The IPU facilitates parliamentary diplomacy and empowers parliaments and parliamentarians to promote peace, democracy and sustainable development around the world.
Nearly every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 190 national parliaments in the world, 78 are bicameral (156 chambers) and 112 are unicameral, making a total of 268 chambers of parliament with some 44,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 180 national parliaments
Throughout the year, the IPU and its Members organize many events for parliamentarians to exchange good practices, acquire the latest information and identify avenues for action.
The IPU has been collecting data on parliaments since its inception in 1889, including information on women’s participation in politics since 1945. In this section, discover the IPU's knowledge bank for and about parliaments.
If you would like high resolution files, please write to us at [email protected].
Videos
MPs, the IPU President and Secretary General gave their insights on democracy: what it means to them, why it is important and how it can be strengthened.
These short videos will be posted as they are made available. Please view and share them. If you would like to view these videos with Spanish or Arabic subtitles, please visit IPU's YouTube channel.