List of Countries Still Live Under a Monarchy
Monarchies remain a significant part of global governance, with 43 countries currently led by monarchs in varying capacities, from absolute rulers to symbolic figureheads. Monarchies can be either absolute (where the monarch holds real and significant power) or constitutional/ceremonial (where the monarch has a symbolic role, with elected officials holding actual authority).
A monarchy is a system of government led by a king, queen, emperor, or sultan, typically inherited within a royal family and lasting for life. In an absolute monarchy, rulers make major decisions and wield substantial authority. In a constitutional monarchy, the monarch’s function is mostly symbolic, representing national unity and tradition while political power rests with elected leaders.
Currently, 43 countries have monarchs. Monarchs serve varied roles, from executing real power to ceremonial duties that reinforce cultural identity.
Currently, 43 countries have monarchs. Monarchs serve varied roles, from executing real power to ceremonial duties that reinforce cultural identity.
| Country | Monarch Title | Monarch’s Role |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | King | Absolute |
| Oman | Sultan | Absolute |
| Brunei | Sultan | Absolute |
| UAE | President | Executive & Federal |
| Bahrain | King | Executive |
| Morocco | King | Executive |
| Jordan | King | Executive |
| Qatar | Emir | Executive |
| Kuwait | Emir | Executive |
| Bhutan | Druk Gyalpo | Executive |
| Eswatini | King | Absolute |
| Liechtenstein | Prince | Executive |
| Monaco | Prince | Executive |
| Tonga | King | Executive |
| United Kingdom | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Canada | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Australia | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| New Zealand | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Jamaica | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Solomon Islands | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Papua New Guinea | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Bahamas | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Saint Lucia | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Grenada | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Antigua and Barbuda | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Tuvalu | King/Queen | Ceremonial |
| Thailand | King | Ceremonial |
| Spain | King | Ceremonial |
| Netherlands | King | Ceremonial |
| Cambodia | King | Ceremonial |
| Belgium | King | Ceremonial |
| Sweden | King | Ceremonial |
| Norway | King | Ceremonial |
| Denmark | King | Ceremonial |
| Lesotho | King | Ceremonial |
| Luxembourg | Grand Duke | Ceremonial |
| Japan | Emperor | Ceremonial |
| Andorra | Co-Prince | Ceremonial |
| Vatican City | Pope | Absolute (religious head, sovereign) |
| Malaysia | Yang di-Pertuan Agong | Ceremonial & Federal (rotating among sultans) |
Modern monarchies often symbolize tradition and national pride, even when actual governance falls to elected officials. Others preserve significant power, especially in the Middle East.
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