List of Countries without an Written Constitution, Check the List

Every country needs a set of rules to govern its people and define the powers of its government. These rules are usually written in a document called a constitution. However, not all countries follow this model. Some nations work without a single written constitution, relying instead on old laws, traditions, and court decisions to guide their governance.

What does an ”Unwritten Constitution” Mean?

The word unwritten can be confusing — it doesn’t mean these countries have no laws in writing. It simply means their constitution isn’t gathered into one single, written document.
Instead, their constitutional system is formed through:

• Parliamentary laws
• Judicial decisions
• Historical documents
• Political traditions and customs

These countries prove that a nation can still maintain stability and democracy without one formal constitution.

List of Countries with an Unwritten Constitution

Currently, there are six countries known for having uncodified or unwritten constitutions:

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) is the most famous example of a country without a single written constitution.
Its system dates back to 1215, when the Magna Carta limited the power of kings and laid the foundation for rule of law.

Instead of one constitution, the UK’s framework is built on:

• Acts of Parliament (laws made by the government)
• Court rulings (known as common law)
• Conventions (unwritten political practices)

Key principles like parliamentary sovereignty and rule of law keep the system balanced. Over the centuries, this flexible structure has evolved while protecting democratic values.

San Marino

San Marino, one of the world’s oldest republics, adopted its constitution in 1600.
Though considered “unwritten,” it is based on ancient customs, statutes, and traditions that date back to medieval times.

Its most important document, the Declaration of Citizen Rights, was updated in 1974 and later amended in 2002.
San Marino’s constitution is unique because it blends centuries-old customs with modern democratic principles, showing how tradition can coexist with progress.

Sweden

Sweden’s constitutional system isn’t contained in one document but in four key legal acts, collectively known as Sweden’s Basic Laws.
These include:

• The Instrument of Government
• The Act of Succession
• The Freedom of the Press Act
• The Fundamental Law on Freedom of Expression

Together, they define how Sweden is governed, protect freedom of speech, and outline citizens’ rights and responsibilities.
Any change to these Basic Laws must pass twice — before and after an election, ensuring careful debate before any amendment.

New Zealand

New Zealand’s constitution is a collection of laws, treaties, and conventions, rather than one single document.
Important parts of its constitutional system include:

• The Treaty of Waitangi (1840), an agreement between the British Crown and Māori chiefs.
• The Constitution Act (1986), which outlines the structure of government.

New Zealand’s flexible model allows the constitution to change through regular laws, making it easier to adapt to modern needs while keeping democratic checks in place.

Canada

Canada’s constitution is partly written and partly unwritten.
It is mainly guided by two key documents:

• The Constitution Act of 1867 (formerly the British North America Act)
• The Constitution Act of 1982, which includes the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms

In addition to these written acts, unwritten principles, court interpretations, and political customs shape Canadian governance.
The Supreme Court of Canada ensures that all these elements work together, protecting both the federal structure and citizens’ rights.

Israel

Israel does not have a formal written constitution. Instead, it operates under a series of Basic Laws that define the country’s government structure, citizens’ rights, and civil freedoms.
These Basic Laws were originally intended to form part of a full constitution, but due to political and religious disagreements, one single document was never adopted.

Since 1950, these Basic Laws have effectively served as Israel’s working constitution, evolving through amendments passed by the Knesset (Israel’s Parliament).

Why Do Some Countries Choose an Unwritten Constitution?

There are several reasons why some countries never compiled all their constitutional laws into one document:

• Historical continuity: These nations evolved gradually, adapting laws over centuries.
• Flexibility: Changes can be made without rewriting an entire constitution.
• Tradition and trust: Citizens and institutions respect long-standing customs and legal practices.

This flexible structure allows governments to adjust easily to changing political, social, and economic conditions.