The Goa Municipalities Act of 1968, a state statute, established the autonomous Pernem Municipal Council. Under the Act and the Rules and Bye-laws created thereunder, the council carries out its responsibilities. Pernem is situated at a typical altitude of 47 meters. One of Goa's twelve talukas is called Pernem. Twenty village panchayats and one municipality make up Pernem Taluka (Pernem city). In addition, the Sindhudurga talukas of Vengurla and Sawantwadi to the north, Dodamarg taluka to the east, Bardez and Bicholim to the south, and the Arabian Sea to the west encircle Pernem taluka.