Country name:
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conventional long form: Territory of Christmas Island
conventional short form: Christmas Island
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Dependency status:
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territory of Australia; administered by the Australian Department of Transport and Regional Services
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Government type:
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NA
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Capital:
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The Settlement
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Administrative divisions:
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none (territory of Australia)
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Independence:
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none (territory of Australia)
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National holiday:
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NA
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Constitution:
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NA
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Legal system:
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under the authority of the governor general of Australia and Australian law
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Executive branch:
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chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), represented by the Australian governor general
head of government: Administrator William Leonard TAYLOR (since 4 February 1999)
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia
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Legislative branch:
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unicameral Christmas Island Shire Council (9 seats; members elected by popular vote to serve one-year terms)
election results: percent of vote - NA%; seats - independents 9
elections: last held NA December 2002 (next to be held NA December 2003)
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Judicial branch:
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Supreme Court; District Court; Magistrate's Court
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Political parties and leaders:
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none
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Political pressure groups and leaders:
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none
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International organization participation:
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none
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Diplomatic representation in the US:
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none (territory of Australia)
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Diplomatic representation from the US:
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none (territory of Australia)
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Flag description:
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the flag of Australia is used; note - in early 1986, the Christmas Island Assembly held a design competition for an island flag, however, the winning design has never been formally adopted as the official flag of the territory
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