Administrative divisions: 4 states; Kosrae, Pohnpei, Chuuk (Truk),
Yap
Independence: 3 November 1986 (from the US-administered UN
Trusteeship)
National holiday: Proclamation of the Federated States of
Micronesia, 10 May (1979)
Constitution: 10 May 1979
Legal system: based on adapted Trust Territory laws, acts of the legislature, municipal, common, and customary laws
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: President Bailey OLTER (since
21 May 1991) and Vice President Jacob NENA (since 21 May 1991) were
elected by the Congress from among the four Senators-at-Large;
election last held 11 May 1995 (next to be held NA May 1999);
results - Bailey OLTER reelected to a second term as president;
Jacob NENA reelected to a second term as vice president
cabinet: Cabinet
Legislative branch: unicameral Congress: elections last held 7 March 1995 (next to be held NA March 1999); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (14 total) independents 14
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: no formal parties