Kurdistan is a federal region within Iraq. Established in 1991, the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) operates under a parliamentary democracy system.
The Iraqi constitution recognizes the institutions and security forces of the KRI. The Kurdistan Regional Government, as the autonomous governing body of the KRI, holds constitutionally recognized authority over the governorates of Erbil, Duhok, Slemani, and Halabja. The KRI, which borders Syria to the west, Turkey to the north, and Iran to the east, covers a total area of 40,643 km2.
Article 117 of the Iraqi constitution recognizes Kurdistan as a federal region of Iraq.
The Iraqi constitution grants the KRI authority to exercise legislative and executive powers in certain areas, including security, education, health policies, natural resources management, and infrastructure development.
The KRI possesses an independent judicial system, headed by the Supreme Court of Cassation, which adjudicates cases of the utmost importance and appeals from lower courts. Additionally, this judicial system includes several lower courts that rule on commercial and criminal disputes.
| ESTABLISHED | 1991 |
| CAPITAL | ERBIL |
| FIRST ELECTIONS | 1992 |
| ELECTORAL TERM | 4 YEARS |
| STATUS | FEDERAL REGION |
| POLITICAL STRUCTURE | PARLIAMENTARY DEMOCRACY |
| LEGISLATIVE POWER | KURDISTAN PARLIAMENT |
Photo Credit: Kurdistan Parliament
