Frisia is a federation which, since April 13 2007, consists of 23 states (Frisian: Steaten). They are also known as the constituent entities of the Frisian Federation. In 1877, when the Constitution of Frisia was adopted, there were 30 states listed. By 2007, the number of federal subjects had been decreased to 23 because of several mergers and the loss of colonies in the former Frisian Empire. The states are of equal federal rights, with equal representation - five MPs each in the Denkern and one State President - and equal degrees of autonomy.