All monarchical countries of the world. What is an absolute monarchy: examples of countries

A monarchical state or, in other words, a monarchy is a state in which power, in whole or in part, belongs to one person - the monarch. This could be a king, king, emperor or, for example, a sultan, but any monarch rules for life and passes on his power by inheritance.

Today there are 30 monarchical states in the world and 12 of them are monarchies in Europe. A list of monarchy countries located in Europe is given below.

List of monarchy countries in Europe

1. Norway is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
2. Sweden is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
3. Denmark is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
4. Great Britain is a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
5. Belgium – kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
6. The Netherlands – kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
7. Luxembourg – duchy, constitutional monarchy;
8. Liechtenstein – principality, constitutional monarchy;
9. Spain is a kingdom, a parliamentary constitutional monarchy;
10. Andorra is a principality, a parliamentary principality with two co-rulers;
11. Monaco – principality, constitutional monarchy;
12. The Vatican is a papal state, an elective absolute theocratic monarchy.

All monarchies in Europe are countries in which the form of government is a constitutional monarchy, that is, one in which the power of the monarch is significantly limited by the elected parliament and the constitution adopted by it. The only exception is the Vatican, where absolute rule is exercised by the elected Pope.

Reading historical novels with the constant presence of states ruled by kings, emperors, pharaohs, shahs, sultans, grand dukes and dukes, one thinks that this is all a distant past. For generations, brought up on an atheistic, socialist and who knows what idea now, the citizens of Russia have forgotten that the monarchy is still strong all over the world - power from God. IN different states she is still legitimate, respected by the majority of her people. This article will tell you in which countries the monarchy has been preserved and how firmly it holds power in changed conditions.

Rulers of Europe, Middle East

The undoubted leader of monarchs around the world in terms of authority, length of time on the throne, the power of her country with dominions throughout the planet, over which the Sun still does not set, is the Queen of Great Britain, the head British Commonwealth nations Elizabeth II. She has ruled since 1952.

An interesting fact is that the representative of the ruling dynasty is not only the supreme commander, but also the head of the Anglican Church. Apparently, the Windsor monarchs solve with an iron hand not only worldly problems, but also religious matters, leaving nothing outside their control.

Despite the authoritarianism of Elizabeth II, the question of which countries have an absolute monarchy does not apply to her. Great Britain is a parliamentary monarchy when in this case The queen's power is limited by the constitution; she performs mainly representative functions. It’s just hard to believe this.

The parliamentary type of constitutional monarchy is also in Denmark - since 1972, Queen Magrethe II, Sweden - since 1973, King Carl XVI Gustaf.

Kings also rule:

• Spain – Philip VI (since 2014).
• The Netherlands – Willem-Alexander (since 2013).
• Belgium – Philip (since 2013).
• Norway – Harald V (since 1991).

Monaco has been ruled by Prince Albert II since 2005. There is a curious situation in Andorra - there are two co-rulers: Prince Joan Enric Vives i Sicilha since 2003 and French President François Hollande since 2012.

In general, the vaunted European democracy against the background of the triumph of the monarchical system that came from time immemorial makes a rather strange impression. Despite the presence of parliaments and other elected institutions of power, the monarchs of many European states are not decorative, but real rulers, respected and loved by their people.

Which countries have an absolute monarchy? These are mainly Middle Eastern countries, such as:

• Oman;
• Qatar;
• Saudi Arabia.

Here, monarchs have truly unlimited power, like the rulers of the past, having the ability to execute and pardon, to rule the country, in accordance only with their own opinion. Perhaps to give a hint of new democratic trends, in some of these countries the people can sometimes express their aspirations through deliberative organizations.

Monarchs of the New World

The form of government in many countries discovered by Europeans and called the New World has long and often before states The Old World was already ruled individually by local rajahs, sultans, emirs, as well as kings and emperors.

In which countries does the monarchy still exist today?

• Japan. Emperor Akihito. Ruled since 1989. Wants to resign due to health reasons.
• Malaysia. King Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah.
• Cambodia. Ruled by King Norodom Sihamoni.
• Brunei. Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Those who have visited Thailand know with what respect and love the people of the country treat their monarch. When there was an attempt to legislatively limit his power, a political crisis erupted in the country, which almost ended civil war. Recently, in October 2016, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who had ruled Thailand since 1946, died and a year of mourning was declared in the country.

The answers to the question - in which countries the monarchy has been preserved - are often very unexpected and provide food for thought. It turns out that half the world lives under the “oppression” of individual rulers, but not only does not create Marxist circles, printing proclamations calling for the overthrow of tyrants, but sincerely loves their monarchs, members of the ruling dynasties. For example, in the UK, Thailand, and.

They are ruled by a king who makes decisions on domestic and foreign policy, economic development and other issues. There are not many states headed by “Majesties”.

Form of government: absolute monarchy of the country

Brunei with its capital Bandar Seri Begawan: “Islamic Disneyland”

Tiny state in South-East Asia has an area of ​​5,765 km². Thanks to rich oil reserves and natural resources the country is considered one of the wealthiest in the world (GDP per capita exceeds $50,000).

The country is governed by the “analogue of a king” - the sultan. He heads the government and is considered the religious leader of all Muslims living in the country.

By the way, the government of Brunei consists exclusively of relatives of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Oman with its capital Muscat: this difficult path of diversification

Oman “blooms and smells”. But mainly due to oil production. The country is ruled by Sultan Qaboos ( full name- Qaboos bin Said Al Bu Said). All the reins of government of the state are concentrated in his hands. He is not only a monarch. The Sultan “took” into his hands the honorary positions of Prime Minister, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Minister of Foreign Relations and Chairman of the Central Bank. In fact, all decisions are made by him alone.

The result will be this: after the death of the Sultan, none of the heirs and successors will be able to rule the state. Because the current Sultan does not allow anyone to come to power.

What gives absolute monarchy? Country examples show that it is strictly necessary to judge: “This is good, but this is very bad!” it is forbidden. Unlimited monarchy and dictatorship grow primarily in countries with a patriarchal structure. And here the sage is right who said: “ Every people deserves its own government."

Saudi Arabia with its capital Riyadh

A country that lives according to laws adopted back in 1992. According to them, the government of the state is carried out by the sons and grandsons of Abdel Aziz. The power of the head of state here (as in many patriarchal Islamic countries) is limited only by the provisions of Sharia law.

Throughout the 19th century, parliamentary power actively developed in the world. Lands that have been ruled for centuries royal families, changed their system of government: citizens had the opportunity to choose their ruler and parliament.

However, some countries have retained the monarchical structure. Where the absolute monarchy has been preserved today - we will consider examples of countries with this method of governance below.

The list is quite extensive - contains 41 states. These are mainly countries of Asia, Europe, Polynesia, and Africa. Today there are only 12 absolute monarchies in the world. The largest number of them are located in the Middle East.

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Basic provisions of the control system

An absolute or unlimited monarchy is a form of government in which all power is in the hands of one person, which manages legislative activities, cultural and economic life countries. If there is any council or parliament in the state, then it is completely controlled by the monarch, or the body consists of direct relatives of the head of state.

Dualistic monarchy is a type of absolutism, in which the activities of the ruler are formally regulated by parliament. However, the monarch retains the power to dissolve parliament and the right of veto, so in fact he runs the state himself.

History of absolutism

For the first time, states with an absolute monarchy appeared in the modern era.

Absolute monarchy in Europe originated in the 16th-17th centuries, when the power of the feudal lords weakened and class assemblies ceased to function.

Unlimited monarchy flourished by the 18th and 19th centuries, the end of absolute rule occurred at the beginning of the 20th century.

The modern world and absolute monarchy

Today, only 7 states have survived, ruled by an absolute monarch. Largest number of absolute monarchies located in the Middle East.

Oman

• ruler: Sultan Qaboos bin Said;
• religion: Islam;

A state in the southeast of the Arabian Peninsula. In Oman, relatives of the ruler are not accepted great participation in government affairs, which is not typical for Middle Eastern absolutism.

The country has a Consultative Assembly, whose members are appointed by the monarch. The Assembly studies draft legislation and makes recommendations for their improvement.

Population: 4 million people(according to 2014 data), while 1 million are foreigners employed in the oil industry.

United Arab Emirates

• ruler: Emir Khalifa al-Nahinyan;
• religion: Islam;
• basis of the economy: oil production, tourism.

United United Arab Emirates have federal structure, which includes 7 emirates - states with an unlimited monarchy. The head of the UAE is the emir of the largest emirate, Abu Dhabi (the same city is the capital).

Every year the Supreme Council of the Union meets in Abu Dhabi, which is attended by the emirs of all seven republics. They are about define the external and domestic policy states.

In total, the country is home to 9.3 million people, of which 85% are labor migrants.

Qatar

• Ruler: Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani;
• religion: Islam;
• basis of the economy: oil production.

Qatar is located in the Middle East, neighbors Saudi Arabia, and is an emirate. He lives according to the principles of Sharia, but this the most open of the Arab communities.

Qatar is one of the richest countries in the world.

Saudi Arabia

• ruler: King Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud;
• religion: Islam;
• basis of the economy: oil production.

The largest state on the Arabian Peninsula. His population – 31.5 million people(according to 2015 data).

All ministers are appointed by the king, and positions are distributed among his relatives. The monarch also appoints members of parliament and judges.

Saudi Arabia lives according to Sharia law.

Since criminal law is based on these laws, the country officially low level crime (discussing crimes is prohibited), at the same time little respect for human rights, human trafficking is rampant.

Saudi Arabia is a key oil producer in the world; on its territory there are 24% of the planet's oil reserves.

Important! Saudi Arabia is one of three countries in the world named after the ruling dynasty.

Brunei

• ruler: Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah;
• religion: Islam;
• basis of the economy: oil production.

The official name of Brunei is the State of Brunei Darussalam.

Population – 401,890 people(according to 2011 data). One third of Bruneians live in the capital, with most residents concentrated in the oil fields.

Oil production has turned Brunei into the most rich state Asia. The country actively trades with Japan, Indonesia, South Korea and Australia.

Since 2014, Brunei has been living under Sharia law.

Kingdom of Swaziland

• ruler: King Mswati III;
• religion: Christianity;
• basis of the economy: agriculture.

On the world map, Swaziland can be found in Southern Africa.

According to 2009 estimates, the country's total 1.2 million people live. Mostly residents of the state are engaged in agriculture: Sugar cane, corn, cotton, tobacco, rice, citrus fruits and pineapples are grown.

Vatican

• ruler: Pope Francis I;
• religion: Catholicism;
• basis of the economy: church donations, tourism.

Absolute monarchy in Europe is represented by the Vatican. Vatican City - City State with a theocratic monocracy. The Pope is the Ruler, he is elected by the cardinals for life.

Exist in modern world? Where on the planet are countries still ruled by kings and sultans? Find answers to these questions in our article. In addition, you will learn what a constitutional monarchy is. You will also find examples of countries with this form of government in this publication.

Basic forms of government in the modern world

To date, two main models are known government controlled: monarchical and republican. Monarchy means a form of government in which power belongs to one person. This could be a king, emperor, emir, prince, sultan, etc. Second distinguishing feature monarchical system - the process of transferring this power by inheritance (and not by the results of popular elections).

Today there are absolute, theocratic and constitutional monarchies. Republics (the second form of government) are more common in the modern world: there are about 70% of them. The republican model of government assumes the election of the supreme authorities - parliament and (or) the president.

The most famous monarchies on the planet: Great Britain, Denmark, Norway, Japan, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Examples of republican countries: Poland, Russia, France, Mexico, Ukraine. However, in this article we are only interested in countries with a constitutional monarchy (you will find a list of these states below).

Monarchy: absolute, theocratic, constitutional

Monarchical countries (there are about 40 of them in the world) are of three types. It can be a theocratic, absolute or constitutional monarchy. Let us briefly consider the features of each of them, and dwell in more detail on the last one.

In absolute monarchies, all power is concentrated in the hands of one person. He makes absolutely all decisions, implementing internal and foreign policy of your country. The most striking example of such a monarchy is Saudi Arabia.

In a theocratic monarchy, power belongs to the highest church (spiritual) minister. The only example of such a country is the Vatican, where the Pope is the absolute authority for the population. True, some researchers classify Brunei and even Great Britain as theocratic monarchies. It is no secret that the Queen of England is also the head of the church.

A constitutional monarchy is...

A constitutional monarchy is a model of government in which the power of the monarch is significantly limited.

Sometimes he may be completely deprived of supreme powers. In this case, the monarch is only a formal figure, a kind of symbol of the state (as, for example, in Great Britain).

All these legal restrictions on the power of the monarch, as a rule, are reflected in the constitution of a particular state (hence the name of this form of government).

Types of constitutional monarchy

Modern constitutional monarchies can be parliamentary or dualistic. In the first, the government is formed by the country's parliament, to which it reports. In dualistic constitutional monarchies, ministers are appointed (and removed) by the monarch himself. Parliament retains only the right of some veto.

It is worth noting that the division of countries into republics and monarchies sometimes turns out to be somewhat arbitrary. After all, even in the most isolated areas, certain aspects of continuity of power can be observed (appointments to important government posts relatives and friends). This applies to Russia, Ukraine and even the USA.

Constitutional monarchy: examples of countries

Today, 31 states in the world can be classified as constitutional monarchies. The third part of them is located in Western and Northern Europe. About 80% of all constitutional monarchies in the modern world are parliamentary, and only seven are dualistic.

Below are all countries with a constitutional monarchy (list). The region in which the state is located is indicated in brackets:

1. Luxembourg (Western Europe).
2. Liechtenstein (Western Europe).
3. Principality of Monaco (Western Europe).
4. Great Britain (Western Europe).
5. Netherlands (Western Europe).
6. Belgium (Western Europe).
7. Denmark (Western Europe).
8. Norway (Western Europe).
9. Sweden (Western Europe).
10. Spain (Western Europe).
11. Andorra (Western Europe).
12. Kuwait (Middle East).
13. UAE (Middle East).
14. Jordan (Middle East).
15. Japan (East Asia).
16. Cambodia (Southeast Asia).
17. Thailand (Southeast Asia).
18. Bhutan (Southeast Asia).
19. Australia (Australia and Oceania).
20. New Zealand (Australia and Oceania).
21. Papua New Guinea (Australia and Oceania).
22. Tonga (Australia and Oceania).
23. Solomon Islands (Australia and Oceania).
24. Canada (North America).
25. Morocco (North Africa).
26. Lesotho (South Africa).
27. Grenada (Caribbean region).
28. Jamaica (Caribbean region).
29. Saint Lucia (Caribbean region).
30. Saint Kitts and Nevis (Caribbean region).
31. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (Caribbean region).

On the map below, all these countries are marked in green.

Is constitutional monarchy the ideal form of government?

There is an opinion that a constitutional monarchy is the key to the stability and well-being of the country. Is it so?

Of course, a constitutional monarchy is not able to automatically solve all the problems that arise before the state. However, it is ready to offer society a certain political stability. Indeed, in such countries there is no constant struggle for power (imaginary or real) a priori.

The constitutional-monarchical model has a number of other advantages. As practice shows, it is in such states that the best systems in the world have been built social security citizens. And we are talking here not only about the countries of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

You can take, for example, the same countries of the Persian Gulf (UAE, Kuwait). They have much less oil than in Russia. However, over several decades, from poor countries whose population was exclusively engaged in grazing livestock in oases, they were able to turn into successful, prosperous and fully established states.

The most famous constitutional monarchies in the world: Great Britain, Norway, Kuwait

Great Britain is one of the most famous parliamentary monarchies on the planet. (as well as formally 15 other Commonwealth countries) is Queen Elizabeth II. However, one should not think that she is a purely symbolic figure. The British Queen has a strong right to dissolve Parliament. In addition, she is the commander-in-chief of the British troops.

The Norwegian king is also the head of his state, according to the Constitution, which has been in force since 1814. To quote this document, Norway is “a free monarchical state with a limited and hereditary form of government.” Moreover, initially the king had broader powers, which were gradually narrowed.

Another parliamentary monarchy since 1962 is Kuwait. The role of the head of state here is played by the emir, who has broad powers: he dissolves parliament, signs laws, appoints the head of government; he also commands the Kuwaiti troops. It is curious that in this amazing country, women are absolutely equal in their political rights with men, which is not at all typical for the states of the Arab world.

Finally

Now you know what a constitutional monarchy is. Examples of this country are present on all continents of the planet, except Antarctica. These are the gray-haired wealthy states of old Europe, and the young richest

Can we say that the most optimal form of government in the world is a constitutional monarchy? Examples of countries - successful and highly developed - fully confirm this assumption.