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 Transport and Regional Services

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
elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch and Australia
head of government: Administrator (nonresident) William Leonard TAYLOR (since 4 February 1999)
cabinet: NA

Legislative branch unicameral Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire Council (7 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

NOTE: The information regarding Cocos (Keeling) Islands on this page is re-published from the 2002 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Cocos (Keeling) Islands Government 2002 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Cocos (Keeling) Islands Government 2002 should be addressed to the CIA.