_#_Constitution: 24 April 1970

_#_Legal system: based on a composite of English common law, Koranic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations

_#_National holiday: Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

_#_Executive branch: president, vice president, Cabinet

_#_Legislative branch: unicameral House of Representatives

_#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court

_#_Leaders:

Chief of State and Head of Government—President Alhaji Sir Dawda Kairaba JAWARA (since 24 April 1970); Vice President Bakary Bunja DARBO (since 12 May 1982)

_#_Political parties and leaders:
People's Progressive Party (PPP), Dawda K. JAWARA, secretary general;
National Convention Party (NCP), Sheriff DIBBA;
Gambian People's Party (GPP), Assan Musa CAMARA;
United Party (UP);
People's Democratic Organization of Independence and Socialism (PDOIS)

_#_Suffrage: universal at age 21