The colors of the Hungarian flag were mentioned in a 1608 coronation ceremony, but they may have been used since the 13th century. The tricolor was adopted on Oct. 12, 1957, after the abortive revolution of 1956. The white is said to symbolize Hungary's rivers, the green its mountains, and the red the blood shed in its many battles.

Hungary Official name: Magyar Köztársaság (Republic of Hungary). Form of government: unitary multiparty republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [386]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 10,117,000. Population projection: (2000) 10,047,000; (2010) 9,845,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): -3.7 (world avg. 15.7). Land use (1994): forested 19.1%; meadows and pastures 12.4%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 53.9%; other 14.6%. Gross national product (1996): U.S.$44,274,000,000 (U.S.$4,340 per capita).