The Democratic Federation of Northern Syria (DFNS), also known as Rojava, is a political entity established in 2016 in the northern part of Syria. It emerged during the Syrian Civil War and is characterized by its commitment to democratic governance, gender equality, and ethnic diversity. The federation includes various regions, primarily populated by Kurdish, Arab, and Assyrian communities. The DFNS operates under a system of local councils and emphasizes grassroots democracy. It has its own military forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have played a significant role in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS) in the region.