<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE SEMIANNUAL REPORT
TO SHAREHOLDERS DATED DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000764842
<NAME> UNITED GOLD & GOVERNMENT FUND, INC.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
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<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
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<RECEIVABLES>                                       83
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<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                       (12,531)
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
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<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                          (4)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
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<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,667
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<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                  1
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</TABLE>