The flag features a red sun on a cool white background. Traditionally, the sun goddess founded Japan in the 7th century BC and gave birth to its first emperor, Jimmu. Even today the emperor is known as the "Son of the Sun" and the popular name for the country is "Land of the Rising Sun." The current flag design was adopted on Aug. 5, 1854.

Japan Official name: Nippon (Japan). Form of government: constitutional monarchy with a national Diet consisting of two legislative houses (House of Councillors [252]; House of Representatives [500]). Chief of state: Emperor. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 126,398,000. Population projection: (2000) 126,926,000; (2010) 127,657,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): 2.1 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$5,149,185,000,000 (U.S.$40,940 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 66.4%; meadows and pastures 1.8%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 11.7%; other 20.1%.