Form of government: parliamentary monarchy.
Administrative divisions: 12 provinces.
Main parties: Labour (PvdA), the Christian-Democratic Appeal (CDA), People for Freedom and Democracy / Dutch Liberal (VVD), Democrats 66 (D66).
Legislative branch: bicameral - First Board, with 75 members elected by indirect vote by the 12 provincial councils; Second Chamber, with 150 members elected by direct vote. Both a term of four years.
Constitution into force: 1983.