tern, 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 St