On Sept. 29, 1945, Vietnamese communists adopted the red flag in use today. On July 4, 1976, following the defeat of the American-sponsored government in the south, the flag became official throughout the nation. The five points of the star are said to stand for the proletariat, peasantry, military, intellectuals and petty bourgeoisie.

Vietnam Official name: Cong Hoa Xa Hoi Chu Nghia Viet Nam (Socialist Republic of Vietnam). Form of government: socialist republic with one legislative house (National Assembly [450]). Head of state: President. Head of government: Prime Minister. Population (1998): 76,236,000. Population projection: (2000): 78,350,000; (2010) 88,602,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 15.0 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$21,915,000,000 (U.S.$290 per capita). Land use (1994): forested 29.6%; meadows and pastures 1.0%; agricultural and under permanent cultivation 21.5%; other 47.9%.