With the decline of apartheid, the flag was hoisted on April 27, 1994, and confirmed in 1996. Its six colors collectively represent Zulus, English or Afrikaners, Muslims, supporters of the African National Congress, and other groups. The Y-symbol stands for "merging history and present political realities" into a united and prosperous future.

South Africa Official name: Republic of South Africa (English). Form of government: multiparty republic with two legislative houses (National Council of Provinces [90]; National Assembly [400]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 42,835,000. Population projection: (2000) 43,982,000; (2010) 47,503,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1996): 16.3 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$132,455,000,000 (U.S.$3,520 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 6.7%; pasture 66.7%; agriculture 10.8%; other 15.8%.