 |
| Government type | constitutional parliamentary democracy and a Commonwealth realm |
| Head of State |
Head of state: Queen Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor-General Sir Paulias Matane. Head of Government: Prime minister: Sir Michael Somare. |
| Independence | 16 September 1975 (from the Australian-administered UN trusteeship) |
| Constitution | 16 September 1975 |
| Legal system | based on English common law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction |
| Suffrage | 18 years of age; universal |
| Administrative divisions | 18 provinces, 1 autonomous region*, and 1 district**; Bougainville*, Central, Chimbu, Eastern Highlands, East New Britain, East Sepik, Enga, Gulf, Madang, Manus, Milne Bay, Morobe, National Capital**, New Ireland, Northern, Sandaun, Southern Highlands, Western, Western Highlands, West New Britain |