Government
Name of country:
conventional long form:
Independent State of Papua New Guinea
conventional short form:
Papua New Guinea
abbreviation:
PNG
Data code:
PP
Type of government:
parliamentary democracy
Capital:
Port Moresby
Administrative divisions:
20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain
Independence:
16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship)
National holiday:
Independence Day, 16 September (1975)
Constitution:
16 September 1975
Legal system:
based on English common law
Suffrage:
19 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since 11 November 1991), who was appointed by the National Executive Council
head of government:
Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since 30 August 1994) and Deputy Prime Minister Chris HAIVETA (since 7 September 1994) were appointed by the governor general
cabinet:
National Executive Council was appointed by the governor general on recommendation of the prime minister
Legislative branch:
unicameral
National Parliament (sometimes referred to as the House of A:
elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results - percent of vote by party NA; seats - (109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18; note - association with political parties is fluid
Judicial branch:
Supreme Court, the chief justice is appointed by the governor general on the proposal of the National Executive Council after consultation with the minister responsible for justice, other judges are appointed by the Judicial and Legal Services Commission
Political parties and leaders:
Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Chris HAIVETA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS
International organization participation:
ACP, APEC, AsDB, C, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Intelsat, Interpol, IOC, ISO (correspondent), ITU, NAM, Sparteca, SPC, SPF, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in US:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Kepas Isimel WATANGIA
chancery:
3rd floor, 1615 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
telephone:
[1] (202) 745-3680
FAX:
[1] (202) 745-3679
US diplomatic representation:
chief of mission:
Ambassador Richard W. TEARE
embassy:
Douglas Street, Port Moresby
mailing address:
P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby
telephone:
[675] 321-1455
FAX:
[675] 321-3423
Flag:
divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered
