An external-electrode fluorescent lamp has two external electrodes disposed on its ends, wherein each external electrode has an extended portion flattened to form two substantially flat circumferential areas. With such flattened circumferential areas, the electric contact made to the conductive strip can be improved. For mounting a row of external-electrode fluorescent lamps, a mounting base with two electrically conductive strips are used. Each electrically conductive strip has a plurality of curved sections to fit the extended portion of the external electrode. The curved section has two substantially sidewalls to make contact with the flat circumferential areas of the extended portion of the external electrode. The extended portion can also be slightly tapered.