The Netherlands operates as a unitary parliamentary representative democracy under a constitutional monarchy. King Willem-Alexander has served as the head of state since 2013, performing largely ceremonial and unifying roles. Executive power is exercised by the government, led by the Prime Minister, who is the head of government and typically the leader of the largest party or a coalition in parliament.
Legislative power is vested in both the government and the bicameral States General (Staten-Generaal). The States General consists of the Senate (Eerste Kamer), which is elected indirectly by provincial councils, and the House of Representatives (Tweede Kamer), which is elected directly by citizens via a system of party-list proportional representation.
While Amsterdam is the constitutional capital, The Hague serves as the seat of government, hosting the parliament, the Supreme Court, the Council of State, and all foreign embassies. The country is divided into 12 administrative provinces, each governed by a King's Commissioner and a provincial council, and further subdivided into municipalities.
