Part I
The State and System of Government
Article 1 [Sovereignty, Territorial Integrity]
Kuwait is an Arab State, independent and fully sovereign. Neither its
sovereignty nor any part of its territory may be relinquished. The people of Kuwait are
a part of the Arab Nation.
Article 2 [State Religion]
The religion of the State is Islam, and the Islamic Shari'a shall be a main
source of legislation.
Article 3 [Official Language]
The official language of the State is Arabic.
Article 4 [Monarchy]
(1) Kuwait is a hereditary Emirate, the succession to which shall be in the
descendants of the late Mubarak al-Sabah.
(2) The Heir Apparent shall be designated within one year, at the latest, from the
date of accession of the Amir.
(3) His designation shall be effected by an Amiri Order upon the nomination of
the Amir and the approval of the National Assembly, which shall be signified
by a majority vote of its members in a special sitting.
(4) In case no designation is achieved in accordance with the foregoing
procedure, the Amir shall nominate at least three of the descendants of the late
Mubarak al-Sabah of whom the National Assembly shall pledge allegiance to
one as Heir Apparent.
(5) The Heir Apparent shall have attained his majority, be of sound mind, and a
legitimate son of Muslim parents.
(6) A special law promulgated within one year from the date of coming into force
of this Constitution shall lay down the other rules of succession in the
Emirate. The said law shall be of a constitutional nature and therefore shall be
capable of amendment only by the procedure prescribed for amendment of the
Constitution.
Article 5 [State Symbols]
The flag, emblem, badges, decorations, and the National Anthem of the State
shall be specified by law.
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