Abstract: A fluorescent lamp has at least a pair of electrodes, at least two circular discharge tubes connected to said electrodes and enclosing rare gas and mercury therein, and a phosphor coating provided on an inside wall of each of said discharge tubes, the two circular discharge tubes being arranged coaxially circularly on one and the same plane, the diameter of each of the discharge tubes being selected to have a value within a range of from 5 mm to 25 mm both inclusive, the luminance on surface of each of the discharge tubes being selected to have a value within a range of from 2.times.10.sup.4 Cd/m.sup.2 to 6.times.10.sup.4 Cd/m.sup.2.