15.1 Outline of Papua New Guinea’s legal environment

15.1.1 Constitutional and government structure

15.1.1.1 Overview

The Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) gained its independence in 1975 and has since been governed democratically in accordance with its Constitution. It is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and has a Westminster system of government. The formal head of state of PNG is the Queen of the United Kingdom and is represented by the Governor General, who is nominated by the National Parliament, and serves a term of six years.