Data code: CM
Government type: unitary republic; multiparty presidential regime (opposition parties legalized 1990)
National capital: Yaounde
Administrative divisions: 10 provinces; Adamaoua, Centre, Est,
Extreme-Nord, Littoral, Nord, Nord-Ouest, Ouest, Sud, Sud-Ouest
Independence: 1 January 1960 (from UN trusteeship under French administration)
National holiday: National Day, 20 May (1972)
Constitution: 20 May 1972
Legal system: based on French civil law system, with common law influence; does not accept compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage: 21 years of age; universal
Executive branch: chief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982) head of government: Prime Minister Peter Mafany MUSONGA (since 19 September 1996) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president elections : president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 11 October 1992 (next to be held NA October 1997); prime minister appointed by the president election results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote - Paul BIYA 40%, SDF candidate John FRU NDI 36%, UNDP candidate Bello Bouba MAIGARI 19%; note - election held amid widespread allegations of fraud