Kings and Queens of world
From the French Revolution, the future of monarchy in the world has been insecure. Recently as 2008, communist revolutionaries in Nepal overthrew their monarchy to establish a republic state. Still, despite a couple of centuries of falling kings and royal family opposition, there are 44 monarchies in the world today. 13 are in Asia, 12 are in Europe, 10 are in North America, 6 are in Oceania, and 3 are in Africa where there are no monarchy in South America.
It’s maybe important to note that there are 44 monarchies, but there are only 29 monarchs. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom was queen of 15 other Commonwealth Kingdoms that formerly composed the British Empire, a position that has now been taken over by her son and current monarch, King Charles III.
What Is a Monarchy?
A monarchy (from the Greek monarkhia; “monos“, only, and “arkhe” authority) is a country lead by a single ruler, usually a king or queen. A monarchy is typically called a kingdom. Monarchs are usually not elected in any way, although there are elective monarchies. Malaysia is an elective monarchy, as was the Holy Roman Empire.
The monarch, as the leader is known, can be head of state, head of government, or both— particularly in a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is the representative of the country and its people, especially in diplomatic affairs. The head of government, by contrast, is the person who actually leads the government in creating and enforcing policies, such as a prime minister or president.
List of Country with Monarchies
Country | Monarch | Type of monarchy |
Bahrain | King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa | Constitutional |
Belgium | King Philippe (2013) | Constitutional |
Andorra | Andorra is ruled by two princes, one of whom is always the current President of France. | Constitutional |
Jordan | King Abdullah II | Constitutional |
Japan | Emperor Akihito | Constitutional |
Denmark | Queen Margrethe II | Constitutional |
Sweden | King Carl XVI Gustaf | Constitutional |
Thailand | Prem Tinsulanonda, regent | Constitutional |
Tonga | King Tupou VI | Constitutional |
United Kingdom | King Charles III | Constitutional |
Spain | Felipe VI | Parliamentary |
Vatican City | Pope Francis | Absolute |
Swaziland | King Mswati III | Absolute |
Saudi Arabia | King Salman | Absolute |
Cambodia | King Norodom Sihamoni | Constitutional |
Bhutan | Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchukin | Constitutional |
Brunei | Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah | Constitutional |
Kuwait | Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah (2006) | Constitutional |
Lesotho | King Letsie III | Constitutional |
Liechtenstein | Prince Hans Adam II | Constitutional |
Lexembourg | Grand Duke Henri | Constitutional |
Malaysia | Almu’tasimu Billahi Muhibbuddin Tuanku Alhaj Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Badlishah | Constitutional |
Norway | King Herald V | Constitutional |
Netherlands | King Willem-Alexander | Constitutional |
Morocco | King Muhammad VI | Constitutional |
Monacco | Prince Albert II | Constitutional |
Qatar | Emir Sheik Tamim ibn Hamad Al Thani | Constitutional |
Samoa | Tuiatua Tupua Tamasese Efi | Constitutional |
Oman | Sultan Qabus ibn Sa’id | Absolute |
King Charles III is also the Sovereign of 15 countries in the Commonwealth of Nations: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Canada, Grenada, Jamaica, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Solomon Islands, and Tuvalu also parliamentary democracy.
Unique Monarchies
Vatican City
Vatican City is considered as the smallest country in the world and is governed under an absolute monarchy. The whole state is inside the Rome, Italy, and covers about 100 acres of land .
Andorra
Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world and lies between two big country Spain and France. It’s political system is also known as a diarchy in which there are two joint heads of state.
The monarchy consists of two co-princes: France’s President Emmanuel Macron and the Catholic Bishop of Urgell from Spain, Joan-Enric Vives i Sicília.