Ministry of the Interior - Definition and Overview

The Interior Minister is a member of a Cabinet in a Government. The Minister of the Interior (also Internal Affairs or Home Affairs) has positions which vary between governments. It is more a product of the 20th century, so its powers aren't universal among countries.

In most nations, the Interior Minister is responsible for police or security. However, in some countries, an Interior Minister can be more in charge of Internal Matters, such as entry into the country (like the Israeli Interior Minister or the South African Minister of Home Affairs).

The United States has a Secretary of the Interior, but that post is more involved in administering natural resources such as parks and wildlife. A more appropriate similarity on security would be the Secretary of Homeland Security or Secretary of State. In the United Kingdom, the equivalent is the Secretary of State for Home Affairs.

Related articles and lists

• France: Minister of the Interior (list)
• Germany: Minister of the Interior (list)
• Spain: Minister of the Interior
• Switzerland: Member of the Federal Council heading the Department of Home Affairs (with list)
• United Kingdom: Secretary of State for Home Affairs (with list)