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Country name:
conventional long form:
Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie, and Oeno Islands
conventional short form:
Pitcairn Islands
Data code:
PC
Dependency status:
overseas territory of the UK
Government type: Municipality/Constitutional monarchy
Capital:
Adamstown, named after John Adams, the last of the mutineers, who died in 1829.
Administrative divisions:
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Independence:
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday:
Celebration of the Birthday of the Queen (second Saturday in June)
Constitution:
Local Government Ordinance of 1964
Legal system:
local island by-laws
Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal with three years residency
Executive branch:
chief of state:
Queen Elizabeth II (since February 6, 1952), represented by UK High Commissioner to New Zealand and Governor (nonresident) of the Pitcairn Islands Richard FELL; Commissioner (nonresident) Leon SALT (since NA; is the liaison person between the governor and the Island Council)
head of government:
Mayor Jay Warren] (Elected 15th December, 2004)
cabinet:
NA
elections:
the monarch is hereditary; high commissioner and commissioner appointed by the monarch under advice of Government; island Mayor elected by popular vote for a three-year term.
election results:
Jay Warren Mayor
Legislative branch:
unicameral Island Council (10 seats - The Mayor and the Chairman of the Island Council both hold membership ex officio; 4 elected by popular vote, 1 co-opted by the 6 elected members, 2 appointed by the governor, and 1 seat for the Island Secretary (ex officio); except for the Mayor, who has a three year term, and the Island Secretary, whose term is indefinite, members serve one-year terms.
elections:
take place each December; last held 15 December 2004 (next to be held NA December 2005)
election results:
percent of vote (by tradition, not published); seats - all independents (no political parties on Pitcairn)
Judicial branch:
Island Court, island magistrate presides over the court and is elected every three years
Political parties and leaders:
none
International organization participation:
SPC
Diplomatic representation in the US:
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag description:
blue with the flag of the UK in the upper hoist-side quadrant and the Pitcairn Islander coat of arms centered on the outer half of the flag; the coat of arms is yellow, green, and light blue with a shield featuring a yellow anchor
- See also : Pitcairn Islands
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