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Kuwait

State of Kuwait

Mixed (civil law and Islamic law)Unitary constitutional monarchyReviewed· 2026-08-03
Capital
Kuwait City
Population
4,300,000
Languages
Arabic
Currency
KWD

Kuwait · Constitution

Constitution of the State of Kuwait

One of the oldest and, until recently, most substantive constitutions in the Gulf. It establishes hereditary rule in the Al Sabah family, an elected National Assembly of fifty members with genuine legislative and interpellation powers, and an independent judiciary, and guarantees personal liberty, property, press freedom and equality. Article 79 requires that no law be promulgated without Assembly passage. Following the dissolution of May 2024 the Emir suspended the articles governing the Assembly and legislative process for a period of up to four years, during which legislative authority is exercised by the Emir and the Council of Ministers.

The constitutional text

One of the oldest and, until recently, most substantive constitutions in the Gulf. It establishes hereditary rule in the Al Sabah family, an elected National Assembly of fifty members with genuine legislative and interpellation powers, and an independent judiciary, and guarantees personal liberty, property, press freedom and equality. Article 79 requires that no law be promulgated without Assembly passage. Following the dissolution of May 2024 the Emir suspended the articles governing the Assembly and legislative process for a period of up to four years, during which legislative authority is exercised by the Emir and the Council of Ministers.

Separation of powers

Unitary. Six governorates administered by appointed governors, with no legislative competence.

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