Long-form name: none

Type: independent parliamentary state within Commonwealth recognizing Elizabeth II as head of state

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 UN trusteeship under Australian administration)

Constitution: 16 September 1975

Legal system: based on English common law

National holiday: Independence Day, 16 September (1975)

Branches: executive--National Executive Council; legislature--House of Assembly (109 members); judiciary--court system consists of Supreme Court of Papua New Guinea and various inferior courts (district courts, local courts, children's courts, wardens' courts)

Leaders: Ignatius KILAGE, Governor General (since 28 February 1989); Rabbie NAMALIU, Prime Minister (since July 1988)

Suffrage: universal adult

Elections: preferential-type election for House of Assembly every five years, last held in June 1987; parliament ousted Prime Minister Wingti after a no-confidence motion passed 58 to 50 on 4 July 1988

Political parties: Pangu Party, People's Progress Party, United Party, Papua Besena, National Party, Melanesian Alliance

Communists: no significant strength

Member of: ADB, ANRPC, CIPEC (associate), Commonwealth, ESCAP, FAO, G-77, GATT (de facto), IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IFAD, IFC, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTELSAT, INTERPOL, ITU, South Pacific Commission, SPF, UN, UNESCO, UPU, WHO, WMO

Diplomatic representation: Ambassador Renagi R. LOHIA; Chancery at Suite 350, 1330 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington DC 20036; telephone (202) 659-0856; US--Ambassador Everett E. BIERMAN; Embassy at Armit Street, Port Moresby (mailing address is P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby); telephone Õ675å 211-455 or 594, 654

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

NOTE: The information regarding Papua New Guinea on this page is re-published from the 1989 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Papua New Guinea Government 1989 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Papua New Guinea Government 1989 should be addressed to the CIA.