Updated December 09, 2011
As of January 1, 2007, there are twenty-seven member countries of the European Union. (On July 1, 2013 Croatia is scheduled to become the 28th member of the European Union.)
By Matt Rosenberg, About.com Guide
The European Union flag has a blue field, with 12 five-pointed gold stars arranged in a circle, representing the union of the peoples of Europe; the number of stars is fixed.
Source: CIA World Factbook, 2007