Type of government: dependent territory of the UK
Capital: Adamstown
Administrative divisions: none (dependent territory of the UK)
Independence: none (dependent territory of the UK)
National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second
Saturday in June)
Constitution: Local Government Ordinance of 1964
Legal system: local island by-laws
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal with three years residency
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (of the United Kingdom since 6
February 1952) is a hereditary monarch, represented by UK High
Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (non-resident) of the
Pitcairn Islands Robert John ALSTON (since NA August 1994);
Commissioner (non-resident) G. D. HARRAWAY (since NA; is the liaison
person between the governor and the Island Council)
head of government: Island Magistrate and Chairman of the Island
Council Jay WARREN (since NA); the island magistrate is elected
every three years
Legislative branch: unicameral Island Council: elections take place each December; election last held NA December 1995 (next to be held NA December 1996); results - percent of vote NA; seats - (11 total, 5 elected) all independents