Data code: BP
Type of government: parliamentary democracy
Capital: Honiara
Administrative divisions: 7 provinces and 1 town*; Central, Guadalcanal, Honiara*, Isabel, Makira, Malaita, Temotu, Western note: there may be two new provinces of Choiseul (Lauru) and Rennell/Bellona and the administrative unit of Honiara may have been abolished
Independence: 7 July 1978 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 7 July (1978)
Constitution: 7 July 1978
Legal system: common law
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952) is a
hereditary monarch, represented by Governor General Moses PITAKAKA
(since 10 June 1994) who was appointed for up to five years by the
queen on the advice of Parliament
head of government: Prime Minister Solomon MAMALONI (since 7
November 1994) was elected by and from Parliament; Deputy Prime
Minister Danny PHILIP (since NA October 1995) was appointed by the
governor general on the advice of the prime minister from among the
members of Parliament
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general on the advice
of the prime minister from among the members of Parliament