Government (Tuvalu)
===================


     Long-form name:
         none
     Type:
         democracy
     Capital:
         Funafuti
     Administrative divisions:
         none
     Independence:
         1 October 1978 (from UK; formerly Ellice Islands)
     Constitution:
         1 October 1978
     National holiday:
         Independence Day, 1 October (1978)
     Executive branch:
         British monarch, governor general, prime minister, deputy prime minister,
         Cabinet
     Legislative branch:
         unicameral Parliament (Palamene)
     Judicial branch:
         High Court
     Leaders:
       Chief of State:
         Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by Governor General
         Tupua LEUPENA (since 1 March 1986)
       Head of Government:
         Prime Minister Bikenibeu PAENIU (since 16 October 1989); Deputy Prime
         Minister Dr. Alesana SELUKA (since October 1989)
     Political parties and leaders:
         none
     Suffrage:
         universal at age 18
     Elections:
       Parliament:
         last held 28 September 1989 (next to be held by NA September 1993); results
         - percent of vote NA; seats - (12 total)
     Member of:
         ACP, C (special), ESCAP, SPC, SPF, UPU
     Diplomatic representation:
         Ambassador (vacant)
       US:
         none
     Flag:
         light blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant; the
         outer half of the flag represents a map of the country with nine yellow
         five-pointed stars symbolizing the nine islands