The Maori of New Zealand accepted British control in 1840, and a colonial flag was adopted on Jan. 15, 1867. It included the Union Jack in the canton and the letters "NZ" at the fly end. Later versions used the Southern Cross. Dominion status was granted on Sept. 26, 1907, and independence on Nov. 25, 1947, but the flag was unchanged.

New Zealand Official name: New Zealand (English); Aotearoa (Maori). Form of government: constitutional monarchy with one legislative house (House of Representatives [120]). Chief of state: British Monarch, represented by Governor-General. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 3,801,000. Population projection: (2000) 3,878,000; (2010) 4,225,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 7.8 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$57,135,000,000 (U.S.$15,720 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 27.9%; pasture 50.4%; agriculture 14.2%; other 7.5%.