Data code: SH
Dependency status: overseas territory of the UK
Government type: NA
Capital: Jamestown
Administrative divisions: 1 administrative area and 2 dependencies*; Ascension*, Saint Helena, Tristan da Cunha*
Independence: none (overseas territory of the United Kingdom)
National holiday: Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)
Legal system: NA
Suffrage: NA years of age
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952)
head of government:
Governor and Commander in Chief David Hollamby (since NA June 1999)
cabinet:
Executive Council consists of the governor, two ex officio officers, and six elected members of the Legislative Council
elections:
none; the monarch is hereditary; governor is appointed by the monarch
Legislative branch:
unicameral Legislative Council (15 seats, including the speaker, 3 ex officio and 12 elected members; members are elected by popular vote to serve four-year terms)
elections:
last held 9 July 1997 (next to be held NA July 2001)
election results:
percent of vote - NA; seats - independents 15
Judicial branch: Supreme Court
Political parties and leaders: none
International organization participation: ICFTU
Flag description: blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Saint Helenian shield centered on the outer half of the flag; the shield features a rocky coastline and three-masted sailing ship (see also: flag of Saint Helena)