Short facts about the government of Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Country name:

conventional long form:  Territory of Cocos (Keeling) Islands conventional short form:  Cocos (Keeling) Islands

Dependency status:

territory of Australia; administered from Canberra by the Australian Department of the Environment, Sport, and Territories

Government type:

NA

Capital:

West Island

Administrative divisions:

none (territory of Australia)

Independence:

none (territory of Australia)

National holiday:

NA

Constitution:

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955

Legal system:

based upon the laws of Australia and local laws

Suffrage:

NA

Executive branch:

chief of state:  Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general head of government:  Administrator (non-resident) William Leonard TAYLOR (since 4 February 1999) cabinet:  NA elections:  none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia

Legislative branch:

unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (NA seats)

Judicial branch:

Supreme Court; Magistrate's Court

Political parties and leaders:

none

Political pressure groups 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

Source: World Factbook