Government

Latvia is parliamentary democracy. It has a unicameral parliament, the 100-seat Supreme Council (Saeima). The president, who is the chief of state, is elected by this body for a three-year term and is advised by a cabinet. The prime minister, who is the head of government, is appointed by the president. Latvia has over 20 political parties and most governments are formed by coalition. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 26 counties and seven municipalities.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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