Independence: none (overseas territory of the UK; also claimed by
Argentina)
National holiday: Liberation Day, 14 June (1982)
Constitution: 3 October 1985; amended 1997
Legal system: English common law
Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government: Governor Richard RALPH (since 29 January 1996;
to be replaced in May 1999 by Donald LAMONT); Chief Executive A. M.
GURR (since NA); Financial Secretary D. F. HOWATT (since NA)
cabinet: Executive Council; three members elected by the Legislative
Council, two ex officio members (chief executive and the financial
secretary), and the governor
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed by
the monarch
Legislative branch: unicameral Legislative Council (10 seats—8
elected, 2 ex officio; members are elected by popular vote to serve
five-year terms)
elections: last held 9 October 1997 (next to be held NA October 2001)
election results: percent of vote—NA; seats—independents 8
Judicial branch: Supreme Court, chief justice is a nonresident
Political parties and leaders: none; all independents
International organization participation: ICFTU