<item><hi format=bold>Administrative divisions:</hi> none (administration directly from Valletta)
<item><hi format=bold>Independence:</hi> 21 September 1964 (from UK)
<item><hi format=bold>National holiday:</hi> Independence Day, 21 September (1964)
<item><hi format=bold>Constitution:</hi> 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974
<item><hi format=bold>Legal system:</hi> based on English common law and Roman civil law; has accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
<item><hi format=bold>Suffrage:</hi> 18 years of age; universal
<item><hi format=bold>Executive branch:</hi>
<list style=hang>
<item>• <hi format=ital>chief of state:</hi> President Ugo MIFSUD BONNICI (since 4 April 1994)
<item>• <hi format=ital>head of government:</hi> Prime Minister Dr. Edward (Eddie) FENECH ADAMI (since 12 May 1987); Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Guido DE MARCO (since 14 May 1987)
<item>• <hi format=ital>cabinet:</hi> Cabinet; appointed by the president on advice of the prime minister
<item><hi format=bold>House of Representatives:</hi> elections last held on 22 February 1992 (next to be held by February 1997); results—NP 51.8%, MLP 46.5%; seats—(usually 65 total) MLP 36, NP 29; note—additional seats are given to the party with the largest popular vote to ensure a legislative majority; current total 69 (MLP 33, NP 36 after adjustment)
<item><hi format=bold>Judicial branch:</hi> Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal
<item><hi format=bold>Political parties and leaders:</hi> Nationalist Party (NP), Edward FENECH ADAMI; Malta Labor Party (MLP), Alfred SANT
<item><hi format=bold>Flag:</hi> two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red