- Our impactWe help strengthen parliaments to make them more effective and representative.We 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 create the global space for parliamentary diplomacy, dialogue and networking.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.We bring a parliamentary dimension to United Nations processes to ensure international commitments become national realities.
- Parliaments
Every country in the world has some form of parliament. Parliamentary systems fall into two categories: bicameral and unicameral. Out of 193 countries in the world, 79 are bicameral and 114 are unicameral, making a total of 272 chambers of parliament with over 46,000 members of parliament. IPU membership is made up of 179 national parliaments. Discover the world's nationalFind 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 parliamentsYour one-stop-shop for data for and about national parliamentsLatest data and reports about women's participation in politics
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 visually engaging 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. Parline contains information on the structures of parliament’s working methods, including the representation of women and youth. Much of the data is unique. Most of the information on the platform comes from national parliaments directly. The IPU updates it regularly to take into account changes that result from elections and other circumstances. The data covers a wide range of themes; for example, the number of chambers, the number of women MPs, the number of laws initiated by parliament and the average age of MPs.
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 press@ipu.org.
The IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians is the only international mechanism with the remit of protecting and defending MPs suffering human right violations. This map lists the number of human rights cases examined by the Committee in
Handbooks
These guidelines offer advice and practical information for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff on how to transform parliaments into gender-sensitive environments free from sexism and abuse.
This handbook, co-published with the International Labour Organization (ILO), is aimed to help parliamentarians address the issue of the 25 million people globally who are subject to forced labour.
Parline Data
Parline is your one-stop shop for information 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.
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.
Women in Politics
Facts and figures about women's participation in parliament.
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.