New ZealandNew Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.5087 (2004),1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001), 2.2012 (2000)
Nicaraguagold cordobas per US dollar - 15.937 (2004), 15.105(2003), 14.251 (2002), 13.372 (2001), 12.684 (2000)
NigerCommunaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98(2000)
Nigerianairas per US dollar - 132.89 (2004), 129.22 (2003), 120.58(2002), 111.23 (2001), 101.7 (2000)
NiueNew Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.5087 (2004), 1.7221(2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001), 2.2012 (2000)
Norfolk IslandAustralian dollars per US dollar - 1.3598 (2004),1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001), 1.7248 (2000)
Northern Mariana Islandsthe US dollar is used
NorwayNorwegian kroner per US dollar - 6.7408 (2004), 7.0802(2003), 7.9838 (2002), 8.9917 (2001), 8.8018 (2000)
OmanOmani rials per US dollar - 0.3845 (2004), 0.3845 (2003),0.3845 (2002), 0.3845 (2001), 0.3845 (2000)
PakistanPakistani rupees per US dollar - 58.258 (2004), 57.752(2003), 59.724 (2002), 61.927 (2001), 53.648 (2000)
Palauthe US dollar is used
Panamabalboas per US dollar - 1 (2004), 1 (2003), 1 (2002), 1(2001), 1 (2000)
Papua New Guineakina per US dollar - 3.2225 (2004), 3.5635 (2003),3.8952 (2002), 3.3887 (2001), 2.7822 (2000)
Paraguayguarani per US dollar - 5,974.6 (2004), 6,424.3 (2003),5,716.3 (2002), 4,105.9 (2001), 3,486.4 (2000)
Perunuevo sol per US dollar - 3.4132 (2004), 3.4785 (2003), 3.5165(2002), 3.5068 (2001), 3.49 (2000)
PhilippinesPhilippine pesos per US dollar - 56.04 (2004), 54.203(2003), 51.604 (2002), 50.993 (2001), 44.192 (2000)
Pitcairn IslandsNew Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.5087 (2004),1.7221 (2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001), 2.2012 (2000)
Polandzlotych per US dollar - 3.6576 (2004), 3.8891 (2003), 4.08(2002), 4.0939 (2001), 4.3461 (2000)note: zlotych is the plural form of zloty
Portugaleuros per US dollar - 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626(2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000)
Puerto Ricothe US dollar is used
QatarQatari rials per US dollar - 3.64 (2004), 3.64 (2003), 3.64(2002), 3.64 (2001), 3.64 (2000)
Reunioneuros per US dollar - 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626(2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000)
Romanialei per US dollar - 32,637 (2004), 33,200 (2003), 33,055(2002), 29,061 (2001), 21,709 (2000)
RussiaRussian rubles per US dollar - 28.814 (2004), 30.692 (2003),31.349 (2002), 29.169 (2001), 28.129 (2000)
RwandaRwandan francs per US dollar - 574.62 (2004), 537.66 (2003),476.33 (2002), 442.8 (2001), 393.44 (2000)
Saint HelenaSaint Helenian pounds per US dollar - 0.5462 (2004),0.6125 (2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001), 0.6609 (2000)note: the Saint Helenian pound is on par with the British pound
Saint Kitts and NevisEast Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7(2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000)
Saint LuciaEast Caribbean dollars per US dollar - 2.7 (2004), 2.7(2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000)
Saint Pierre and Miqueloneuros per US dollar - 0.8054 (2004), 0.886(2003), 1.0626 (2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000)
Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesEast Caribbean dollars per USdollar - 2.7 (2004), 2.7 (2003), 2.7 (2002), 2.7 (2001), 2.7 (2000)
Samoatala per US dollar - 2.7807 (2004), 2.9732 (2003), 3.3763(2002), 3.478 (2001), 3.2864 (2000)
San Marinoeuros per US dollar - 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626(2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000)
Sao Tome and Principedobras per US dollar - 9,900.4 (2004), 9,347.6(2003), 9,088.3 (2002), 8,842.1 (2001), 7,978.2 (2000)
Saudi ArabiaSaudi riyals per US dollar - 3.745 (2004), 3.745(2003), 3.745 (2002), 3.745 (2001), 3.745 (2000)
SenegalCommunaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98(2000)
Serbia and Montenegronew Yugoslav dinars per US dollar - 64.1915(official rate: 65) (2002)
SeychellesSeychelles rupees per US dollar - 5.5 (2004), 5.4007(2003), 5.48 (2002), 5.8575 (2001), 5.7138 (2000)
Sierra Leoneleones per US dollar - 2,701.3 (2004), 2,347.9 (2003),2,099 (2002), 1,986.2 (2001), 2,092.1 (2000)
SingaporeSingapore dollars per US dollar - 1.6902 (2004), 1.7422(2003), 1.7906 (2002), 1.7917 (2001), 1.724 (2000)
Slovakiakoruny per US dollar - 32.257 (2004), 36.773 (2003), 45.327(2002), 48.355 (2001), 46.035 (2000)
Sloveniatolars per US dollar - 192.38 (2004), 207.11 (2003), 240.25(2002), 242.75 (2001), 222.66 (2000)
Solomon IslandsSolomon Islands dollars per US dollar - 7.4847(2004), 7.5059 (2003), 6.7488 (2002), 5.278 (2001), 5.0889 (2000)
SomaliaSomali shillings per US dollar - 11,000 (November 2000),2,620 (January 1999), 7,500 (November 1997 est.), 7,000 (January1996 est.), 5,000 (1 January 1995)note: the Republic of Somaliland, a self-declared independentcountry not recognized by any foreign government, issues its owncurrency, the Somaliland shilling
South Africarand per US dollar - 6.4597 (2004), 7.5648 (2003),10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001), 6.9398 (2000)
Spaineuros per US dollar - 0.8054 (2004), 0.886 (2003), 1.0626(2002), 1.1175 (2001), 1.0854 (2000)
Sri LankaSri Lankan rupees per US dollar - 101.194 (2004), 96.521(2003), 95.662 (2002), 89.383 (2001), 77.005 (2000)
SudanSudanese dinars per US dollar - 257.91 (2004), 260.98 (2003),263.31 (2002), 258.7 (2001), 257.12 (2000)
SurinameSurinamese dollars per US dollar - 2.7336 (2004),Surinamese guilders per US dollar - 2.6013 (2003), 2.3468 (2002),2.1785 (2001), 1.3225 (2000)note: during 1998, the exchange rate splintered into four distinctrates; in January 1999 the government floated the guilder, butsubsequently fixed it when the black-market rate plunged; in January2004, the government introduced the Surinamese dollar as replacementfor the guilder, tied to a US dollar-dominated currency basket
SvalbardNorwegian kroner per US dollar - 6.7408 (2004), 7.0802(2003), 7.9838 (2002), 8.9917 (2001), 8.8018 (2000)
Swazilandemalangeni per US dollar - 6.4597 (2004), 7.5648 (2003),10.5407 (2002), 8.6092 (2001), 6.9398 (2000)
SwedenSwedish kronor per US dollar - 7.3489 (2004), 8.0863 (2003),9.7371 (2002), 10.3291 (2001), 9.1622 (2000)
SwitzerlandSwiss francs per US dollar - 1.2435 (2004), 1.3467(2003), 1.5586 (2002), 1.6876 (2001), 1.6888 (2000)
SyriaSyrian pounds per US dollar - (official rate): 11.225 (2004),11.225 (2003), 11.225 (2002), 11.225 (2001), 11.225 (2000),(parallel market rate in Amman and Beirut) NA (2004), 52.8 (2003),52.4 (2002), 50.4 (2002), 49.4 (2000)
Taiwannew Taiwan dollars per US dollar - 33.422 (2004), 34.418(2003), 34.575 (2002), 33.8 (2001), 33.09 (2000)
TajikistanTajikistani somoni per US dollar - 2.9705 (2004), 3.0614(2003), 2.7641 (2002), 2.3722 (2001), 2.0763 (2000)note: the new unit of exchange was introduced on 30 October 2000,with one somoni equal to 1,000 of the old Tajikistani rubles
TanzaniaTanzanian shillings per US dollar - 1,089.33 (2004),1,038.42 (2003), 966.58 (2002), 876.41 (2001), 800.41 (2000)
Thailandbaht per US dollar - 40.222 (2004), 41.485 (2003), 42.96(2002), 44.432 (2001), 40.112 (2000)
TogoCommunaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF) per US dollar -528.29 (2004), 581.2 (2003), 696.99 (2002), 733.04 (2001), 711.98(2000)
TokelauNew Zealand dollars per US dollar - 1.5087 (2004), 1.7221(2003), 2.1622 (2002), 2.3788 (2001), 2.2012 (2000)
Tongapa'anga per US dollar - 1.9716 (2004), 2.142 (2003), 2.1952(2002), 2.1236 (2001), 1.7585 (2000)
Trinidad and TobagoTrinidad and Tobago dollars per US dollar -6.299 (2004), 6.2951 (2003), 6.2487 (2002), 6.2332 (2001), 6.2998(2000)
TunisiaTunisian dinars per US dollar - 1.2455 (2004), 1.2885(2003), 1.4217 (2002), 1.4387 (2001), 1.3707 (2000)
TurkeyTurkish liras per US dollar - 1,425,500 (2004), 1,500,900(2003), 1,507,200 (2002), 1,225,600 (2001), 625,200 (2000)Note: on 1 January 2005 the old Turkish Lira (TRL)was converted toNew Turkish Lira (YTL) at a rate of 1,000,000 old to 1 New TurkishLira
TurkmenistanTurkmen manats per US dollar - 10,100 (2004), 10,034(2003), 10,098 (2002), 5,200 (2001)note: in recent years the unofficial rate has hovered around 21,000manats to the dollar
Turks and Caicos Islandsthe US dollar is used
TuvaluTuvaluan dollars or Australian dollars per US dollar - 1.3598(2004), 1.5419 (2003), 1.8406 (2002), 1.9334 (2001), 1.7248 (2000)
UgandaUgandan shillings per US dollar - 1,810.3 (2004), 1,963.7(2003), 1,797.6 (2002), 1,755.7 (2001), 1,644.5 (2000)
Ukrainehryvnia per US dollar - 5.3192 (2004), 5.3327 (2003), 5.3266(2002), 5.3722 (2001), 5.4402 (2000)
United Arab EmiratesEmirati dirhams per US dollar - 3.6725 (2004),3.6725 (2003), 3.6725 (2002), 3.6725 (2001), 3.6725 (2000)note: officially pegged to the US dollar since February 2002
United KingdomBritish pounds per US dollar - 0.5462 (2004), 0.6125(2003), 0.6672 (2002), 0.6947 (2001), 0.6609 (2000)
United StatesBritish pounds per US dollar - 0.5457 (2004), 0.6139(2003), 0.6661 (2002), 0.6944 (2001), 0.6596 (2000); Canadiandollars per US dollar - 1.3014 (2004), 1.4045 (2003), 1.5693 (2002),1.5488 (2001), 1.4851 (2000); Japanese yen per US dollar - 108.13(2004), 116.08 (2003), 125.39 (2002), 121.53 (2001), 107.77 (2000);euros per US dollar - 0.8048 (2004), 0.8866 (2003), 1.0626 (2002),1.1175 (2001), 1.08540 (2000)
UruguayUruguayan pesos per US dollar - 28.704 (2004), 28.209(2003), 21.257 (2002), 13.319 (2001), 12.1 (2000)
UzbekistanUzbekistani sums per US dollar - 1,020 (2004), 971.265(2003), 771.03 (2001), 423.832 (2001), 236.61 (2000)
Vanuatuvatu per US dollar - 111.79 (2004), 122.19 (2003), 139.2(2002), 145.31 (2001), 137.64 (2000)
Venezuelabolivares per US dollar - 1,891.3 (2004), 1,607 (2003),1,161 (2002), 723.7 (2001), 680 (2000)
Vietnamdong per US dollar - 15,746 (2004), 15,510 (2003), 15,280(2002), 14,725 (2001), 14,168 (2000)
Virgin Islandsthe US dollar is used
Wallis and FutunaComptoirs Francais du Pacifique francs (XPF) perUS dollar - 96.04 (2004), 105.66 (2003), 126.71 (2002), 133.26(2001), 129.43 (2000)
West Banknew Israeli shekels per US dollar - 4.482 (2004), 4.5541(2003), 4.7378 (2002), 4.2057 (2001), 4.0773 (2000)
Western SaharaMoroccan dirhams per US dollar - 8.868 (2004), 9.5744(2003), 11.0206 (2002), 11.303 (2001), 10.6256 (2000)
YemenYemeni rials per US dollar - 184.78 (2004), 183.45 (2003),175.63 (2002), 168.67 (2001), 161.72 (2000)
ZambiaZambian kwacha per US dollar - 4,778.9 (2004), 4,733.3(2003), 4,398.6 (2002), 3,610.9 (2001), 3,110.8 (2000)
ZimbabweZimbabwean dollars per US dollar - 4,303.28 (2004), 697.424(2003), 55.036 (2002), 55.052 (2001), 44.418 (2000)note: these are official exchange rates, non-official rates varysignificantly
This page was last updated on 20 October, 2005
======================================================================
@2077 Executive branch
Afghanistanchief of state: President of the Islamic Republic ofAfghanistan Hamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of government; formerKing ZAHIR Shah holds the honorific, "Father of the Country," andpresides symbolically over certain occasions, but lacks anygoverning authority; the honorific is not hereditaryhead of government: President of the Islamic Republic of AfghanistanHamid KARZAI (since 7 December 2004); note - the president is bothchief of state and head of governmentcabinet: 27 ministers; note - under the new constitution, ministersare appointed by the president and approved by the National Assemblyelections: the president and two vice presidents are elected bydirect vote for a five-year term; if no candidate receives 50% ormore of the vote in the first round of voting, the two candidateswith the most votes will participate in a second round; a presidentcan only be elected for two terms; election last held 9 October 2004(next to be held in 2009)election results: Hamid KARZAI elected president; percent of vote -Hamid KARZAI 55.4%, Yunus QANOONI 16.3%, Ustad Mohammad MOHAQQEQ11.6%, Abdul Rashid DOSTAM 10.0%, Abdul Latif PEDRAM 1.4%, MasoodaJALAL 1.2%
Akrotirichief of state: Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952)head of government: Administrator Maj. Gen. Peter Thomas ClaytonPEARSON (since 9 May 2003); note - reports to the British Ministryof Defenceelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the administrator isappointed by the monarch
Albaniachief of state: President of the Republic Alfred MOISIU(since 24 July 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Sali BERISHA (since 10 September2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the prime minister,nominated by the president, and approved by parliamentelections: president elected by the People's Assembly for afive-year term; election last held 24 June 2002 (next to be heldJune 2007); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Alfred MOISIU elected president; People's Assemblyvote by number - total votes 116, for 97, against 19
Algeriachief of state: President Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA (since 28April 1999)head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed OUYAHIA (since 9 May 2003)cabinet: Cabinet of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 8 April 2004 (next to be held NA April 2009);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA reelected president forsecond term; percent of vote - Abdelaziz BOUTEFLIKA 85%, Ali BENFLIS6.4%, Abdellah DJABALLAH 5%
American Samoachief of state: President George W. BUSH of the US(since 20 January 2001) and Vice President Richard B. CHENEY (since20 January 2001)head of government: Governor Togiola TULAFONO (since 7 April 2003)cabinet: cabinet made up of 12 department directorselections: US president and vice president elected on the sameticket for four-year terms; governor and lieutenant governor electedon the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms; electionlast held 2 and 16 November 2004 (next to be held November 2008)election results: Togiola TULAFONO elected governor; percent of vote- Togiola TULAFONO 55.7%, Afoa Moega LUTU 44.3%
Andorrachief of state: French Coprince Jacques CHIRAC (since 17 May1995), represented by Philippe MASSONI (since 26 July 2002); SpanishCoprince Bishop Joan Enric VIVES i SICILIA (since 12 May 2003),represented by Nemesi MARQUES i OSTE (since NA)head of government: Executive Council President Albert PINTATSANTOLARIA (since 27 May 2005)cabinet: Executive Council or Govern designated by the ExecutiveCouncil presidentelections: Executive Council president elected by the GeneralCouncil and formally appointed by the coprinces for a four-yearterm; election last held 4 March 2001 (next to be held April-May2005)election results: Marc FORNE MOLNE elected executive councilpresident; percent of General Council vote - NA%
Angolachief of state: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Jose Eduardo DOS SANTOS (since 21September 1979); note - the president is both chief of state andhead of government; Fernando de Piedade Dias DOS SANTOS wasappointed Prime Minister on 6 December 2002, but this is not aposition of real powercabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by universal ballot for a five-yearterm; President DOS SANTOS originally elected (in 1979) withoutopposition under a one-party system and stood for reelection inAngola's first multiparty elections 29-30 September 1992 (next to beheld September 2006)election results: DOS SANTOS 49.6%, Jonas SAVIMBI 40.1%, making arun-off election necessary; the run-off was not held and SAVIMBI'sNational Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA)repudiated the results of the first election; the civil war resumed
Anguillachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952);represented by Governor Alan Eden HUCKLE (since 28 May 2004)head of government: Chief Minister Osbourne FLEMING (since 3 March2000)cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from among theelected members of the House of Assemblyelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed chief minister by the governor
Antigua and Barbudachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Sir James B.CARLISLE (since 10 June 1993)head of government: Prime Minister Winston Baldwin SPENCER (since 24March 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the governor general onthe advice of the prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor general chosenby the monarch on the advice of the prime minister; followinglegislative elections, the leader of the majority party or theleader of the majority coalition is usually appointed prime ministerby the governor general
Argentinachief of state: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May2003); Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Nestor KIRCHNER (since 25 May 2003);Vice President Daniel SCIOLI (since 25 May 2003); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 27 April2003 (next election to be held NA 2007)election results: results of the presidential election of 27 April2003: Carlos Saul MENEM 24.3%, Nestor KIRCHNER 22%, Ricardo LopezMURPHY 16.4%, Adolfo Rodriguez SAA 14.4%, Elisa CARRIO 14.2%, other8.7%; the subsequent runoff election slated for 25 May 2003 wasawarded to KIRCHNER by default after MENEM withdrew his candidacy onthe eve of the election
Armeniachief of state: President Robert KOCHARIAN (since 30 March1998)head of government: Prime Minister Andranik MARGARYAN (since 12 May2000)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 19 February and 5 March 2003 (next to be held NA2008); prime minister appointed by the president; the prime ministerand Council of Ministers must resign if the National Assemblyrefuses to accept their programelection results: Robert KOCHARIAN reelected president; percent ofvote - Robert KOCHARIAN 67.5%, Stepan DEMIRCHYAN 32.5%
Arubachief of state: Queen BEATRIX of the Netherlands (since 30April 1980), represented by Governor General Fredis REFUNJOL (since11 May 2004)head of government: Prime Minister Nelson O. ODUBER (since 30October 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers (elected by the Staten)elections: the monarch is hereditary; governor general appointed fora six-year term by the monarch; prime minister and deputy primeminister elected by the Staten for four-year terms; election lastheld 28 September 2001 (next to be held by December 2005)election results: Nelson O. ODUBER elected prime minister; percentof legislative vote - NA
Australiachief of state: Queen of Australia ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor General Maj. Gen. (Ret.)Michael JEFFERY (since 11 August 2003)head of government: Prime Minister John Winston HOWARD (since 11March 1996); Deputy Prime Minister Mark VAILE (since 6 July 2005)cabinet: Prime Minister nominates, from among members of Parliament,candidates who are subsequently sworn in by the Governor General toserve as government ministerselections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch on the recommendation of the primeminister; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or leader of a majority coalition is sworn in asprime minister by the governor generalnote: government coalition - Liberal Party and National Party
Austriachief of state: President Heinz FISCHER (since 8 July 2004)head of government: Chancellor Wolfgang SCHUESSEL (OeVP)(since 4February 2000); Vice Chancellor Hubert GORBACH (since 21 October2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers chosen by the president on the adviceof the chancellorelections: president elected by direct popular vote for a six-yearterm; presidential election last held 25 April 2004 (next to be heldApril 2010); chancellor traditionally chosen by the president fromthe plurality party in the National Council; vice chancellor chosenby the president on the advice of the chancellorelection results: Heinz FISCHER elected president; percent of vote -Heinz FISCHER (SPOe) 52.4%, Benita FERRERO-WALDNER (OeVP) 47.6%note: government coalition - OeVP and FPOe
Azerbaijanchief of state: President Ilham ALIYEV (since 31 October2003)head of government: Prime Minister Artur RASIZADE (since 4 November2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Abbas ABBASOV (since 10 November2003)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president andconfirmed by the National Assemblyelections: president elected by popular vote to a five-year term;election last held 15 October 2003 (next to be held October 2008);prime minister and first deputy prime ministers appointed by thepresident and confirmed by the National Assemblyelection results: Ilham ALIYEV elected president; percent of vote -Ilham ALIYEV 76.8%, Isa GAMBAR 14%
Bahamas, Thechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Governor General Dame Ivy DUMONT (since NA May2002)head of government: Prime Minister Perry CHRISTIE (since 3 May 2002)and Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia PRATT (since 7 May 2002)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the primeminister's recommendationelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; theprime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Bahrainchief of state: King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa (since 6 March1999); Heir Apparent Crown Prince SALMAN bin Hamad (son of themonarch, born 21 October 1969)head of government: Prime Minister KHALIFA bin Salman al-Khalifa(since NA 1971)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; prime ministerappointed by the monarch
Bangladeshchief of state: President Iajuddin AHMED (since 6September 2002); note - the president's duties are normallyceremonial, but with the 13th amendment to the constitution("Caretaker Government Amendment"), the president's role becomessignificant at times when Parliament is dissolved and a caretakergovernment is installed - at presidential direction - to supervisethe electionshead of government: Prime Minister Khaleda ZIA (since 10 October2001)cabinet: Cabinet selected by the prime minister and appointed by thepresidentelections: president elected by National Parliament for a five-yearterm; election scheduled for 16 September 2002 was not held sinceIajuddin AHMED was the only presidential candidate; he was sworn inon 6 September 2002 (next election to be held by NA 2007); followinglegislative elections, the leader of the party that wins the mostseats is usually appointed prime minister by the presidentelection results: Iajuddin AHMED declared by the Election Commissionelected unopposed as president; percent of National Parliament vote- NA
Barbadoschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Sir Clifford Straughn HUSBANDS(since 1 June 1996)head of government: Prime Minister Owen Seymour ARTHUR (since 7September 1994); Deputy Prime Minister Mia MOTTLEY (since 26 May2003)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; theprime minister recommends the deputy prime minister
Belaruschief of state: President Aleksandr LUKASHENKO (since 20July 1994)head of government: Prime Minister Sergei SIDORSKY (since 19December 2003); First Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir SEMASHKO (sinceDecember 2003)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;first election took place 23 June and 10 July 1994; according to the1994 constitution, the next election should have been held in 1999,however LUKASHENKO extended his term to 2001 via a November 1996referendum; new election held 9 September 2001; October 2004referendum ended presidential term limits allowing president to runfor a third term in September 2006; prime minister and deputy primeministers appointed by the presidentelection results: Aleksandr LUKASHENKO reelected president; percentof vote - Aleksandr LUKASHENKO 75.6%, Vladimir GONCHARIK 15.4%
Belgiumchief of state: King ALBERT II (since 9 August 1993); HeirApparent Prince PHILIPPE, son of the monarchhead of government: Prime Minister Guy VERHOFSTADT (since 13 July1999)cabinet: Council of Ministers formally appointed by the monarchelections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by themonarch and then approved by parliamentnote: government coalition - VLD, MR, PS, SP.A-Spirit
Belizechief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Sir Colville YOUNG, Sr. (since 17November 1993)head of government: Prime Minister Said Wilbert MUSA (since 28August 1998); Deputy Prime Minister John BRICENO (since 1 September1998)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the governor general on the advice ofthe prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalitionis usually appointed prime minister by the governor general; primeminister recommends the deputy prime minister
Beninchief of state: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April1996); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Mathieu KEREKOU (since 4 April 1996);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president reelected by popular vote for a five-year term;runoff election held 22 March 2001 (next to be held March 2006)election results: Mathieu KEREKOU reelected president; percent ofvote - Mathieu KEREKOU 84.1%, Bruno AMOUSSOU 15.9%note: the four top-ranking contenders following the first-roundpresidential elections were: Mathieu KEREKOU (incumbent) 45.4%,Nicephore SOGLO (former president) 27.1%, Adrien HOUNGBEDJI(National Assembly Speaker) 12.6%, and Bruno AMOUSSOU (Minister ofState) 8.6%; the second-round balloting, originally scheduled for 18March 2001, was postponed four days because both SOGLO andHOUNGBEDJI withdrew alleging electoral fraud; this left KEREKOU torun against his own Minister of State, AMOUSSOU, in what was termeda "friendly match"
Bermudachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor Sir John VEREKER (since 11 April 2002)head of government: Premier William Alexander SCOTT (since 24 July2003); Deputy Premier Ewart BROWNcabinet: Cabinet nominated by the premier, appointed by the governorelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed premier by the governor
Bhutanchief of state: King Jigme Singye WANGCHUCK (since 24 July1972)head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers LyonpoSangay NGEDUP (since 5 September 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers (Lhengye Shungtsog) nominated by themonarch, approved by the National Assembly; members serve fixed,five-year terms; note - there is also a Royal Advisory Council(Lodoi Tsokde), members nominated by the monarchelections: none; the monarch is hereditary, but democratic reformsin July 1998 grant the National Assembly authority to remove themonarch with two-thirds vote
Boliviachief of state: President Eduardo RODRIGUEZ Veltze (since 9June 2005); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is bothchief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Eduardo RODRIGUEZ Veltze (since 9 June2005); Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both chiefof state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 30 June 2002(next to be held June 2007)election results: as a result of no candidate winning a majority inthe 30 June 2002 election, Gonzalo SANCHEZ DE LOZADA Bustamante waschosen president by Congress; congressional votes - Gonzalo SANCHEZDE LOZADA Bustamante 84, Evo MORALES 43; note - following theresignation of the elected president on 17 October 2003 and VicePresident Carlos Diego MESA Gisbert on 9 June 2005, EduardoRODRIGUEZ Veltze, President of the Supreme Court and constitutionalsuccessor, became president.
Bosnia and Herzegovinachief of state: Chairman of the PresidencyIvo Miro JOVIC (since 28 June 2005; presidency member since 9 May2005 - Croat; note - Dragan COVIC was sacked by High RepresentativePaddy ASHDOWN on 29 Mar 2005); other members of the three-memberrotating (every eight months) presidency: Borislav PARAVAC (since 10April 2003 - Serb); and Sulejman TIHIC (since 5 October 2002 -Bosniak)head of government: Chairman of the Council of Ministers AdnanTERZIC (since 20 December 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the council chairman;approved by the National House of Representativeselections: the three members of the presidency (one Bosniak, oneCroat, one Serb) are elected by popular vote for a four-year term;the member with the most votes becomes the chairman unless he or shewas the incumbent chairman at the time of the election, but thechairmanship rotates every eight months; election last held 5October 2002 (next to be held NA 2006); the chairman of the Councilof Ministers is appointed by the presidency and confirmed by theNational House of Representativeselection results: percent of vote - Mirko SAROVIC with 35.5% of theSerb vote was elected chairman of the collective presidency for thefirst eight months; Dragan COVIC received 61.5% of the Croat vote;Sulejman TIHIC received 37% of the Bosniak votenote: President of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina: NikoLOZANCIC (since 27 January 2003); Vice Presidents Sahbaz DZIHANOVIC(since NA 2003) and Desnica RADIVOJEVIC (since NA 2003); Presidentof the Republika Srpska: Dragan CAVIC (since 28 November 2002)
Botswanachief of state: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April1998) and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Festus G. MOGAE (since 1 April 1998)and Vice President Seretse Ian KHAMA (since 13 July 1998); note -the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president indirectly elected for a five-year term;election last held 20 October 2004 (next to be held NA 2009); vicepresident appointed by the presidentelection results: Festus G. MOGAE elected president; percent ofNational Assembly vote - 52%
Brazilchief of state: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Luiz Inacio LULA DA SILVA (since 1January 2003); Vice President Jose ALENCAR (since 1 January 2003);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 6 October2002 (next to be held 1 October 2006, with a runoff on 29 October2006 if necessary); runoff election held 27 October 2002election results: in runoff election 27 October 2002, Luiz InacioLULA DA SILVA (PT) elected with 61.3% of the vote; Jose SERRA (PSDB)38.7%
British Indian Ocean Territorychief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II(since 6 February 1952)head of government: Commissioner Tony CROMBIE (since January 2004);Administrator Tony HUMPHRIES (since February 2005); note - bothreside in the UKcabinet: NAelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; commissioner andadministrator appointed by the monarch
British Virgin Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by Governor Tom MACAN (since 14 October2002)head of government: Chief Minister Orlando D. SMITH (since 17 June2003)cabinet: Executive Council appointed by the governor from members ofthe Legislative Councilelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; governor appointed bythe monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usuallyappointed chief minister by the governor
Bruneichief of state: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANALBolkiah (since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chiefof state and head of governmenthead of government: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir HASSANAL Bolkiah(since 5 October 1967); note - the monarch is both the chief ofstate and head of governmentcabinet: Council of Cabinet Ministers appointed and presided over bythe monarch; deals with executive matters; note - there is also aReligious Council (members appointed by the monarch) that advises onreligious matters, a Privy Council (members appointed by themonarch) that deals with constitutional matters, and the Council ofSuccession (members appointed by the monarch) that determines thesuccession to the throne if the need ariseselections: none; the monarch is hereditary
Bulgariachief of state: President Georgi PURVANOV (since 22 January2002); Vice President Angel MARIN (since 22 January 2002)head of government: Prime Minister Sergei STANISHEV (since 16 August2005); Deputy Prime Minister Ivaylo KALFIN (since 16 August 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers nominated by the prime minister andelected by the National Assemblyelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for five-year terms; election last held 11 and 18November 2001 (next to be held NA 2006); chairman of the Council ofMinisters (prime minister) nominated by the president and elected bythe National Assembly; deputy prime ministers nominated by the primeminister and elected by the National Assemblyelection results: Georgi PURVANOV elected president; percent of vote- Georgi PURVANOV 54.13%, Petar STOYANOV 45.87%; Sergei STANISHEVelected prime minister, result of legislative vote - 168 to 67
Burkina Fasochief of state: President Blaise COMPAORE (since 15October 1987)head of government: Prime Minister Ernest Paramanga YONLI (since 6November 2000)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 15 November 1998 (next to be held NA 2005); inApril 2000, the constitution was amended reducing the presidentialterm from seven to five years, enforceable as of 2005, and allowingthe president to be reelected only once; it is unclear whether thisamendment will be applied retroactively or not; prime ministerappointed by the president with the consent of the legislatureelection results: Blaise COMPAORE reelected president with 87.5%percent of the vote
Burmachief of state: Chairman of the State Peace and DevelopmentCouncil Sr. Gen. THAN SHWE (since 23 April 1992)head of government: Prime Minister, Gen SOE WIN (since 19 October2004)cabinet: State Peace and Development Council (SPDC); military junta,so named 15 November 1997, which initially assumed power 18September 1988 under the name State Law and Order RestorationCouncil (SLORC); the SPDC oversees the cabinetelections: none
Burundichief of state: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for thesecond half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on1 November 2001; Vice President Frederic NGENZEBUHORO (since 11November 2004)head of government: President Domitien NDAYIZEYE (since 30 April2003); note - NDAYIZEYE, a Hutu, was sworn in as president for thesecond half of the three-year transitional government inaugurated on1 November 2001; Vice President Frederic NGENZEBUHORO (since 11November 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by presidentelections: NA; current president assumed power on 30 April 2003 aspart of the transitional government established by the 2000 ArushaAccord; note - next presidential election is scheduled for 22 April2005
Cambodiachief of state: King Norodom SIHAMONI (since 29 October2004)head of government: Prime Minister HUN SEN (since 14 January 1985)and Deputy Prime Ministers SAR KHENG (since 3 February 1992),Norodom SIRIVUDH, SOK AN, LU LAY SRENG, TEA BANH, HOR NAMHONG, NHEKBUNCHHAY (since 16 July 2004)cabinet: Council of Ministers in theory appointed by the monarch; inpractice named by the prime ministerelections: none; the monarch is chosen by a Royal Throne Council;following legislative elections, a member of the majority party ormajority coalition is named prime minister by the Chairman of theNational Assembly and appointed by the king
Cameroonchief of state: President Paul BIYA (since 6 November 1982)head of government: Prime Minister Ephraim INONI (since 8 Dec 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from proposals submittedby the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term;election last held 11 October 2004 (next to be held NA October2011); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: President Paul BIYA reelected; percent of vote -Paul BIYA 70.9%, John FRU NDI 17.4%, Adamou Ndam NJOYA 4.5%, GargaHaman ADJI 3.7%
Canadachief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952),represented by Governor General Michaelle Jean (since 27 October2005)head of government: Prime Minister Paul MARTIN (since 12 December2003); Deputy Prime Minister Anne MCLELLAN (since 12 December 2003)cabinet: Federal Ministry chosen by the prime minister from amongthe members of his own party sitting in Parliamentelections: none; the monarchy is hereditary; governor generalappointed by the monarch on the advice of the prime minister for afive-year term; following legislative elections, the leader of themajority party or the leader of the majority coalition in the Houseof Commons is automatically designated prime minister by thegovernor general
Cape Verdechief of state: President Pedro PIRES (since 22 March2001)head of government: Prime Minister Jose Maria Pereira NEVES (since 1February 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 11 and 25 February 2001 (next to be held February2006); prime minister nominated by the National Assembly andappointed by the presidentelection results: Pedro PIRES elected president; percent of vote -Pedro PIRES (PAICV) 49.43%, Carlos VIEGA (MPD) 49.42%; note - theelection was won by only twelve votes
Cayman Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952); Governor Bruce DINWIDDY (since 29 May 2002)head of government: Leader of Government Business Kurt TIBBETTS(since 18 May 2005)cabinet: Executive Council (three members appointed by the governor,four members elected by the Legislative Assembly)elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the governor isappointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, theleader of the majority party or coalition is appointed by thegovernor Leader of Government Business
Central African Republicchief of state: President Francois BOZIZE(since 15 March 2003 coup)head of government: Prime Minister Elie DOTE (since 13 June 2005)note - Celestin GAOMBALET resigned 11 June 2005cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected to five year term with a two-termlimit; next presidential elections scheduled for 10 April 2005;prime minister appointed by the political party with a parliamentarymajority
Chadchief of state: President Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY (since 4December 1990)head of government: Prime Minister Pascal YOADIMNADJI (since 3February 2005)cabinet: Council of State, members appointed by the president on therecommendation of the prime ministerelections: president elected by popular vote to serve five-yearterm; if no candidate receives at least 50% of the total vote, thetwo candidates receiving the most votes must stand for a secondround of voting; last held 20 May 2001 (next to be held NA 2006);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY reelected president; percentof vote - Lt. Gen. Idriss DEBY 63%, Ngarlegy YORONGAR 16%, SalehKEBZABO 7%
Chilechief of state: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11March 2000); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmenthead of government: President Ricardo LAGOS Escobar (since 11 March2000); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;election last held 12 December 1999, with runoff election held 16January 2000 (next to be held December 2005)election results: Ricardo LAGOS Escobar elected president; percentof vote - Ricardo LAGOS Escobar 51.32%, Joaquin LAVIN 48.68%
Chinachief of state: President HU Jintao (since 15 March 2003) andVice President ZENG Qinghong (since 15 March 2003)head of government: Premier WEN Jiabao (since 16 March 2003); VicePremiers HUANG Ju (since 17 March 2003), WU Yi (17 March 2003), ZENGPeiyan (since 17 March 2003), and HUI Liangyu (since 17 March 2003)cabinet: State Council appointed by the National People's Congress(NPC)elections: president and vice president elected by the NationalPeople's Congress for five-year terms; elections last held 15-17March 2003 (next to be held mid-March 2008); premier nominated bythe president, confirmed by the National People's Congresselection results: HU Jintao elected president by the Tenth NationalPeople's Congress with a total of 2,937 votes (four delegates votedagainst him, four abstained, and 38 did not vote); ZENG Qinghongelected vice president by the Tenth National People's Congress witha total of 2,578 votes (177 delegates voted against him, 190abstained, and 38 did not vote); two seats were vacant
Christmas Islandchief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by the Australian governor generalhead of government: Administrator Evan WILLIAMS (since 1 November2003)elections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointedby the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch andAustralia
Cocos (Keeling) Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6February 1952), represented by the Australian governor generalhead of government: Administrator (nonresident) Evan WILLIAMS (since1 November 2003)cabinet: NAelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointedby the governor general of Australia and represents the monarch andAustralia
Colombiachief of state: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7August 2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmenthead of government: President Alvaro URIBE Velez (since 7 August2002); Vice President Francisco SANTOS (since 7 August 2002); note -the president is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet consists of a coalition of the two dominant parties- the PL and PSC - and independentselections: president and vice president elected by popular vote fora four-year term; election last held 26 May 2002 (next to be heldMay 2006)election results: President Alvaro URIBE Velez received 53% of thevote; Vice President Francisco SANTOS was elected on the same ticket
Comoroschief of state: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May2002); note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president;in January 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO wasappointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense andTerritorial Security; the president is both the chief of state andthe head of governmenthead of government: President AZALI Assoumani (since 26 May 2002);note - following a 1999 coup AZALI was appointed president; inJanuary 2002 he resigned his position to run in the 14 April 2002presidential elections; Prime Minister Hamada Madi BOLERO wasappointed interim president until replaced again by AZALI in May2002 when BOLERO was appointed Minister of External Defense andTerritorial Security; the president is both the chief of state andthe head of governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: as defined by the 2001 constitution, the presidencyrotates every four years among the elected presidents from the threemain islands in the Union; election last held 14 April 2002 (next tobe held April 2007); prime minister appointed by the president; note- AZALI has not appointed a Prime Minister since he was sworn intooffice in May 2002election results: President AZALI Assoumani elected president with75% of the vote
Congo, Democratic Republic of thechief of state: President JosephKABILA (since 26 January 2001); note - following the assassinationof his father, Laurent Desire KABILA, on 16 January 2001, JosephKABILA succeeded to the presidency; the president is both the chiefof state and head of governmenthead of government: President Joseph KABILA (since 26 January 2001);note - following the assassination of his father, Laurent DesireKABILA, on 16 January 2001, Joseph KABILA succeeded to thepresidency; the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: National Executive Council, appointed by the presidentelections: prior to the overthrow of MOBUTU Sese Seko, the presidentwas elected by popular vote for a seven-year term; election lastheld 29 July 1984 (next was scheduled to be held in May 1997);formerly, there was also a prime minister who was elected by theHigh Council of the Republic; note - a Transitional Government isdrafting a new constitution with free elections scheduled to be heldin NA 2005election results: MOBUTU Sese Seko Kuku Ngbendu wa Za Bangareelected president in 1984 without oppositionnote: Joseph KABILA succeeded his father, Laurent Desire KABILA,following the latter's assassination in January 2001, negotiationswith rebel leaders led to the establishment of a transitionalgovernment in July 2003 with free elections scheduled to be held inNA 2005
Congo, Republic of thechief of state: President DenisSASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October 1997, following the civil war inwhich he toppled elected president Pascal LISSOUBA); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO (since 25 October1997, following the civil war in which he toppled elected presidentPascal LISSOUBA); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a seven-year term(eligible for a second seven-year term); election last held 10 March2002 (next to be held NA 2009)election results: Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO reelected president; percentof vote - Denis SASSOU-NGUESSO 89.4%, Joseph Kignoumbi Kia MBOUNGOU2.7%
Cook Islandschief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February1952), represented by Frederick GOODWIN (since 9 February 2001); NewZealand High Commissioner Kurt MEYER (since July 2001),representative of New Zealandhead of government: Prime Minister Jim MARURAI (since 14 December2004); Deputy Prime Minister Terepai MAOATE (since 9 August 2005)cabinet: Cabinet chosen by the prime minister; collectivelyresponsible to Parliamentelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the UK representative isappointed by the monarch; the New Zealand high commissioner isappointed by the New Zealand Government; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition usually becomes prime minister
Coral Sea Islandsadministered from Canberra by the Department ofthe Environment, Sport, and Territories
Costa Ricachief of state: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May2002); First Vice President Lineth SABORIO (since 8 May 2002);Second Vice President (vacant); note - the president is both thechief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President Abel PACHECO (since 8 May 2002); FirstVice President Lineth SABORIO (since 8 May 2002); Second VicePresident (vacant); note - the president is both the chief of stateand head of governmentcabinet: Cabinet selected by the presidentelections: president and vice presidents elected on the same ticketby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 3 February2002; run-off election held 7 April 2002 (next to be held February2006)election results: Abel PACHECO elected president; percent of vote -Abel PACHECO (PUSC) 58%; Rolando ARAYA (PLN) 42%
Cote d'Ivoirechief of state: President Laurent GBAGBO (since 26October 2000);head of government: Prime Minister Seydou DIARRA (since 25 January2003); note - appointed as transitional Prime Minister by PresidentGBAGBO as part of a French brokered peace plancabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 26 October 2000 (next to be held October 2005);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Laurent GBAGBO elected president; percent of vote- Laurent GBAGBO 59.4%, Robert GUEI 32.7%, Francis WODIE 5.7%, other2.2%
Croatiachief of state: President Stjepan (Stipe) MESIC (since 18February 2000)head of government: Prime Minister Ivo SANADER (since 9 December2003); Deputy Prime Ministers Jadranka KOSOR (since 23 December2003) and Damir POLANEC (since NA February 2005)cabinet: Council of Ministers named by the prime minister andapproved by the parliamentary Assemblyelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 16 January 2005 (next to be held January 2010);the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majoritycoalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president andthen approved by the Assemblyelection results: Stjepan MESIC reelected president; percent of vote- Stjepan MESIC (HNS) 66%, Jadranka KOSOR (HDZ) 34%
Cubachief of state: President of the Council of State and Presidentof the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister fromFebruary 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of theCouncil of State and First Vice President of the Council ofMinisters Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmenthead of government: President of the Council of State and Presidentof the Council of Ministers Fidel CASTRO Ruz (prime minister fromFebruary 1959 until 24 February 1976 when office was abolished;president since 2 December 1976); First Vice President of theCouncil of State and First Vice President of the Council ofMinisters Gen. Raul CASTRO Ruz (since 2 December 1976); note - thepresident is both the chief of state and head of governmentcabinet: Council of Ministers proposed by the president of theCouncil of State and appointed by the National Assembly or the31-member Council of State, elected by the Assembly to act on itsbehalf when it is not in sessionelections: president and vice presidents elected by the NationalAssembly for a term of five years; election last held 6 March 2003(next to be held in 2008)election results: Fidel CASTRO Ruz reelected president; percent oflegislative vote - 100%; Raul CASTRO Ruz elected vice president;percent of legislative vote - 100%
Cypruschief of state: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriothead of government: President Tassos PAPADOPOULOS (since 1 March2003); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment; post of vice president is currently vacant; under the1960 constitution, the post is reserved for a Turkish Cypriotcabinet: Council of Ministers appointed jointly by the president andvice presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 16 February 2003 (next to be held February 2008)election results: Tassos PAPADOPOULOS elected president; percent ofvote - Tassos PAPADOPOULOS 51.5%, Glafkos KLIRIDIS 38.8%, AlekosMARKIDIS 6.6%note: Mehmet Ali TALAT becomes "president" of north Cyprus, 24 April2005, after "presidential" elections on 17 April 2005; results -Mehmet Ali TALAT 55.6%, Dervis EROGLU 22.7%; Ferdi Sabit SOYER is"prime minister"; there is a Council of Ministers (cabinet) in northCyprus, appointed by the "prime minister"
Czech Republicchief of state: President Vaclav KLAUS (since 7 March2003)note: the Czech Republic's first president Vaclav HAVEL stepped downfrom office on 2 February 2003 having served exactly 10 years;parliament finally elected a successor on 28 February 2003 after twoinconclusive elections in January 2003head of government: Prime Minister Jiri PAROUBEK (since 25 April2005), Deputy Prime Ministers Zdenek SKROMACH (since 4 August 2004),Martin JAHN (since 4 August 2004), Pavel NEMEC (since 4 August2004), Milan SIMONOVSKY (since 4 August 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the recommendation ofthe prime ministerelections: president elected by Parliament for a five-year term;last successful election held 28 February 2003 (after earlierelections held 15 and 24 January 2003 were inconclusive; nextelection to be held January 2008); prime minister appointed by thepresidentelection results: Vaclav KLAUS elected president on 28 February2003; Vaclav KLAUS 142 votes, Jan SOKOL 124 votes (third round;combined votes of both chambers of parliament)
Denmarkchief of state: Queen MARGRETHE II (since 14 January 1972);Heir Apparent Crown Prince FREDERIK, elder son of the monarch (born26 May 1968)head of government: Prime Minister Anders Fogh RASMUSSEN (since 27November 2001)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the prime minister and approved byparliamentelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; following legislativeelections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of themajority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the monarch
Dhekeliachief of state: Queen Elizabeth II (since 6 February 1952)head of government: Administrator Maj. Gen. Peter Tomas ClaytonPEARSON (since 9 May 2003); note - reports to the British Ministryof Defenceelections: none; the monarch is hereditary; the administrator isappointed by the monarch
Djiboutichief of state: President Ismail Omar GUELLEH (since 8 May1999)head of government: Prime Minister Mohamed Dileita DILEITA (since 4March 2001)cabinet: Council of Ministers responsible to the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for a six-year term;election last held 8 April 2005 (next to be held by April 2011);prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Ismail Omar GUELLEH reelected president; percentof vote - Ismail Omar GUELLEH 100%
Dominicachief of state: President Nicholas J. O. LIVERPOOL (sinceOctober 2003)head of government: Prime Minister Roosevelt SKERRIT (since 8January 2004); note - assumed post after death of Prime MinisterPierre CHARLEScabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of theprime ministerelections: president elected by the House of Assembly for afive-year term; election last held 1 October 2003 (next to be heldOctober 2008); prime minister appointed by the presidentelection results: Nicholas LIVERPOOL elected president; percent oflegislative vote - NA%
Dominican Republicchief of state: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna(since 16 August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro(since 16 August 2004); note - the president is both the chief ofstate and head of governmenthead of government: President Leonel FERNANDEZ Reyna (since 16August 2004); Vice President Rafael ALBURQUERQUE de Castro (since 16August 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state andhead of governmentcabinet: Cabinet nominated by the presidentelections: president and vice president elected on the same ticketby popular vote for four-year terms; election last held 16 May 2004(next to be held in May 2008)election results: Leonel FERNANDEZ elected president; percent ofvote - Leonel FERNANDEZ (PLD) 57.1%, Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez(PRD) 33.7%, Eduardo ESTRELLA (PRSC) 8.7%
East Timorchief of state: President Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO (since20 May 2002); note - the president plays a largely symbolic role butis able to veto some legislation; he formerly used the name JoseAlexandre GUSMAOhead of government: Prime Minister Mari Bin Amude ALKATIRI (since 20May 2002)cabinet: Council of Ministerselections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term;election last held 14 April 2002 (next to be held in April 2007);after the first legislative elections, the leader of the majorityparty was appointed prime minister by the president, suggesting aprecedent for the futureelection results: Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO elected president; percentof vote - Kay Rala Xanana GUSMAO 82.7%, Francisco Xavier do AMARAL17.3%
Ecuadorchief of state: President Alfredo PALACIO (since 20 April2005); Vice President Nicanor Alejandro SERRANO Aguilar (since 5 May2005); note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernment; former President Lucio GUTIERREZ was removed from officeby congress effective 20 April 2005head of government: President Alfredo PALACIO (since 20 April 2005);Vice President Nicanor Alejandro SERRANO Aguilar (since 5 May 2005);note - the president is both the chief of state and head ofgovernmentcabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: the president and vice president are elected on the sameticket by popular vote for a four-year term (no immediatereelection); election last held 20 October 2002; runoff electionheld 24 November 2002 (next to be held October 2006)election results: results of the 24 November 2002 runoff election -Lucio GUTIERREZ elected president; percent of vote - Lucio GUTIERREZ54.3%; Alvaro NOBOA 45.7%; note - Vice President Alfredo PALACIOassumed the presidency on 20 April 2005 after congress removed LucioGUTIERREZ from office
Egyptchief of state: President Mohammed Hosni MUBARAK (since 14October 1981)head of government: Prime Minister Ahmed NAZIF (since 9 July 2004)cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the presidentelections: president elected by popular vote for six-year term; note- a national referendum in May 2005 approved a constitutionalamendment that changed the presidential election to a multicandidatepopular vote; previously the president was nominated by the People'sAssembly and the nomination was validated by a national, popularreferendum; last referendum held 26 September 1999; first electionunder terms of constitutional amendment held 7 September 2005; nextelection scheduled for 2011election results: Hosni MUBARAK reelected president; percent of vote- Hosni MUBARAK 88.6%, Ayman NOUR 7.6%, Noman GOMAA 2.9%