National capital: Windhoek

Administrative divisions: 13 regions; Caprivi, Erongo, Hardap, Karas,
Khomas, Kunene, Ohangwena, Okavango, Omaheke, Omusati, Oshana,
Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa

Independence: 21 March 1990 (from South African mandate)

National holiday: Independence Day, 21 March (1990)

Constitution: ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990

Legal system: based on Roman-Dutch law and 1990 constitution

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch: chief of state: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990); note-the president is both the chief of state and head of government head of government: President Sam NUJOMA (since 21 March 1990); note-the president is both the chief of state and head of government cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from among the members of the National Assembly elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term; election last held 7-8 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999) election results: Sam NUJOMA elected president; percent of vote-76%

Legislative branch: bicameral legislature consists of the National Council (26 seats; two members are chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms) elections: National Council-last held 30 November-3 December 1992 (next to be held by December 1998); National Assembly-last held 7-8 December 1994 (next to be held NA December 1999) election results: National Council-percent of vote by party-NA; seats by party-SWAPO 19, DTA 6, UDF 1; National Assembly-percent of vote by party-SWAPO 73.89%, DTA 20.78%, UDF 2.72%, DCN 0.83%, MAG 0.82%; seats by party-SWAPO 53, DTA 15, UDF 2, MAG 1, DCN 1 note: the National Council is a purely advisory body

Judicial branch: Supreme Court, judges appointed by the president