The latter's powers are largely ceremonial, except when acting on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Political legitimacy is based on majority rule.
The courts normally are independent of executive interference. Subsistence farming and fishing are the principal livelihood for more than 80 percent of the population. There is also some production of cash crops including copra, and cocoa, as well as cattle farming. The service sector provides most formal employment, primarily in government, tourism, and an offshore financial center, and represents the largest component of the country's gross domestic product. Poor prison conditions, an extremely slow judicial process, and violence and discrimination against women were the major problems.