Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (baladiyat, singular - baladiyah); Ad Dawhah, Al Ghuwayriyah, Al Jumayliyah, Al Khawr, Al Wakrah, Ar Rayyan, Jarayan al Batnah, Ash Shamal, Umm Salal
Independence: 3 September 1971 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 3 September (1971)
Constitution: provisional constitution enacted 2 April 1970
Legal system: discretionary system of law controlled by the amir, although civil codes are being implemented; Islamic law is significant in personal matters
Suffrage: none
Executive branch:
chief of state and head of government: Amir and Prime Minister HAMAD
bin Khalifa Al Thani (since 27 June 1995 when, as crown prince, he
ousted his father, Amir KHALIFA bin Hamad Al Thani, in a bloodless
coup) is an absolute monarch; Deputy Prime Minister ABDALLAH bin
Khalifa Al Thani (since NA July 1995); note - Amir HAMAD who also
holds the positions of minister of defense and commander-in-chief of
the armed forces, has not yet selected a new crown prince
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the amir
Legislative branch: unicameral Advisory Council (Majlis al-Shura): the constitution calls for elections for part of this consultative body, but no elections have been held since 1970, when there were partial elections to the body; Council members have had their terms extended every four years since; seats - (30 total)
Judicial branch: Court of Appeal
Political parties and leaders: none