On April 18, 1980, elections brought the black majority to power under the current flag. The black color is for the ethnic majority, while red is for blood, green for agriculture, yellow for mineral wealth, and white for peace and progress. At the hoist is a red star (for socialism) and the ancient "Zimbabwe Bird" from the Great Zimbabwe ruins.

Zimbabwe Official name: Republic of Zimbabwe. Form of government: multiparty republic with one legislative house (House of Assembly [150]). Head of state and government: President. Population (1998): 11,044,000. Population projection: (2000) 11,272,000; (2010) 11,953,000. Natural increase rate per 1,000 population (1997): 12.6 (world avg. 15.7). Gross national product (1996): U.S.$6,815,000,000 (U.S.$610 per capita).