Islamic Republic

Islamic republics shown in green.

Islamic Republic is the name given to forms of government of several states. These states often have Islam as a state religion and are governed by the principles of Sharia, islamic law. Laws made by the state cannot contradict Sharia.

The following states call themselves Islamic Republic (non-exhaustive list)

• Iran (after Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi was overthrown in 1979)
• Pakistan (Since the constitution of 1956, state founded to provide a homeland for Muslims living in Colonial India, in 1947)
• Afghanistan (since the overthrow of the Taliban in 2001)
• Mauritania (since 1958)
• Sudan
• Comoros (Federal Islamic Republic)
• The Gambia (since December 2015)

Despite the similar name the countries differ greatly in their governments and laws.