_#_Independence: 26 June 1960 (from France; formerly Malagasy Republic)
_#_Constitution: 21 December 1975
_#_Legal system: based on French civil law system and traditional Malagasy law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
_#_National holiday: Independence Day, 26 June (1960)
_#_Executive branch: president, Supreme Council of the Revolution, prime minister, Council of Ministers
_#_Legislative branch: unicameral Popular National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale Populaire)
_#_Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme), High Constitutional Court (Haute Cour Constitutionnelle)
_#_Leaders:
Chief of State—President Adm. Didier RATSIRAKA (since 15 June 1975);
Head of Government—Prime Minister Guy RASANAMAZY (since 8 August 1991)