Independence: 19 September 1983 (from UK)
National holiday: Independence Day, 19 September (1983)
Constitution: 19 September 1983
Legal system: based on English common law
Suffrage: NA years of age; universal adult
Executive branch:
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952), a
hereditary monarch, is represented by Governor General Dr. Cuthbert
Montraville SEBASTIAN (since 1 January 1996), previously Governor
General of the West Indies Associated States (since NA November 1981)
head of government: Prime Minister Dr. Denzil DOUGLAS (since 6 July
1995) and Deputy Prime Minister Sam CONDOR (since 6 July 1995) were
appointed by the governor general
cabinet: Cabinet was appointed by the governor general in
consultation with the prime minister
Legislative branch: unicameral
House of Assembly: elections last held 3 July 1995 (next to be held
by July 2000); results - SKLNP 58%, PAM 41%; seats - (14 total, 11
elected) SKNLP 7, PAM 1, NRP 1, CCM 2
Judicial branch: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (based on Saint
Lucia)
Political parties and leaders: People's Action Movement (PAM), Dr.
Kennedy SIMMONDS; Saint Kitts and Nevis Labor Party (SKNLP), Dr.
Denzil DOUGLAS; Nevis Reformation Party (NRP), Joseph PARRY;
Concerned Citizens Movement (CCM), Vance AMORY
International organization participation: ACP, C, Caricom, CDB,
ECLAC, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFRCS, IMF,
Interpol, IOC, OAS, OECS, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIH, UPU,
WCL, WHO, WIPO