Background: Two British attempts at establishing the island as a penal colony (1788-1814 and 1825-55) were ultimately abandoned. In 1856 the island was resettled by Pitcairn Islanders descendants of the Bounty mutineers and their Tahitian companions.
Legal system: based on the laws of Australia local ordinances and acts; English common law applies in matters not covered by either Australian or Norfolk Island law
Executive branch Chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); the UK and Australia are represented by Administrator Anthony J. MESSNER (since 4 August 1997) Head of government: Assembly President and Chief Minister Ronald Coane NOBBS (since 23 February 2000) Cabinet: Executive Council is made up of four of the nine members of the Legislative Assembly; the council devises government policy and acts as an advisor to the Administrator Elections: the monarch is hereditary; administrator appointed by the governor general of Australia; chief minister elected by the Legislative Assembly for a term of not more than three years; election last held 23 February 2000 (next to be held by March 2003) Election results: Ronald Coane NOBBS elected chief minister; percent of Legislative Assembly vote - NA%
Flag description: three vertical bands of green (hoist side) white and green with a large green Norfolk Island pine tree centered in the slightly wider white band
Economy overview: Tourism the primary economic activity has steadily increased over the years and has brought a level of prosperity unusual among inhabitants of the Pacific islands. The agricultural sector has become self-sufficient in the production of beef poultry and eggs.
Exports: $1.5 million (f.o.b. FY91/92) Commodities: postage stamps seeds of the Norfolk Island pine and Kentia palm small quantities of avocados Partners: Australia other Pacific island countries NZ Asia Europe
Imports: $17.9 million (c.i.f. FY91/92) Commodities: NA Partners: Australia other Pacific island countries NZ Asia Europe