which countries have a monarchy
Which countries have a monarchy?
Answer: Monarchies are forms of government where a single person, the monarch, serves as the head of state for life or until abdication. Monarchies can be constitutional, where the monarch’s powers are limited by law or a formal constitution, or absolute, where the monarch has almost complete control. Here is a comprehensive list of countries that currently have monarchies as of 2023:
1. Constitutional Monarchies:
In these countries, the monarch’s powers are regulated by a constitution or laws, and they often serve as ceremonial figureheads while elected bodies govern the country.
Europe:
- United Kingdom: Queen Elizabeth II (as of 2021, note that current monarchs may have changed)
- Sweden: King Carl XVI Gustaf
- Norway: King Harald V
- Denmark: Queen Margrethe II
- Netherlands: King Willem-Alexander
- Belgium: King Philippe
- Spain: King Felipe VI
- Luxembourg: Grand Duke Henri
- Liechtenstein: Prince Hans-Adam II
- Monaco: Prince Albert II
Asia:
- Japan: Emperor Naruhito
- Thailand: King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X)
- Malaysia: King Abdullah of Pahang (Malaysia has a unique rotational monarchy)
- Cambodia: King Norodom Sihamoni
- Jordan: King Abdullah II
- Bhutan: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
Oceania:
- Australia: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by the Governor-General)
- New Zealand: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by the Governor-General)
- Papua New Guinea: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by the Governor-General)
- Solomon Islands: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by the Governor-General)
- Tuvalu: Queen Elizabeth II (represented by the Governor-General)
2. Absolute Monarchies:
In these countries, the monarch has extensive or complete control over the government.
Middle East:
- Saudi Arabia: King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
- Oman: Sultan Haitham bin Tariq
- Qatar: Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani
- United Arab Emirates: President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan (each emirate has its own ruler as well)
- Kuwait: Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
- Bahrain: King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa
- Brunei: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah
3. Other Monarchies:
These monarchies have varying degrees of power, often somewhere between constitutional and absolute.
Africa:
- Morocco: King Mohammed VI
- Eswatini (Swaziland): King Mswati III
- Lesotho: King Letsie III
This list includes the most well-known monarchies, but it is important to note that political situations can change, and new monarchies can emerge or existing ones can be abolished. Monarchies, whether constitutional or absolute, play significant roles in the cultural and political landscapes of their respective countries.