- ImpactWe help parliaments to become greener and to implement the Paris agreement.We support democracy by strengthening parliamentsWe work to increase women’s representation in parliament and empower women MPs.We defend the human rights of parliamentarians and help them uphold the rights of all.We help parliaments fight terrorism, cyber warfare and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.We encourage youth participation in parliaments and empower young MPs.We support parliaments in implementing the SDGs with a particular focus on health and climate change.
- Parliaments
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 parliamentsFind a national parliament
The Swiss National Council © The Swiss Parliament
We help strengthen parliaments to make them more representative and effective. - Knowledge
Discover the IPU's resources
Our library of essential resources for parliamentsGlobal data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women in parliamentResolutions, declarations and outcomes adopted by IPU MembersRecent innovations in the way parliaments workThe latest climate change legislation from the London School of Economics' databaseIPU on air- Conversations about parliamentary action
Knowledge
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.
The IPU's publications are primarily meant for parliamentarians and policy makers. They range from general information, practical handbooks, to infographics. Many of the publications are available in multiple languages.
On Parline, the IPU has pooled all of its data into one hub, allowing the user to see trends over time, as well as compare progress or regression between different regions of the world. The data covers a wide range of themes; for example, the number of chambers, a monthly ranking of the women in parliament, the number of laws initiated by parliament and the average age of MPs.
The IPU also has a database of all its resolutions, declarations or outcome documents that underline a common position from IPU Member Parliaments.
Publications
Download the IPU’s wide range of publications, designed for parliamentarians and policy-makers. If you would like to translate one of the IPU’s publications or order hard copies, please contact [email protected].
Countries’ national climate commitments, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), are essential components of the global response to climate change under the Paris Agreement, an international treaty aimed at limiting global warming to 1.5°C. An NDC serves as a country’s
In too many countries, democracy has failed to deliver fast or fair enough. Progress against the UN’s sustainable development goals has slowed, or even gone into reverse. Under such circumstances, citizens lose faith in democratic institutions, and the ability of
The World e-Parliament Report 2024 provides a comprehensive assessment of the use of digital technology in parliaments worldwide. It is based on survey responses from 115 parliaments or chambers in 86 countries and supranational parliaments. The report identifies a growing
Parline Data
Open data on national parliaments. You can consult and compare data on national parliaments including information on structures, working methods, gender parity, women’s caucuses, youth and MPs’ human rights.
Resolutions and outcomes
Most IPU events end with a resolution, a declaration or an outcome document that underlines a common position from IPU Member Parliaments
Women in Politics
Facts and figures about women's participation in parliament.
IPU Innovation Tracker
The Innovation Tracker is a blog about recent innovations in the way parliaments do their work. It is where MPs and staff find ideas for solving some of the problems they face in running an effective parliament.
Database on Women’s Caucuses
Women’s caucuses or parliamentary groups are mechanisms that have been created within the parliaments of many countries to strengthen cooperation among women engaged in political life.
iKNOW Politics
The International Knowledge Network of Women in Politics is an online workspace to help elected officials, candidates, political party leaders and members, researchers, students and other practitioners interested in advancing women in politics.
IPU on air
The IPU on air Podcast Series features conversations with MPs and parliamentary experts from around the world on issues that impact citizens and democracies. Click on the episodes below to find out what parliamentarians think on a plethora of global issues.