Federalism by country

 

 

Only 24 of the world's 193 countries have federal political systems. However, their citizens make up 40 per cent of the world's population. In addition, there are two more countries that are making the transition to a federal system. There are still others considering adopting federalism in their constitutions.

To find out more about a country's government, politics, institutes and online newspapers, click on the links below:

 
Federal Countries

 

Historically, most federations were the result of previously separate entities - the American 13 colonies, the Swiss cantons - coming together to form a federal government. The entities would keep some powers to themselves but others were pooled with the central government of the new country. More recently, previously unitary countries - such as Spain, Belgium and South Africa - have adopted federal structures as a way to maintain common central government for some purposes while empowering regional governments for other purposes. In many very diverse societies, a federal system of government permits a recognition both of this diversity and of common interests and identity at the same time.

 

Federal Countries

 

Countries in Transition to Federalism

Countries Considering a Federal System