Government (Djibouti)
=====================


     Long-form name:
         Republic of Djibouti
     Type:
         republic
     Capital:
         Djibouti
     Administrative divisions:
         5 districts (cercles, singular - cercle); `Ali Sabih, Dikhil, Djibouti,
         Obock, Tadjoura
     Independence:
         27 June 1977 (from France; formerly French Territory of the Afars and Issas)
     Constitution:
         partial constitution ratified January 1981 by the National Assembly
     Legal system:
         based on French civil law system, traditional practices, and Islamic law
     National holiday:
         Independence Day, 27 June (1977)
     Executive branch:
         president, prime minister, Council of Ministers
     Legislative branch:
         National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale)
     Judicial branch:
         Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)
     Leaders:
       Chief of State:
         President Hassan GOULED Aptidon (since 24 June 1977)
       Head of Government:
         Prime Minister BARKAT Gourad Hamadou (since 30 September 1978)
     Political parties and leaders:
         only party - People's Progress Assembly (RPP), Hassan GOULED Aptidon
     Suffrage:
         universal adult at age NA
     Elections:
       National Assembly:
         last held 24 April 1987 (next scheduled for May 1992 but post- poned);
         results - RPP is the only party; seats - (65 total) RPP 65
       President:
         last held 24 April 1987 (next to be held April 1993); results - President
         Hassan GOULED Aptidon was reelected without opposition
     Other political or pressure groups:
         Front for the Restoration of Unity and Democracy and affiliates
     Member of:
         ACCT, ACP, AfDB, AFESD, AL, ECA, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC,
         IGADD, ILO, IMF, IMO, INTERPOL, IOC, ITU, LORCS, NAM, OAU, OIC, UN, UNESCO,
         UNCTAD, UPU, WHO, WMO
     Diplomatic representation:
         Ambassador Roble OLHAYE; Chancery at Suite 515, 1156 15th Street NW,
         Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 331-0270
       US:
         Ambassador Charles R. BAQUET III; Embassy at Villa Plateau du Serpent,
         Boulevard Marechal Joffre, Djibouti (mailing address is B. P. 185,
         Djibouti); telephone [253] 35-39-95; FAX [253] 35-39-40
     Flag:
         two equal horizontal bands of light blue (top) and light green with a white
         isosceles triangle based on the hoist side bearing a red five-pointed star
         in the center