Government: Constitutional monarchy

Constitution: The latest constitution was drafted in 1997 with widespread input from civil society groups

Head of State: King Rama IX, Bhumipol Adulyadej. Thailand's King is revered throughout the country and exerts a powerful moral influence over the government. For example, in his annual address to the nation in 1997, King Bhumipol stressed the need for sustainable local economies and communities.

Prime Minister: Dr. Thaksin Shinawatra (elected 2005)

Regions: North, Northeast, Central Plains, South

Current population: 63 million

Literacy rate: Urban: 68.8 % Rural: 50.8 % Bangkok Metropolitan Region (BMR). 73.7 (National Economic and Social Development Board 2003)

Education: 64.4% of people aged 15 and older have primary level education or lower (National Economic and Social Development Board 2003)

Average monthly income per household: 13,418 baht (National Statistics Organisation, 2002)

Percentage of People Living Below Poverty Line: 12.6 % (rural) 4% (urban) (National Statistics Organisation, 2002)