In the early 19th century German nationalists displayed black, gold, and red on their uniforms and tricolor flags. The current flag was used officially from 1848 to 1852 and readopted by West Germany on May 9, 1949. East Germany flew a similar flag but only the flag of West Germany was maintained upon reunification in 1990. When used for official purposes, it may incorporate a central eagle shield.

Germany Official name: Bundesrepublik Deutschland (Federal Republic of Germany). Form of government: federal multiparty republic with two legislative houses (Federal Council [69]; Federal Diet [672]). Chief of state: President. Head of government: Chancellor. Population (1998): 82,148,000. Population projection: (2000) 82,510,000; (2010) 84,346,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1995): -1.4 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (at current market prices; 1996): U.S.$2,364,632,000,000 (U.S.$28,870 per capita). Land use (1994): forest 30.6%; pasture 15.1%; agriculture 19.9%; other 34.4%

© 2001 by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated