Type: republic

Capital: Djibouti

Administrative divisions: 5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle);
'Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti, Obock, Tadjoura

Independence: 27 June 1977 (from France)

National holiday: Independence Day, 27 June (1977)

Constitution: multiparty constitution approved in referendum 4
September 1992

Legal system: based on French civil law system, traditional practices,
and Islamic law

Suffrage: universal adult at age NA

Executive branch:
chief of state: President HASSAN GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977);
election last held 7 May 1993 (next to be held NA 1999); results -
President Hassan GOULED Aptidon was reelected
head of government: Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30
September 1978)
cabinet: Council of Ministers; responsible to the president

Legislative branch: unicameral
Chamber of Deputies (Chambre des Deputes): elections last held 18
December 1992; results - RPP (the ruling party) dominated; seats - (65
total) RPP 65