22.0 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forest 34.0%; pasture 20.2%; agriculture 4.4%; other 41.4%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$67,333,000,000 (U.S.$3,020 per capita).

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