_#_Type: parliamentary democracy
_#_Capital: Port-of-Spain
_#_Administrative divisions: 8 counties, 3 municipalities*, and 1 ward**; Arima*, Caroni, Mayaro, Nariva, Port-of-Spain*, Saint Andrew, Saint David, Saint George, Saint Patrick, San Fernando*, Tobago**, Victoria
_#_Independence: 31 August 1962 (from UK)
_#_Constitution: 31 August 1976
_#_Legal system: based on English common law; judicial review of legislative acts in the Supreme Court; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
_#_National holiday: Independence Day, 31 August (1962)
_#_Executive branch: president, prime minister, Cabinet
_#_Legislative branch: bicameral Parliament consists of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Representatives
_#_Judicial branch: Court of Appeal, Supreme Court