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  Constitution (2004)Constitution (2003)
Afghanistan Afghanistan new constitution drafted 14 December 2003 - 4 January 2004; signed 16 January 2004 the Bonn Agreement called for a Loya Jirga (Grand Council) to be convened within 18 months of the establishment of the Transitional Authority to draft a new constitution for the country; the basis for the next constitution is the 1964 Constitution, according to the Bonn Agreement
Albania Albania a constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28 November 1998 a constitution was adopted by popular referendum on 28 November 1998; note - the opposition Democratic Party boycotted the vote
Algeria Algeria 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996 19 November 1976, effective 22 November 1976; revised 3 November 1988, 23 February 1989, and 28 November 1996
American Samoa American Samoa ratified 1966, in effect 1967 ratified 1966, in effect 1967
Andorra Andorra Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 1993 Andorra's first written constitution was drafted in 1991; approved by referendum 14 March 1993; came into force 4 May 1993
Angola Angola 11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, 6 March 1991, and 26 August 1992; note - new constitution has not yet been approved 11 November 1975; revised 7 January 1978, 11 August 1980, 6 March 1991, and 26 August 1992
Anguilla Anguilla Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990 Anguilla Constitutional Order 1 April 1982; amended 1990
Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda 1 November 1981 1 November 1981
Argentina Argentina 1 May 1853; revised August 1994 1 May 1853; revised August 1994
Armenia Armenia adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995 adopted by nationwide referendum 5 July 1995
Aruba Aruba 1 January 1986 1 January 1986
Australia Australia 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901 9 July 1900, effective 1 January 1901
Austria Austria 1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945) 1920; revised 1929 (reinstated 1 May 1945)
Azerbaijan Azerbaijan adopted 12 November 1995 adopted 12 November 1995
Bahamas, The Bahamas, The 10 July 1973 10 July 1973
Bahrain Bahrain adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14 February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary) adopted late December 2000; Bahrani voters approved on 13-14 February 2001 a referendum on legislative changes (revised constitution calls for a partially elected legislature, a constitutional monarchy, and an independent judiciary)
Bangladesh Bangladesh 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended many times 4 November 1972, effective 16 December 1972, suspended following coup of 24 March 1982, restored 10 November 1986, amended many times
Barbados Barbados 30 November 1966 30 November 1966
Belarus Belarus 30 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective 27 November 1996; revised again 17 October 2004 removing presidential term limits 30 March 1994; revised by national referendum of 24 November 1996 giving the presidency greatly expanded powers and became effective 27 November 1996
Belgium Belgium 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state 7 February 1831, last revised 14 July 1993; parliament approved a constitutional package creating a federal state
Belize Belize 21 September 1981 21 September 1981
Benin Benin December 1990 December 1990
Bermuda Bermuda 8 June 1968, amended 1989 and 2003 8 June 1968, amended 1989
Bhutan Bhutan no written constitution or bill of rights; note - in 2001 the King commissioned the drafting of a constitution, and in November 2004 presented a draft to the Council of Ministers no written constitution or bill of rights; note - the King commissioned a committee to draft a constitution in 2001, but has yet to be approved
Bolivia Bolivia 2 February 1967; revised in August 1994 2 February 1967; revised in August 1994
Bosnia and Herzegovina Bosnia and Herzegovina the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December 1995, included a new constitution now in force; note - each of the entities also has its own constitution the Dayton Agreement, signed 14 December 1995, included a new constitution now in force; note - each of the entities also has its own constitution
Botswana Botswana March 1965, effective 30 September 1966 March 1965, effective 30 September 1966
Brazil Brazil 5 October 1988 5 October 1988
British Virgin Islands British Virgin Islands 1 June 1977 1 June 1977
Brunei Brunei 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984) 29 September 1959 (some provisions suspended under a State of Emergency since December 1962, others since independence on 1 January 1984)
Bulgaria Bulgaria adopted 12 July 1991 adopted 12 July 1991
Burkina Faso Burkina Faso 2 June 1991 approved by referendum; 11 June 1991 formally adopted; ammended April 2000 2 June 1991 approved by referendum; 11 June 1991 formally adopted
Burma Burma 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national convention convened in 1993 to draft a new constitution but collapsed in 1996; reconvened in 2004 but does not include participation of democratic opposition 3 January 1974 (suspended since 18 September 1988); national convention started on 9 January 1993 to draft a new constitution; progress has since been stalled
Burundi Burundi 13 March 1992; provided for establishment of a plural political system; supplanted on 20 October 2004 by a provisional constitution approved by the parliament, which extended the transition, set ethnic quotas for government positions, and tentatively scheduled elections for February-April 2005 13 March 1992; provided for establishment of a plural political system; supplanted on 6 June 1998 by a Transitional Constitution which enlarged the National Assembly and created two vice presidents
Cambodia Cambodia promulgated 21 September 1993 promulgated 21 September 1993
Cameroon Cameroon 20 May 1972 approved by referendum; 2 June 1972 formally adopted; revised January 1996 20 May 1972 approved by referendum; 2 June 1972 formally adopted; revised January 1996
Canada Canada 17 April 1982 (Constitution Act); originally, the machinery of the government was set up in the British North America Act of 1867; charter of rights and unwritten customs 17 April 1982 (Constitution Act); originally, the machinery of the government was set up in the British North America Act of 1867; charter of rights and unwritten customs
Cape Verde Cape Verde new constitution came into force 25 September 1992; underwent a major revision on 23 November 1995, substantially increasing the powers of the president, and a further revision in 1999, to create the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica) new constitution came into force 25 September 1992; underwent a major revision on 23 November 1995, substantially increasing the powers of the president, and a further revision in 1999, to create the position of national ombudsman (Provedor de Justica)
Cayman Islands Cayman Islands 1959, revised 1972 and 1992 1959, revised 1972 and 1992
Central African Republic Central African Republic passed by referendum 5 December 2004 passed by referendum 29 December 1994; adopted 7 January 1995
Chad Chad passed by referendum 31 March 1996 passed by referendum 31 March 1996
Chile Chile 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981, amended 30 July 1989, 1993, and 1997 11 September 1980, effective 11 March 1981, amended 30 July 1989, 1993, and 1997
China China most recent promulgation 4 December 1982 most recent promulgation 4 December 1982
Christmas Island Christmas Island NA NA
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Cocos (Keeling) Islands Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955 Cocos (Keeling) Islands Act of 1955
Colombia Colombia 5 July 1991 5 July 1991
Comoros Comoros 23 December 2001


note: a Transitional National Unity Government (GUNT) was formed on 20 January 2002 following the passing of the new constitution; the GUNT governed until the presidential elections on 14 April 2002		 23 December 2001


note: a Transitional National Unity Government (GUNT) was formed on 20 January 2002 following the passing of the new constitution; the GUNT governed until the presidential elections on 14 April 2002
Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the a new constitution was adopted 17 July 2003 24 June 1967, amended August 1974, revised 15 February 1978, amended April 1990; transitional constitution promulgated in April 1994; in November 1998, a draft constitution was approved by former President Laurent KABILA but it was not ratified by a national referendum; one outcome of the ongoing inter-Congolese dialogue is to be a new constitution
Congo, Republic of the Congo, Republic of the constitution approved by referendum 20 January 2002 constitution approved by referendum 20 January 2002
Cook Islands Cook Islands 4 August 1965 4 August 1965
Costa Rica Costa Rica 7 November 1949 7 November 1949
Cote d'Ivoire Cote d'Ivoire a new constitution was adopted 4 August 2000 3 November 1960; has been amended numerous times, last time 27 July 1998
Croatia Croatia adopted on 22 December 1990; revised 2000, 2001 adopted on 22 December 1990
Cuba Cuba 24 February 1976, amended July 1992 and June 2002 24 February 1976, amended July 1992 and June 2002
Cyprus Cyprus 16 August 1960; from December 1963, the Turkish Cypriots no longer participated in the government; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently since the mid-1960s; in 1975, following the 1974 Turkish intervention, Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which became the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" when the Turkish Cypriots declared their independence in 1983; a new constitution for the "TRNC" passed by referendum on 5 May 1985 16 August 1960; negotiations to create the basis for a new or revised constitution to govern the island and to better relations between Greek and Turkish Cypriots have been held intermittently; in 1975 Turkish Cypriots created their own constitution and governing bodies within the "Turkish Federated State of Cyprus," which was renamed the "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus" in 1983; a new constitution for the Turkish Cypriot area passed by referendum on 5 May 1985
Czech Republic Czech Republic ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993 ratified 16 December 1992; effective 1 January 1993
Denmark Denmark 5 June 1849 adoption of original constitution; a major overhaul of 5 June 1953 allowed for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state 1849 was the original constitution; there was a major overhaul 5 June 1953, allowing for a unicameral legislature and a female chief of state
Djibouti Djibouti multiparty constitution approved by referendum 4 September 1992 multiparty constitution approved by referendum 4 September 1992
Dominica Dominica 3 November 1978 3 November 1978
Dominican Republic Dominican Republic 28 November 1966, amended 25 July 2002 28 November 1966
East Timor East Timor 22 March 2002 (based on the Portuguese model) 22 March 2002 (based on the Portuguese model)
Ecuador Ecuador 10 August 1998 10 August 1998
Egypt Egypt 11 September 1971 11 September 1971
El Salvador El Salvador 23 December 1983 23 December 1983
Equatorial Guinea Equatorial Guinea approved by national referendum 17 November 1991; amended January 1995 approved by national referendum 17 November 1991; amended January 1995
Eritrea Eritrea the transitional constitution, decreed on 19 May 1993, was replaced by a new constitution adopted on 23 May 1997, but not yet implemented the transitional constitution, decreed on 19 May 1993, was replaced by a new constitution adopted on 23 May 1997, but not yet implemented
Estonia Estonia adopted 28 June 1992 adopted 28 June 1992
Ethiopia Ethiopia ratified December 1994; effective 22 August 1995 ratified December 1994; effective 22 August 1995
European Union European Union based on a series of treaties: the Treaty of Paris, which set up the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951; the Treaties of Rome, which set up the European Economic Community (EEC) and the European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) in 1957; the Single European Act in 1986; the Treaty on European Union (Maastrict) in 1992; the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1997; and the Treaty of Nice in 2001; note - a new draft Constitutional Treaty, signed on 29 October 2004 in Rome, gives member states two years for ratification either by parliamentary vote or national referendum before it is scheduled to take effect on 1 November 2006 -
Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) 3 October 1985; amended 1997 and 1998 3 October 1985; amended 1997 and 1998
Faroe Islands Faroe Islands 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution) 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)
Fiji Fiji promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to allow nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make multiparty government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998; note - the May 1999 election was the first test of the amended constitution and introduced open voting - not racially prescribed - for the first time at the national level promulgated on 25 July 1990 and amended on 25 July 1997 to allow nonethnic Fijians greater say in government and to make multiparty government mandatory; entered into force 28 July 1998; note - the May 1999 election was the first test of the amended constitution and introduced open voting - not racially prescribed - for the first time at the national level
Finland Finland 1 March 2000 1 March 2000
France France 28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962, amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1996 Amsterdam Treaty, 2000 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws in 1993; amended in 2000 to change the seven-year presidential term to a five-year term 28 September 1958, amended concerning election of president in 1962, amended to comply with provisions of 1992 EC Maastricht Treaty, 1996 Amsterdam Treaty, 2000 Treaty of Nice; amended to tighten immigration laws 1993
French Guiana French Guiana 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
French Polynesia French Polynesia 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Gabon Gabon adopted 14 March 1991 adopted 14 March 1991
Gambia, The Gambia, The 24 April 1970; suspended July 1994; rewritten and approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; reestablished January 1997 24 April 1970; suspended July 1994; rewritten and approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; reestablished in January 1997
Georgia Georgia adopted 17 October 1995 adopted 17 October 1995
Germany Germany 23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united German people 3 October 1990 23 May 1949, known as Basic Law; became constitution of the united German people 3 October 1990
Ghana Ghana approved 28 April 1992 approved 28 April 1992
Gibraltar Gibraltar 30 May 1969 30 May 1969
Greece Greece 11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001 11 June 1975; amended March 1986 and April 2001
Greenland Greenland 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution) 5 June 1953 (Danish constitution)
Grenada Grenada 19 December 1973 19 December 1973
Guadeloupe Guadeloupe 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Guam Guam Organic Act of 1 August 1950 Organic Act of 1 August 1950
Guatemala Guatemala 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; note - suspended 25 May 1993 by former President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president; amended November 1993 31 May 1985, effective 14 January 1986; note - suspended 25 May 1993 by former President SERRANO; reinstated 5 June 1993 following ouster of president; amended November 1993
Guernsey Guernsey unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice
Guinea Guinea 23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale) 23 December 1990 (Loi Fundamentale)
Guinea-Bissau Guinea-Bissau 16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26 February 1993, 9 June 1993, and 1996 16 May 1984, amended 4 May 1991, 4 December 1991, 26 February 1993, 9 June 1993, and 1996
Guyana Guyana 6 October 1980 6 October 1980
Haiti Haiti approved March 1987; suspended June 1988 with most articles reinstated March 1989; in October 1991 government claimed to be observing the constitution; returned to constitutional rule in October 1994 approved March 1987; suspended June 1988, with most articles reinstated March 1989; in October 1991, government claimed to be observing the constitution; return to constitutional rule, October 1994
Holy See (Vatican City) Holy See (Vatican City) new Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope John Paul II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaces the first Fundamental Law of 1929) Apostolic Constitution of 1967 (effective 1 March 1968)
Honduras Honduras 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended 1995 11 January 1982, effective 20 January 1982; amended 1995
Hong Kong Hong Kong Basic Law approved in March 1990 by China's National People's Congress is Hong Kong's "mini-constitution" Basic Law approved in March 1990 by China's National People's Congress is Hong Kong's "mini-constitution"
Hungary Hungary 18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997 amendment streamlined the judicial system 18 August 1949, effective 20 August 1949, revised 19 April 1972; 18 October 1989 revision ensured legal rights for individuals and constitutional checks on the authority of the prime minister and also established the principle of parliamentary oversight; 1997 amendment streamlined the judicial system
Iceland Iceland 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944 16 June 1944, effective 17 June 1944
India India 26 January 1950 26 January 1950
Indonesia Indonesia August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959 August 1945, abrogated by Federal Constitution of 1949 and Provisional Constitution of 1950, restored 5 July 1959
Iran Iran 2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency and eliminate the prime ministership 2-3 December 1979; revised 1989 to expand powers of the presidency and eliminate the prime ministership
Iraq Iraq interim constitution signed 8 March 2004; note - the Transitional Administrative Law (TAL) was enacted 8 March 2004 to govern the country until an elected Iraqi Transitional Government can draft and ratify a new constitution in 2005 in transition following April 2003 defeat of SADDAM Husayn regime by US-led coalition
Ireland Ireland 29 December 1937; adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite 29 December 1937; adopted 1 July 1937 by plebiscite
Isle of Man Isle of Man unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act, 1961, does not embody the unwritten Manx Constitution unwritten; note - The Isle of Man Constitution Act, 1961, does not embody the Manx Constitution
Israel Israel no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law no formal constitution; some of the functions of a constitution are filled by the Declaration of Establishment (1948), the Basic Laws of the parliament (Knesset), and the Israeli citizenship law
Italy Italy passed 11 December 1947; effective 1 January 1948; amended many times 1 January 1948
Jamaica Jamaica 6 August 1962 6 August 1962
Japan Japan 3 May 1947 3 May 1947
Jersey Jersey unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice
Jordan Jordan 8 January 1952 8 January 1952
Kazakhstan Kazakhstan adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995; first post-independence constitution was adopted 28 January 1993 adopted by national referendum 30 August 1995; first post-independence constitution was adopted 28 January 1993
Kenya Kenya 12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1997, and 2001 12 December 1963, amended as a republic 1964; reissued with amendments 1979, 1983, 1986, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1997, and 2001
Kiribati Kiribati 12 July 1979 12 July 1979
Korea, North Korea, North adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972, revised again in April 1992 and September 1998 adopted 1948, completely revised 27 December 1972, revised again in April 1992 and September 1998
Korea, South Korea, South 17 July 1948 17 July 1948
Kuwait Kuwait approved and promulgated 11 November 1962 approved and promulgated 11 November 1962
Kyrgyzstan Kyrgyzstan adopted 5 May 1993; note - amendment proposed by President AKAYEV and passed in a national referendum on 2 February 2003 significantly expands the powers of the president at the expense of the legislature adopted 5 May 1993; note - amendment proposed by President AKAYEV and passed in a national referendum on 2 February 2003 significantly expands the powers of the president at the expense of the legislature
Laos Laos promulgated 14 August 1991 promulgated 14 August 1991
Latvia Latvia 15 February 1922; an October 1998 amendment on Fundamental Human Rights replaced the 1991 Constitutional Law, which had supplemented the constitution the 1991 Constitutional Law, which supplements the 1922 constitution, provides for basic rights and freedoms
Lebanon Lebanon 23 May 1926, amended a number of times, most recently Charter of Lebanese National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989 23 May 1926, amended a number of times, most recently Charter of Lebanese National Reconciliation (Ta'if Accord) of October 1989
Lesotho Lesotho 2 April 1993 2 April 1993
Liberia Liberia 6 January 1986 6 January 1986
Libya Libya 11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977 11 December 1969, amended 2 March 1977
Liechtenstein Liechtenstein 5 October 1921 5 October 1921
Lithuania Lithuania adopted 25 October 1992 adopted 25 October 1992
Luxembourg Luxembourg 17 October 1868, occasional revisions 17 October 1868, occasional revisions
Macau Macau Basic Law, approved in March 1993 by China's National People's Congress, is Macau's "mini-constitution" Basic Law, approved in March 1993 by China's National People's Congress, is Macau's "mini-constitution"
Macedonia Macedonia adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991


note: in November of 2001, the Macedonian Assembly approved a series of new constitutional amendments strengthening minority rights		 -
Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of - adopted 17 November 1991, effective 20 November 1991


note: in November of 2001, the Macedonian Parliament approved a series of new constitutional amendments strengthening minority rights
Madagascar Madagascar 19 August 1992 by national referendum 19 August 1992 by national referendum
Malawi Malawi 18 May 1994 18 May 1994
Malaysia Malaysia 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963
Maldives Maldives adopted January 1998 adopted January 1998
Mali Mali adopted 12 January 1992 adopted 12 January 1992
Malta Malta 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 and again in 1987 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 and again in 1987
Marshall Islands Marshall Islands 1 May 1979 1 May 1979
Martinique Martinique 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Mauritania Mauritania 12 July 1991 12 July 1991
Mauritius Mauritius 12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992 12 March 1968; amended 12 March 1992
Mayotte Mayotte 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Mexico Mexico 5 February 1917 5 February 1917
Micronesia, Federated States of Micronesia, Federated States of 10 May 1979 10 May 1979
Moldova Moldova new constitution adopted 28 July 1994; replaces old Soviet constitution of 1979 new constitution adopted 28 July 1994; replaces old Soviet constitution of 1979
Monaco Monaco 17 December 1962 17 December 1962
Mongolia Mongolia 12 February 1992 12 February 1992
Montserrat Montserrat present constitution came into force 19 December 1989 present constitution came into force 19 December 1989
Morocco Morocco 10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992, amended (to create bicameral legislature) September 1996 10 March 1972, revised 4 September 1992, amended (to create bicameral legislature) September 1996
Mozambique Mozambique 30 November 1990 30 November 1990
Namibia Namibia ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990 ratified 9 February 1990; effective 12 March 1990
Nauru Nauru 29 January 1968 29 January 1968
Nepal Nepal 9 November 1990 9 November 1990
Netherlands Netherlands adopted 1815; amended many times, last time 2002 adopted 1814; amended many times, last time 17 February 1983
Netherlands Antilles Netherlands Antilles 29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended 29 December 1954, Statute of the Realm of the Netherlands, as amended
New Caledonia New Caledonia 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
New Zealand New Zealand consists of a series of legal documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments and The Constitution Act 1986 which is the principal formal charter consists of a series of legal documents, including certain acts of the UK and New Zealand Parliaments and The Constitution Act 1986 which is the principal formal charter
Nicaragua Nicaragua 9 January 1987, with reforms in 1995 and 2000 9 January 1987, with reforms in 1995 and 2000
Niger Niger a new constitution was adopted 18 July 1999 the constitution of January 1993 was revised by national referendum on 12 May 1996 and again by referendum on 18 July 1999
Nigeria Nigeria new constitution adopted May 1999 new constitution adopted May 1999
Niue Niue 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act) 19 October 1974 (Niue Constitution Act)
Norfolk Island Norfolk Island Norfolk Island Act of 1979 Norfolk Island Act of 1979
Northern Mariana Islands Northern Mariana Islands Covenant Agreement effective 4 November 1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978 Covenant Agreement effective 4 November 1986 and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands effective 1 January 1978
Norway Norway 17 May 1814, modified in 1884 17 May 1814, modified in 1884
Oman Oman none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a basic law considered by the government to be a constitution which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens none; note - on 6 November 1996, Sultan QABOOS issued a royal decree promulgating a new basic law which, among other things, clarifies the royal succession, provides for a prime minister, bars ministers from holding interests in companies doing business with the government, establishes a bicameral legislature, and guarantees basic civil liberties for Omani citizens
Pakistan Pakistan 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored 31 December 2002 10 April 1973, suspended 5 July 1977, restored with amendments 30 December 1985; suspended 15 October 1999, restored on 31 December 2002


note: selected provisions of the Constitution pertaining to changes President MUSHARRAF made while the Constitution was suspended, remain contested by political opponents
Palau Palau 1 January 1981 1 January 1981
Panama Panama 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted 1978, 1983, 1994, and 2004 11 October 1972; major reforms adopted 1978, 1983 and 1994
Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea 16 September 1975 16 September 1975
Paraguay Paraguay promulgated 20 June 1992 promulgated 20 June 1992
Peru Peru 31 December 1993 31 December 1993
Philippines Philippines 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987 2 February 1987, effective 11 February 1987
Pitcairn Islands Pitcairn Islands 1838; reformed 1904 with additional reforms in 1940; further refined by the Local Government Ordinance of 1964 1838; reformed 1904 with additional reforms in 1940; further refined by the Local Government Ordinance of 1964
Poland Poland adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by national referendum 25 May 1997; effective 17 October 1997 16 October 1997; adopted by the National Assembly 2 April 1997; passed by national referendum 23 May 1997
Portugal Portugal 25 April 1976; revised 30 October 1982, 1 June 1989, 5 November 1992, 3 September 1997, 12 December 2001, and 24 July 2004 25 April 1976, revised 30 October 1982, 1 June 1989, 5 November 1992, and 3 September 1997
Puerto Rico Puerto Rico ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952 ratified 3 March 1952; approved by US Congress 3 July 1952; effective 25 July 1952
Qatar Qatar provisional constitution enacted 19 April 1972; in July 1999 Amir HAMAD issued a decree forming a committee to draft a permanent constitution; in the 29 April 2003 referendum, 96.6% of Qatari voters approved the new constitution; on 8 June 2004 the new constitution came into force provisional constitution enacted 19 April 1972; in July 1999 Amir HAMAD issued a decree forming a committee to draft a permanent constitution; in the 29 April 2003 referendum, 96.6% of Qatari voters approved the new constitution
Reunion Reunion 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Romania Romania 8 December 1991; revision came into force 29 October 2003 8 December 1991
Russia Russia adopted 12 December 1993 adopted 12 December 1993
Rwanda Rwanda a new constitution was adopted 26 May 2003 on 5 May 1995, the Transitional National Assembly adopted as Fundamental Law the constitution of 18 June 1991, provisions of the 1993 Arusha peace accord, the July 1994 Declaration by the Rwanda Patriotic Front, and the November 1994 multiparty protocol of understanding
Saint Helena Saint Helena 1 January 1989 1 January 1989
Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Kitts and Nevis 19 September 1983 19 September 1983
Saint Lucia Saint Lucia 22 February 1979 22 February 1979
Saint Pierre and Miquelon Saint Pierre and Miquelon 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 27 October 1979 27 October 1979
Samoa Samoa 1 January 1962 1 January 1962
San Marino San Marino 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution
Sao Tome and Principe Sao Tome and Principe approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990 approved March 1990; effective 10 September 1990
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law); the Basic Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was introduced in 1993 governed according to Shari'a (Islamic law); the Basic Law that articulates the government's rights and responsibilities was introduced in 1993
Senegal Senegal a new constitution was adopted 7 January 2001 a new constitution was adopted 7 January 2001
Serbia and Montenegro Serbia and Montenegro 4 February 2003 4 February 2003
Seychelles Seychelles 18 June 1993 18 June 1993
Sierra Leone Sierra Leone 1 October 1991; subsequently amended several times 1 October 1991; subsequently amended several times
Singapore Singapore 3 June 1959, amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of Singapore Constitution) 3 June 1959, amended 1965 (based on preindependence State of Singapore Constitution)
Slovakia Slovakia ratified 1 September 1992, fully effective 1 January 1993; changed in September 1998 to allow direct election of the president; amended February 2001 to allow Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership ratified 1 September 1992, fully effective 1 January 1993; changed in September 1998 to allow direct election of the president; amended February 2001 to allow Slovakia to apply for NATO and EU membership
Slovenia Slovenia adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991 adopted 23 December 1991, effective 23 December 1991
Solomon Islands Solomon Islands 7 July 1978 7 July 1978
Somalia Somalia 25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979


note: the Transitional National Government formed in August 2000 had a three-year mandate to create a new constitution and hold elections, this goal was not achieved but the process is ongoing		 25 August 1979, presidential approval 23 September 1979


note: the Transitional National Government formed in August 2000 has a mandate to create a new constitution and hold elections within three years
South Africa South Africa 10 December 1996; this new constitution was certified by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996, was signed by then President MANDELA on 10 December 1996, and entered into effect on 3 February 1997; it is being implemented in phases 10 December 1996; this new constitution was certified by the Constitutional Court on 4 December 1996, was signed by then President MANDELA on 10 December 1996, and entered into effect on 3 February 1997; it is being implemented in phases
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands adopted 3 October 1985 adopted 3 October 1985
Spain Spain 6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978 6 December 1978, effective 29 December 1978
Sri Lanka Sri Lanka adopted 16 August 1978 adopted 16 August 1978
Sudan Sudan 12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985; interim constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of 30 June 1989; new constitution implemented on 30 June 1998 partially suspended 12 December 1999 by President BASHIR 12 April 1973, suspended following coup of 6 April 1985; interim constitution of 10 October 1985 suspended following coup of 30 June 1989; new constitution implemented on 30 June 1998 partially suspended 12 December 1999 by President BASHIR
Suriname Suriname ratified 30 September 1987 ratified 30 September 1987
Swaziland Swaziland a constitution was adopted 14 November 2003 none; constitution of 6 September 1968 was suspended 12 April 1973; a new constitution was promulgated 13 October 1978, but was not formally presented to the people; since then a few more outlines for a constitution have been compiled under the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), but so far none have been accepted
Sweden Sweden 1 January 1975 1 January 1975
Switzerland Switzerland revision of Constitution of 1874 approved by the Federal Parliament 18 December 1998; adopted by referendum 18 April 1999; officially entered into force 1 January 2000 18 December 1998
Syria Syria 13 March 1973 13 March 1973
Taiwan Taiwan 25 December 1946, amended in 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, and 2000 1 January 1947, amended in 1992, 1994, 1997, and 1999
Tajikistan Tajikistan 6 November 1994 6 November 1994
Tanzania Tanzania 25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984 25 April 1977; major revisions October 1984
Thailand Thailand new constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON on 11 October 1997 new constitution signed by King PHUMIPHON on 11 October 1997
Togo Togo multiparty draft constitution approved by High Council of the Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992 multiparty draft constitution approved by High Council of the Republic 1 July 1992; adopted by public referendum 27 September 1992
Tokelau Tokelau administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in 1970 administered under the Tokelau Islands Act of 1948, as amended in 1970
Tonga Tonga 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967 4 November 1875, revised 1 January 1967
Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago 1 August 1976 1 August 1976
Tunisia Tunisia 1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988 1 June 1959; amended 12 July 1988
Turkey Turkey 7 November 1982 7 November 1982
Turkmenistan Turkmenistan adopted 18 May 1992 adopted 18 May 1992
Turks and Caicos Islands Turks and Caicos Islands introduced 30 August 1976; suspended in 1986; restored and revised 5 March 1988 introduced 30 August 1976; suspended in 1986; restored and revised 5 March 1988
Tuvalu Tuvalu 1 October 1978 1 October 1978
Uganda Uganda 8 October 1995; adopted by the interim, 284-member Constituent Assembly, charged with debating the draft constitution that had been proposed in May 1993; the Constituent Assembly was dissolved upon the promulgation of the constitution in October 1995 8 October 1995; adopted by the interim, 284-member Constituent Assembly, charged with debating the draft constitution that had been proposed in May 1993; the Constituent Assembly was dissolved upon the promulgation of the constitution in October 1995
Ukraine Ukraine adopted 28 June 1996 adopted 28 June 1996
United Arab Emirates United Arab Emirates 2 December 1971 (made permanent in 1996) 2 December 1971 (made permanent in 1996)
United Kingdom United Kingdom unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice unwritten; partly statutes, partly common law and practice
United States United States 17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789 17 September 1787, effective 4 March 1789
Uruguay Uruguay 27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980; two constitutional reforms approved by plebiscite 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997 27 November 1966, effective February 1967, suspended 27 June 1973, new constitution rejected by referendum 30 November 1980; two constitutional reforms approved by plebiscite 26 November 1989 and 7 January 1997
Uzbekistan Uzbekistan new constitution adopted 8 December 1992 new constitution adopted 8 December 1992
Vanuatu Vanuatu 30 July 1980 30 July 1980
Venezuela Venezuela 30 December 1999 30 December 1999
Vietnam Vietnam 15 April 1992 15 April 1992
Virgin Islands Virgin Islands Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954 Revised Organic Act of 22 July 1954
Wallis and Futuna Wallis and Futuna 28 September 1958 (French Constitution) 28 September 1958 (French Constitution)
Yemen Yemen 16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001 16 May 1991; amended 29 September 1994 and February 2001
Zambia Zambia 24 August 1991 2 August 1991
Zimbabwe Zimbabwe 21 December 1979 21 December 1979
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