_#_Independence: 1 January 1804 (from France)
_#_Constitution: 27 August 1983, suspended February 1986; draft constitution approved March 1987, suspended June 1988, most articles reinstated March 1989; March 1987 Constitution fully observed by government installed on 7 February 1991
_#_Legal system: based on Roman civil law system; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
_#_National holiday: Independence Day, 1 January (1804)
_#_Executive branch: president, Council of Ministers (cabinet)
_#_Legislative branch: bicameral National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale) consisting of an upper house or Senate and a lower house or House of Deputies
_#_Judicial branch: Court of Appeal (Cour de Cassation)
_#_Leaders:
Chief of State—President Jean-Bertrand ARISTIDE (since 7 February 1991);
Head of Government—Prime Minister Rene PREVAL (since 13 February 1991)