<item><hi format=bold>Administrative divisions:</hi> 20 provinces; Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital, New Ireland, Northern, North Solomons, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain
<item><hi format=bold>Independence:</hi> 16 September 1975 (from UN trusteeship under Australian administration)
<item><hi format=bold>National holiday:</hi> Independence Day, 16 September (1975)
<item><hi format=bold>Constitution:</hi> 16 September 1975
<item><hi format=bold>Legal system:</hi> based on English common law
<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> Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General Wiwa KOROWI (since NA November 1991)
<item>• <hi format=ital>head of government:</hi> Prime Minister Paias WINGTI (since 17 July 1992); Deputy Prime Minister Sir Julius CHAN (since July 1992)
<item>• <hi format=ital>cabinet:</hi> National Executive Council; appointed by the governor on recommendation of the prime minister
<item><hi format=bold>National Parliament:</hi> (sometimes referred to as the House of Assembly) elections last held 13-26 June 1992 (next to be held NA 1997); results—percent by party NA; seats—(109 total) Pangu Party 24, PDM 17, PPP 10, PAP 10, independents 30, others 18 (association with political parties is fluid)
<item><hi format=bold>Political parties and leaders:</hi> Papua New Guinea United Party (Pangu Party), Jack GENIA; People's Democratic Movement (PDM), Paias WINGTI; People's Action Party (PAP), Akoka DOI; People's Progress Party (PPP), Sir Julius CHAN; United Party (UP), Paul TORATO; Papua Party (PP), Galeva KWARARA; National Party (NP), Paul PORA; Melanesian Alliance (MA), Fr. John MOMIS
<item>• <hi format=ital>chief of mission:</hi> Ambassador Richard TEARE
<item>• <hi format=ital>embassy:</hi> Armit Street, Port Moresby
<item>• <hi format=ital>mailing address:</hi> P. O. Box 1492, Port Moresby, or APO AE 96553
<item>• <hi format=ital>telephone:</hi> [675] 211-455 or 594, 654
<item>• <hi format=ital>FAX:</hi> [675] 213-423
</list>
<item><hi format=bold>Flag:</hi> divided diagonally from upper hoist-side corner; the upper triangle is red with a soaring yellow bird of paradise centered; the lower triangle is black with five white five-pointed stars of the Southern Cross constellation centered