Rio Grande

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River of the USA and Mexico, rising in the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado, it flows southeast, through New Mexico and Texas, to the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville; length 3,050 km/1,900 mi. From El Paso, the river forms the US-Mexican border for the last 2,400 km/1,500 mi of its course. Insufficient water is carried for the demands of irrigation both sides of the border, and the Rio Grande is eventually reduced to a trickle in its lower reaches. Its rate of flow is subject to international agreements.

The star, which was added to the flag in 1793, initially had more than five points. The star may represent the Morning Star mentioned in the Koran. Effective date: 5 June 1936. >>