Form of government: parliamentary monarchy.

Administrative divisions: 14 parishes.

Main parties: National People (PNP), Jamaica Labour (JLP), National Democratic Movement (NDM).

Legislative branch: bicameral - Senate, with 21 members appointed by the Governor-General (13 in consultation with the prime minister and 8 with the Leader of the Opposition), House of Representatives, with 60 members elected by direct vote for a term of five years.

Constitution into force: 1962.