How Many Nations Consider Their Leaders Royalty?
An In-Depth Look at Monarchies in the Modern World

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In a world increasingly dominated by democratic republics, parliamentary governments, and socialist or communist structures, the notion of monarchy might seem like an archaic relic of the past. Yet, even in the 21st century, royalty still holds a central position in the political and cultural lives of many nations. While most countries are led by elected officials, there remains a notable group of nations that officially consider their heads of state to be kings, queens, emirs, sultans, or other forms of royalty.

This raises an evergreen and fascinating question: How many nations still consider their leaders kings or royalty today? The answer reveals a nuanced picture that blends tradition, culture, religion, and politics into a tapestry that defies the idea that monarchy is obsolete. Let's explore this intriguing topic in detail.

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What Is a Monarchy?

A monarchy is a form of government in which a single person, the monarch, rules for life or until abdication. The position is usually hereditary and can carry absolute or ceremonial power. Monarchs are often referred to by titles such as king, queen, emperor, empress, sultan, emir, prince, or grand duke. While their roles vary widely across nations—from all-powerful rulers to symbolic figures—they all share the commonality of being rooted in tradition, dynastic succession, and ceremonial leadership.

Monarchies can be broadly divided into two categories:

1. Absolute Monarchies: The monarch wields full control over the government and is not bound by a constitution. Their word is law.

2. Constitutional Monarchies: The monarch's powers are limited by law or a constitution, and real political power rests with elected officials.

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A Global Count: How Many Monarchies Are There?

As of 2025, there are 43 sovereign states in the world that officially recognize a monarch as the head of state. This number may vary slightly based on how one categorizes microstates or disputed territories, but 43 is a widely accepted figure in political science and international affairs. Of these, 13 are in Asia, 12 in Europe, 8 in the Americas (mostly in the Caribbean), 7 in Africa, and 3 in Oceania.

Of these 43 monarchies, only a handful operate as absolute monarchies. The vast majority are constitutional, where the monarch serves more as a figurehead than a ruler.

Let’s now break this down by region for a clearer picture.

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European Monarchies

Europe, often seen as the birthplace of modern democracy, is also home to several well-known constitutional monarchies. These monarchies are largely ceremonial but deeply embedded in national identity and cultural life.

1. United Kingdom – King Charles III (after Queen Elizabeth II) is monarch over the UK and 14 other realms.

2. Belgium – King Philippe is the current monarch.

3. Denmark – Queen Margrethe II (now abdicated in favor of Crown Prince Frederik).

4. Luxembourg – A Grand Duchy, ruled by Grand Duke Henri.

5. Liechtenstein – Prince Hans-Adam II (though he handed over duties to his son).

6. Monaco – Prince Albert II rules this small but wealthy principality.

7. Netherlands – King Willem-Alexander holds a largely ceremonial role.

8. Norway – King Harald V is the head of state.

9. Spain – King Felipe VI is both monarch and a constitutional symbol.

10. Sweden – King Carl XVI Gustaf holds ceremonial responsibilities.

11. Andorra – A unique co-principality ruled jointly by the Bishop of Urgell (Spain) and the French President.

12. Vatican City – The Pope is technically an elected monarch and serves as the sovereign of the Vatican.

Though symbolic, these monarchs often wield soft power, serve as national unifiers, and play critical diplomatic and cultural roles.

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Asian Monarchies

Asia, home to some of the world’s oldest civilizations, retains a number of monarchies that span from symbolic rulers to absolute sovereigns with significant political clout.

1. Japan – Emperor Naruhito is the ceremonial head of state, descending from a line said to be the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy.

2. Thailand – King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X) wields more influence than most constitutional monarchs.

3. Malaysia – A unique rotational monarchy where the king (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) is elected every five years from among hereditary rulers of Malaysian states.

4. Brunei – Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah is an absolute monarch with immense power and wealth.

5. Saudi Arabia – King Salman bin Abdulaziz is both king and custodian of Islam's two holiest sites.

6. Jordan – King Abdullah II plays a crucial role in regional politics.

7. Bahrain – King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa rules a constitutional monarchy with some absolutist tendencies.

8. Kuwait – Emir Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the head of state with significant political powers.

9. Qatar – Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani wields executive authority.

10. United Arab Emirates (UAE) – A federation of seven emirates, each ruled by an emir; the president is elected from among them.

11. Oman – Sultan Haitham bin Tariq holds substantial authority over this strategically important nation.

12. Bhutan – King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck presides over a peaceful and spiritual kingdom with a progressive form of constitutional monarchy.

13. Cambodia – King Norodom Sihamoni serves as a ceremonial figurehead within a parliamentary system.

Asian monarchies demonstrate the full spectrum—from symbolic to absolute—and their rulers often occupy religious as well as political roles.

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African Monarchies

Though many African nations became republics after colonialism, several kingdoms persisted or re-emerged with political or cultural significance.

1. Morocco – King Mohammed VI is a constitutional monarch but retains significant influence.

2. Lesotho – King Letsie III serves as a ceremonial monarch in this small Southern African kingdom.

3. Eswatini (Swaziland) – King Mswati III is Africa's last absolute monarch.

4. Togo – Though officially a republic, Togo has hereditary rulers and dynastic political leadership, which blurs lines with monarchy.

5. Nigeria – While a republic, it contains numerous sub-national monarchies (e.g., Oba of Benin, Emir of Kano), although they are not heads of state.

6. Uganda – Similar to Nigeria, Uganda recognizes traditional kingships like the Buganda Kingdom.

7. Ethiopia – Though the monarchy was abolished in 1974, descendants of the Solomonic Dynasty remain influential in cultural circles.

While only Morocco, Lesotho, and Eswatini qualify as true monarchies by governmental structure, the continent retains a vibrant array of royal traditions at the sub-national level.

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Middle East: Monarchies as Power Centers

The Middle East is home to some of the most powerful and influential monarchs in the world. These monarchs often hold both spiritual and temporal authority and preside over nations rich in oil, tradition, and strategic importance.

Here’s a recap of the region’s key monarchs:

• Saudi Arabia – Absolute monarchy.

• Jordan – Constitutional monarchy with notable power.

• Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, UAE – All operate under varying forms of monarchy.

These rulers not only dominate domestic politics but often shape regional diplomacy, trade, and religious affairs.

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Monarchies in the Americas and Caribbean

Though the Americas overwhelmingly favor republican forms of government, there are exceptions—primarily among Caribbean nations that are part of the Commonwealth realms and recognize the British monarch as their head of state.

1. Canada – King Charles III is the ceremonial monarch, represented by the Governor General.

2. Jamaica – Also recognizes the British monarch, though there are growing movements toward republicanism.

3. Bahamas, Barbados (until 2021), Antigua and Barbuda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Grenada, Belize – All recognize the British monarch as head of state (except Barbados, which is now a republic).

These nations are parliamentary democracies where the monarchy has no governing power but remains a part of the constitutional framework and national identity.

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Monarchies in Oceania

Oceania, like the Caribbean, includes several nations that recognize the British monarch. In addition, some island kingdoms maintain their own royal traditions.

1. Australia – King Charles III is the official head of state, represented by a Governor General.

2. New Zealand – Similarly recognizes the British monarch.

3. Tonga – King Tupou VI rules the last indigenous monarchy in the Pacific, wielding real political authority.

Other nations like Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands are also Commonwealth realms.

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Religious Monarchies

It’s worth noting a few cases where monarchy intersects with religious authority:

• Vatican City – The Pope is an elected monarch who governs the world’s smallest state and serves as the supreme religious authority for the Roman Catholic Church.

• Tibet (historical) – The Dalai Lama was both a spiritual and temporal leader before the Chinese annexation.

• Iran (historical) – Once a monarchy under the Shah, Iran transitioned to a theocratic republic after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, but retains monarchical heritage.

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Monarchies vs. Monarchial Traditions

In addition to officially recognized monarchies, many countries preserve monarchial traditions that influence society, even if they don't confer political power. Examples include:

• Nigeria – Dozens of traditional rulers with cultural and spiritual influence.

• Ghana – The Asantehene remains a central cultural figure.

• India – Former royal families maintain estates, ceremonial roles, and cultural reverence, especially in Rajasthan.

These traditions may not count in the tally of monarchies, but they represent a living lineage of royal heritage.

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The Future of Monarchies

The resilience of monarchies into the 21st century often surprises political analysts. In an age of democratic ideals and populist movements, how do royal families maintain relevance?

Several reasons explain their endurance:

• Cultural Identity: Monarchs often symbolize national unity, tradition, and continuity.

• Tourism & Branding: Royal families boost tourism and global branding (e.g., British Royal Family).

• Neutrality: Monarchs can offer non-partisan leadership during political crises.

• Wealth & Philanthropy: Many royal families invest in philanthropic work, soft diplomacy, and economic ventures.

However, challenges loom. Calls for republicanism are growing in countries like Jamaica, Australia, and Canada, and scrutiny over royal wealth, privilege, and historical injustices is increasing globally.

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Final Thoughts

So, how many nations still consider their leaders kings or royalty? As of 2025, 43 sovereign states officially have a monarchy. Among these, a few are absolute monarchies, but most are constitutional in nature. Their kings, queens, sultans, and emirs range from symbolic figureheads to powerful rulers with significant authority.

Despite the march of democracy, monarchy persists—not just as a governmental structure, but as a deeply rooted cultural institution. Whether one sees them as archaic relics or enduring symbols of unity and identity, monarchs continue to occupy a place of fascination and relevance in our modern global society. As long as people value tradition, lineage, and symbolism, kings and queens will likely remain a part of the world stage.

Lateef Warnick is the founder of Onassis Krown. He currently serves as a Senior Healthcare Consultant in the Jacksonville FL area and is a Certified Life Coach, Marriage Counselor, Keynote Speaker and Author of "Know Thyself," "The Golden Egg" and "Wear Your Krown." He is also a former Naval Officer, Licensed Financial Advisor, Insurance Agent, Realtor, Serial Entrepreneur, musical artist A.L.I.A.S., and Travel Partner #20735937284 for discounted & free vacations!