Data code: KT
Dependency status: territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories
Government type: NA
Capital: The Settlement
Administrative divisions: none (territory of Australia)
Independence: none (territory of Australia)
National holiday: NA
Constitution: Christmas Island Act of 1958
Legal system: under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general
head of government:
Administrator (acting) Graham NICHOLLS (since NA)
elections:
none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia
Legislative branch:
unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve one-year terms)
elections:
last held NA December 1999 (next to be held NA December 2000)
election results:
percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 9
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: none
Diplomatic representation in the US: none (territory of Australia)
Diplomatic representation from the US: none (territory of Australia)
Flag description: the flag of Australia is used