Data code: TP

Type of government: republic

Capital: Sao Tome

Administrative divisions: 2 districts (concelhos, singular - concelho); Principe, Sao Tome

Independence: 12 July 1975 (from Portugal)

National holiday: Independence Day, 12 July (1975)

Constitution: approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990

Legal system: based on Portuguese law system and customary law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Miguel TROVOADA (since 4 April 1991) was
elected for a five-year term by universal suffrage; election last
held 3 March 1991 (next to be held 30 June 1996); results - Miguel
TROVOADA was elected without opposition in Sao Tome's first
multiparty presidential election
head of government: Prime Minister Armindo UAZ de ALMEIDA (since 29
December 1995) was appointed by the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the president on the
proposal of the prime minister