Government

Under a constitution ratified in 1987 and extensively amended in 1995 and 2000, Nicaragua is a republic. The legislative body, called the National Assembly, has 90 members, who serve five-year terms. The president's term is also five years. The president is allowed to serve more than one term, but the terms cannot be consecutive. The president and the legislature share responsibility for appointing the 16 Supreme Court justices, who serve five-year terms.

For purposes of administration, Nicaragua is divided into 15 departments and 2 autonomous regions. The departments are divided into municipalities, which are governed by elected councils.