What countries are included in the monarchy. Constitutional Monarchy: Examples of Countries. Countries with a constitutional monarchy: list
For many centuries, in almost the entire civilized world, power was organized according to the type of monarchy. Then the existing system was overthrown by revolutions or wars, but there are still states that consider this form of government acceptable for themselves. So, what are the types of monarchy and how do they differ from each other?
Monarchy: concept and types
The word "μοναρχία" existed in ancient Greek and meant "unanimity". It is easy to guess that the monarchy in the historical and political sense- This is a form of government in which all power or most of it is concentrated in the hands of one person.
Monarch in different countries called in different ways: emperor, king, prince, king, emir, khan, sultan, pharaoh, duke and so on. Transfer of power by inheritance feature which distinguishes the monarchy.
The concept and types of monarchies is an interesting subject for study by historians, political scientists and even politicians. A wave of revolutions, starting with the Great French, overthrew such a system in many countries. However, in the 21st century modern views monarchies successfully continue to exist in Great Britain, Monaco, Belgium, Sweden and other states. Hence the numerous disputes on the topic whether the monarchical system limits democracy and whether such a state can develop intensively at all?
Classic signs of a monarchy
Numerous types of monarchy differ from each other in a number of ways. But there is also general provisions which are present in most of them.
There are examples in history when some types of republic and monarchy bordered on each other so closely. political structure that it was difficult to give the state an unambiguous status. For example, at the head of the Commonwealth was a monarch, but he was elected by the Sejm. Some historians call the ambiguous political regime of the Republic of Poland - gentry democracy.
Types of monarchy and their signs
There are two large groups monarchies that have formed:
- according to the limits of monarchical power;
- taking into account the traditional structure of power.
Before analyzing in detail the features of each of the forms of government, it is necessary to determine existing species monarchy. The table will help make this clear.
Absolute monarchy
Absolutus - from Latin it is translated as "unconditional". Absolute and constitutional are the main types of monarchy.
An absolute monarchy is a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in the hands of one person and is not limited to any state structures. This way political organization similar to a dictatorship, since in the hands of the monarch can be not only the fullness of the military, legislative, judicial and executive power, but even religious.
In the Age of Enlightenment, theologians began to explain the right of one person to the sole control over the fate of the entire people or state by the divine exclusivity of the ruler. That is, the monarch is the anointed of God on the throne. The religious people sacredly believed in this. There are cases when terminally ill Frenchmen came to the walls of the Louvre on certain days. People believed that by touching the hand Louis XIV, they will receive the desired healing from all their diseases.
Exist different types absolute monarchy. For example, an absolute theocratic is a kind of monarchy in which the head of the church is also the head of state. The most famous European country with this form of government - the Vatican.
A constitutional monarchy
This form of monarchical government is considered progressive, as the power of the ruler is limited by ministers or parliament. The main types of constitutional monarchy are dualistic and parliamentary.
In a dualistic organization of power, the monarch is given executive power, but no decision can be made without the approval of the respective minister. Parliament retains the right to vote the budget and pass laws.
In a parliamentary monarchy, all the levers of government are actually concentrated in the hands of parliament. The monarch approves the candidacies of ministers, but the parliament nominates them anyway. It turns out that the hereditary ruler is simply a symbol of his state, but without the approval of parliament he cannot accept a single state important decision. In some cases, parliament can even dictate to the monarch on what principles he should build his personal life.
ancient eastern monarchy
If we analyze in detail the list describing the types of monarchy, the table would begin with the ancient Eastern monarchical formations. This is the first form of monarchy that appeared in our world, and it had peculiar features.
The ruler in such state formations was the leader of the community, who managed religious and economic affairs. One of the main duties of the monarch was to serve the cult. That is, he became a kind of priest, and organizing religious ceremonies, interpreting divine signs, keeping the wisdom of the tribe - these were his primary tasks.
Since the ruler in the eastern monarchy was directly connected with the gods in the minds of the people, he was granted fairly wide powers. For example, he could interfere in the intra-tribal affairs of any family and dictate his will.
In addition, the ancient Eastern monarch monitored the distribution of land among subjects and the collection of taxes. He set the amount of labor and duties, led the army. Such a monarch necessarily had advisers - priests, noble people, elders.
Feudal monarchy
The types of monarchy as a form of government have been transformed over time. After the ancient Eastern monarchy, primacy in political life adopted a feudal form of government. It is divided into several periods.
The early feudal monarchy appeared as a result of the evolution of slave-owning states or the primitive communal system. As is known, the first rulers of such states were universally recognized military commanders. Relying on the support of the army, they established their supreme power over the peoples. To strengthen his influence in certain regions, the monarch sent his deputies there, from whom the nobility was subsequently formed. The rulers did not bear any legal responsibility for their deeds. There were practically no institutions of power. This description fits the ancient Slavic state - Kievan Rus.
After a period of feudal fragmentation, patrimonial monarchies began to form, in which large feudal lords inherited not only power, but also lands to their sons.
Then, for some time in history, there was a class-representative form of government, until most states turned into absolute monarchies.
Theocratic monarchy
Types of monarchy, differing in the traditional structure, include in their list the theocratic form of government.
In such a monarchy, the absolute ruler is the representative of religion. Under this form of government, all three branches of power pass into the hands of a clergyman. Examples of such states in Europe have survived only on the territory of the Vatican, where the Pope is both the head of the church and the ruler of state. But in Muslim countries there are a few more modern theocratic-monarchical examples - Saudi Arabia, Brunei.
Types of monarchy today
The flame of the revolution failed to eradicate the monarchical system throughout the world. This form of government has survived into the 21st century in many respected countries.
In Europe, in the small parliamentary principality of Andorra, as of 2013, two princes ruled at once - Francois Hollande and Joan Enric Vives y Cicilla.
In Belgium, King Philip has been on the throne since 2013. A small country with a smaller population than Moscow or Tokyo is not just a constitutional parliamentary monarchy, but also a federal territorial system.
Pope Francis has been the head of the Vatican since 2013. The Vatican is a city-state that still maintains a theocratic monarchy.
The famous parliamentary monarchy of Great Britain has been ruled by Queen Elizabeth II since 1952, and in Denmark by Queen Margrethe II since 1972.
In addition, the monarchical system has been preserved in Spain, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Order of Malta, Monaco and many other 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. It can be a king, a king, an emperor, or, for example, a sultan, but any monarch rules for life and transfers his power by inheritance.
Today there are 30 monarchical states in the world and 12 of them are monarchies in Europe. the list of countries-monarchies located in Europe, which is given below.
List of monarchies in Europe
1. Norway - kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
2. Sweden - kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
3. Denmark - a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
4. Great Britain - a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
5. Belgium - kingdom, constitutional monarchy;
6. The Netherlands - a kingdom, a constitutional monarchy;
7. Luxembourg - duchy, constitutional monarchy;
8. Liechtenstein - principality, constitutional monarchy;
9. Spain - kingdom, parliamentary constitutional monarchy;
10. Andorra - 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 an elected parliament and the constitution adopted by it. The only exception is the Vatican, where absolute rule is exercised by an elected Pope.
In our modern world 41 states have a monarchical form of government. All these countries mostly belong to the 3rd world and were formed as a result of the collapse of the colonial system. Often established along colonial administrative lines, these states are highly unstable entities. They can be fragmented and modified, which is seen, for example, in Iraq. They are engulfed in ongoing conflicts, like a significant number of countries in Africa. And it is absolutely obvious that they are not included in the category of advanced states. However, I would like to note that the monarchical system has many faces: from tribal forms of government that are used in Arab States to monarchical forms in many European countries.
List of states with a monarchical system:
Europe
Andorra - co-princes Nicolas Sarkozy (since 2007) and Joan Enric Vives y Cicilla (since 2003)
Belgium - King Albert II (since 1993)
Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI (since 2005)
Great Britain - Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952)
Denmark - Queen Margrethe II (since 1972)
Spain - King Juan Carlos I (since 1975)
Liechtenstein - Prince Hans-Adam II (since 1989)
Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri (since 2000)
Monaco - Prince Albert II (since 2005)
Netherlands - Queen Beatrix (since 1980)
Norway - King Harald V (since 1991)
Sweden - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since 1973)
Asia
Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir in 1999-2002)
Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (since 2006)
Jordan - King Abdullah II (since 1999)
Cambodia - King Norodom Sihamoni (since 2004)
Qatar - Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 1995)
Kuwait - Emir of Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 2006)
Malaysia - King Mizan Zainal Abidin (since 2006)
United United Arab Emirates UAE - President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)
Oman - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)
Saudi Arabia - King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud (since 2005)
Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (since 1946)
Japan - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)
Africa
Lesotho - King Letsie III (since 1996, first time in 1990-1995)
Morocco - King Mohammed VI (since 1999)
Swaziland - King Mswati III (since 1986)
Oceania
Tonga - King George Tupou V (since 2006)
A number of republican countries are forced to put up with the presence on their territory of local monarchical or tribal formations. These countries include: Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, Chad and others. The government turns to authoritative monarchs if it is necessary to resolve religious, ethnic and cultural disputes.
However, the monarchy is not an attachment to stability and prosperity, but an additional resource thanks to which the country can get out or endure this or that crisis. They are created from time immemorial, their title passes from generation to generation.
African autocrats
Benin. Joseph Langanfen, representative of the Abomi dynasty
Nigeria. Igwe Kenneth Nnaji Onimeke Orizu III. Obi (king) of the Nnevi tribe.
Benin. Agboli-Agbo Dejlani. Abomi King. A former police officer, he had to wait six years for his retirement before he was finally proclaimed in a secret ceremony the head of one of the Abomi clans.
Nigeria. In 1980, Sijuwade became the 50th oni (king) of Ilfa, one of the oldest African dynasties. Today it richest businessman, owning extensive property in Nigeria and England.
Cameroon. The background (king) of Banjun is the brother of bold and powerful animals. At night, he can transform into a panther and hunt in a shroud.
Ghana. Osediyo ado Danqua III. A graduate of the University of London and an economic adviser to the Ghanaian government.
Congo. Nyimi Kok Mabintsh III, King of Cuba. Now he is 50.
South Africa. Goodwill Zweletini, king of the Zulus.
Nigeria. Both Joseph Adecola Ogunoi. Tin (king) of the Ovo tribe.
Yuri Kim
In ancient times, many monarchies existed in Africa, but after the countries of this continent were colonized by European powers and then gained independence, parliamentary or presidential regimes of government were established in them.
Modern Monarchies of Africa
To date, on the territory of the continent there are only three countries where there are monarchies:
- Morocco (Northwest Africa).
- Lesotho (in the southern part of the mainland).
- Swaziland (also in southern Africa).
Of these, Morocco is the most ancient. It is ruled by the Alawit family (or Alawites, which has been in power since the eighteenth century (not counting the periods when the country lost its independence). This dynasty is considered one of the oldest existing dynasties.
In this country, the power of the king is limited by legislation and Parliament. The title of king is hereditary. The monarch himself performs the following functions:
- Appoints and dismisses members of the Government.
- He is the supreme commander in chief.
- Signs and issues laws (before that, they must be approved by the Parliament).
Monarchies in Lesotho and Swaziland
Lesotho is a small state within the territory of South Africa. This country has been considered independent since 1966. Both before and after this period, Shiiso was the ruling dynasty. Its representatives were the leaders of local tribes from the beginning of the nineteenth century and until 1966 bore the title of Supreme Leader, while they were dependent on Britain. When the state gained independence, they themselves appropriated the title of king and continued to rule the country.
Swaziland is a kingdom located near Lesotho (between South Africa and Mozambique). Unlike the two previous countries, is absolute monarchy(the only one in Africa). The king is allowed to marry an unlimited number of times. The previous monarch of Swaziland had 70 wives and 210 children, and his son, the current ruler (in power since 1986), already has 15 wives and 25 children. ruling family called Dlamini. Previously, they were considered tribal leaders, and then self-proclaimed themselves kings.
In the modern world, there are just over 230 states and self-governing territories that have international status. Of these, only 41 states have a monarchical form of government, not counting several dozen territories under the rule of the British crown.
It would seem that in the modern world a clear advantage is on the side of the republican states. But upon closer examination, it turns out that these countries mostly belong to the third world and were formed as a result of the collapse of the colonial system.
Often established along colonial administrative lines, these states are highly unstable entities. They can be fragmented and modified, which is seen, for example, in Iraq. They are engulfed in ongoing conflicts, like a significant number of countries in Africa. And it is absolutely obvious that they are not included in the category of advanced states.
Today monarchy- this is an extremely flexible and diverse system ranging from a tribal form, successfully operating in the Arab states of the Middle East, to a monarchical version of a democratic state in many European countries.
Here is a list of states with a monarchical system and territories under their crown:
Europe
Andorra - co-princes Nicolas Sarkozy (since 2007) and Joan Enric Vives y Cicilla (since 2003)
Belgium - King Albert II (since 1993)
Vatican - Pope Benedict XVI (since 2005)
Great Britain - Queen Elizabeth II (since 1952)
Denmark - Queen Margrethe II (since 1972)
Spain - King Juan Carlos I (since 1975)
Liechtenstein - Prince Hans-Adam II (since 1989)
Luxembourg - Grand Duke Henri (since 2000)
Monaco - Prince Albert II (since 2005)
Netherlands - Queen Beatrix (since 1980)
Norway - King Harald V (since 1991)
Sweden - King Carl XVI Gustaf (since 1973)
Asia
Bahrain - King Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifa (since 2002, emir in 1999-2002)
Brunei - Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (since 1967)
Bhutan - King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck (since 2006)
Jordan - King Abdullah II (since 1999)
Cambodia - King Norodom Sihamoni (since 2004)
Qatar - Emir Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani (since 1995)
Kuwait - Emir of Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah (since 2006)
Malaysia - King Mizan Zainal Abidin (since 2006)
United Arab Emirates UAE- President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)
Oman - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970)
Saudi Arabia- King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz al-Saud (since 2005)
Thailand - King Bhumibol Adulyadej (since 1946)
Japan - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)
Africa
Lesotho - King Letsie III (since 1996, first time in 1990-1995)
Morocco - King Mohammed VI (since 1999)
Swaziland - King Mswati III (since 1986)
Oceania
Tonga - King George Tupou V (since 2006)
Dominions
In the dominions, or Commonwealth realms, the head is the monarch of Great Britain, represented by a governor-general.
America
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas Bahamas
Barbados
Oceania
Australia
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Solomon islands
Asia holds the first place in the number of countries with monarchical statehood. This is a progressive and democratic Japan. The leaders of the Muslim world are Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, Bahrain, Oman. Two monarchical confederations - Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. And also - Thailand, Cambodia, Bhutan.
Second place belongs to Europe. The monarchy is represented here not only in a limited form - in the countries occupying a leading position in the EEC (Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, etc.). But also an absolute form of government - in the "dwarf" states: Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican.
The third place is for the countries of Polynesia, and the fourth for Africa, where only three full-fledged monarchies have survived at present: Morocco, Lesotho, Swaziland, plus several hundred "tourist" ones.
Nevertheless, a number of republican countries are forced to put up with the presence of traditional local monarchical or tribal formations on their territory, and even enshrine their rights in the constitution. These include: Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, Chad and others. Even such countries as India and Pakistan, which abolished the sovereign rights of local monarchs (khans, sultans, rajas, maharajas) in the early 70s of the 20th century, are often forced to accept the existence of these rights, which is called de facto. Governments turn to the authority of the holders of monarchical rights in resolving regional religious, ethnic, cultural disputes and other conflict situations.
STABILITY AND WELFARE
Of course, the monarchy does not automatically solve all social, economic and political problems. But, nevertheless, it can provide a certain amount of stability and balance in the political, social and national structure of society. That is why even those countries where it exists only nominally, say, Canada or Australia, are in no hurry to get rid of the monarchy.
For the most part, the political elite of these countries understands how important it is for the balance in society that the supreme power be a priori fixed in the same hands and that political circles do not fight for it, but work in the name of the interests of the entire nation.
Moreover, historical experience shows that the best social security systems in the world are built precisely in monarchical states. And we are talking not only about the monarchies of Scandinavia, where even the Soviet agitprop in monarchical Sweden managed to find a variant of "socialism with human face". This system is built in modern countries ah of the Persian Gulf, where oil is often much less than in some fields of the Russian Federation.
Despite this, for 40-60 years since the independence of the Persian Gulf countries, without revolutions and civil wars, liberalization of everything and everything, without utopian social experiments, in conditions of harsh, sometimes absolutist, political system, in the absence of parliamentarism and a constitution, when all the bowels of the country belong to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins herding camels, the majority of citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other neighboring states have turned into quite wealthy citizens.
Without delving into the endless enumeration of the advantages of the Arab social system, only a few strokes can be given. Every citizen of the country has the right to free medical care, including the one that turns out to be in any, even the most expensive, clinic located in any country in the world.
Also, any citizen of the country has the right to free education, coupled with free content, in any higher educational institution world (Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, Sorbonne). Housing is provided to young families at the expense of the state. The Persian Gulf monarchies are truly welfare states in which all conditions for the progressive growth of the welfare of the population are created.
Turning from blooming Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar to their neighbors in Persian Gulf and Arabian Peninsula who abandoned the monarchy for a number of reasons (Yemen, Iraq, Iran), we will see a striking difference in domestic climate these states.
WHO STRENGTHENS THE UNITY OF THE PEOPLE?
As historical experience shows, multinational states the integrity of the country is primarily associated with the monarchy. We see this in the past, for example Russian Empire, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, Iraq. The coming to replace the monarchical regime, as it was, for example, in Yugoslavia and Iraq, no longer has that authority and is forced to resort to cruelties that were not characteristic of the monarchical system of government.
With the slightest weakening of this regime, the state, as a rule, is doomed to disintegration. So it was with Russia (USSR), we see it in Yugoslavia and Iraq. The abolition of the monarchy in a number of modern countries would inevitably lead to the termination of their existence as multinational, united states. This primarily applies to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia.
So the year 2007 clearly showed that in the conditions of the parliamentary crisis that arose due to the national contradictions of the Flemish and Walloon politicians, only the authority of King Albert II of the Belgians kept Belgium from disintegrating into two or even more independent state entities. In multilingual Belgium, even a joke was born that the unity of its people is held together by only three things - beer, chocolate and the king. Whereas the abolition of the monarchical system in 2008 in Nepal plunged this state into a chain of political crises and permanent civil confrontation.
The second half of the 20th century gives us several success stories the return of peoples who survived the era of instability, civil wars and other conflicts to a monarchical form of government. The most famous and, undoubtedly, in many respects a successful example is Spain. passed through civil war, economic crisis and right-wing dictatorship, she returned to a monarchical form of government, taking her rightful place among the family of European peoples.
Cambodia is another example. Also, monarchical regimes at the local level were restored in Uganda, after the fall of the dictatorship of Marshal Idi Amin (1928-2003), and in Indonesia, which, after the departure of General Mohammed-Khoja Sukarto (1921-2008), is experiencing a real monarchical renaissance. One of the local sultanates was restored in this country two centuries later, after it was destroyed by the Dutch.
Restoration ideas are quite strong in Europe, first of all, this applies to the Balkan countries (Serbia, Montenegro, Albania and Bulgaria), where many politicians, public and spiritual figures constantly have to speak out on this issue, and in some cases even support the heads of the Royal Houses, former in exile.
This is proved by the experience of King Leka of Albania, who almost carried out an armed coup in his country, and the amazing successes of Tsar Simeon II of Bulgaria, who created his own national movement, named after him, who managed to become the prime minister of the country and is in this moment the leader of the largest opposition party in the Bulgarian parliament, which entered the coalition government.
Among the existing monarchies, there are quite a few that are openly absolutist in their essence, although they are forced, bringing tribute to the times, to dress up in the clothes of popular representation and democracy. European monarchs in most cases do not even use the rights given to them by the constitution.
And here the Principality of Liechtenstein occupies a special place on the map of Europe. Sixty years ago, it was a large village that, by an absurd accident, gained independence. However, now, thanks to the activities of Prince Franz Joseph II and his son and successor, Prince Hans Adam II, this is one of the largest business and financial centers that has managed not to succumb to the promises of creating a "single European home", to defend its sovereignty and an independent view of its own state device.
The stability of the political and economic systems of most monarchical countries makes them not only not obsolete, but progressive and attractive, makes them equal to them in a number of ways.
So the monarchy is not an attachment to stability and prosperity, but an additional resource that makes it easier to endure the disease, recover faster from political and economic adversity.
WITHOUT A KING IN THE HEAD
The situation is quite common in the world when there is no monarchy in the country, but there are monarchs (sometimes they are outside the country). The heirs of royal families either claim (even formally) the throne lost by their ancestors, or, having lost official power, retain a real influence on the life of the country. Here is a list of such states.
Austria. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1918 after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The contender for the throne is Archduke Otto von Habsburg, son of the deposed Emperor Charles.
Albania. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1944 after the communists came to power. The pretender to the throne is Leka, son of the deposed King Zog I.
Andorra Principality. The nominal co-rulers of which are considered the President of France and the Bishop of Urgell (Spain); some observers consider it necessary to classify Andorra as a monarchy.
Afghanistan. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1973 after the overthrow of King Mohammed Zahir Shah, who returned to the country in 2002 after a long stay in Italy, but did not become actively involved in political life.
Benin Republic. An important role in the life of which is played by traditional kings (ahosu) and tribal leaders. The most famous is the current ruling king (ahosu) of Abomey - Agoli Agbo III, the 17th representative of his dynasty.
Bulgaria. The monarchy ceased to exist after the overthrow of Tsar Simeon II in 1946. Decree on the nationalization of lands belonging to royal family, was canceled in 1997. Since 2001 former king occupies the post of Prime Minister of Bulgaria under the name of Simeon of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
Botswana. Republic since independence in 1966. The number of deputies of one of the chambers of the country's parliament - the chamber of leaders - includes the leaders (kgosi) of the eight largest tribes of the country.
Brazil. Republic since the abdication of Emperor Don Pedro II in 1889. The pretender to the throne is the great-great-grandson of the abdicated emperor, Prince Luis Gastao.
Burkina Faso. Republic since independence in 1960. On the territory of the country is a large number of traditional states, the most significant of which is Vogogogo (on the territory of the country's capital Ouagudugou), where the ruler (moogo-naaba) Baongo II is currently on the throne.
Vatican. Theocracy (some analysts consider it one of the forms of monarchy - an absolute theocratic monarchy - however, it should be borne in mind that it is not and cannot be hereditary).
Hungary. Republic since 1946, before that since 1918 was a nominal monarchy - the regent ruled in the absence of the king. Until 1918, it was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (the emperors of Austria were also kings of Hungary), so a potential contender for the Hungarian royal throne the same as in Austria.
East Timor . Republic since independence in 2002. On the territory of the country there are a number of traditional states, the rulers of which have the titles of rajas.
Vietnam. The monarchy on the territory of the country finally ceased to exist in 1955, when, according to the results of a referendum in South Vietnam a republic was proclaimed. Earlier, in 1945, the last Emperor Bao Dai had already abdicated, but the French authorities returned him to the country in 1949 and gave him the post of head of state. The pretender to the throne is the Emperor's son Prince Bao Long.
Gambia. Republic since 1970 (from independence in 1965 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). In 1995, Yvonne Prior, a Dutch woman from Suriname, was recognized as the reincarnation of one of the kings of antiquity and proclaimed queen of the Mandingo people.
Ghana. Republic since 1960 (from independence in 1957 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). The Ghanaian constitution guarantees the right of traditional rulers (sometimes called kings, sometimes chiefs) to participate in the management of the affairs of the state.
Germany. Republic since the overthrow of the monarchy in 1918. The pretender to the throne is Prince Georg Friedrich of Prussia, great-great-grandson of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
Greece. The monarchy officially ceased to exist as a result of a referendum in 1974. King Constantine of Greece, who fled the country after a military coup in 1967, currently resides in the UK. In 1994, the Greek government stripped the king of his citizenship and confiscated his property in Greece. The royal family is currently contesting this decision in international court on human rights.
Georgia. Republic since independence in 1991. The pretender to the throne of the Georgian kingdom, which lost its independence as a result of joining Russia in 1801, is George Iraklievich Bagration-Mukhransky, Prince of Georgia.
Egypt. The monarchy existed until the overthrow of King Ahmad Fuad II of Egypt and Sudan in 1953. Currently former king, who at the time of the loss of the throne was just over a year old, lives in France.
Iraq. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1958 as a result of the revolution, during which King Faisal II was assassinated. Claims to the Iraqi throne are made by Prince Ra'ad bin Zeid, brother of King Faisal I of Iraq, and Prince Sharif Ali bin Ali Hussein, great-nephew of the same king.
Iran. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1979 after a revolution that overthrew Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. The pretender to the throne is the son of the deposed Shah crown prince Reza Pahlavi.
Italy. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1946 as a result of a referendum, King Umberto II was forced to leave the country. Pretender to the throne - son last king Crown Prince Victor Emmanuel, Duke of Savoy.
Yemen. The republic emerged from the unification of North and South Yemen in 1990. On the territory of North Yemen, the monarchy ceased to exist in 1962. The sultanates and principalities on the territory of South Yemen were liquidated after the declaration of its independence in 1967. The pretender to the throne is Prince Ahmat al-Ghani bin Mohammed al-Mutawakkil.
Cameroon. Republic since independence in 1960. There are a large number of traditional sultanates on the territory of the country, the heads of which often hold high government positions. Among the most famous traditional rulers is the Sultan of Bamun, Ibrahim Mbombo Njoya, Sultan (Baba) of the Kingdom of Rey Buba Buba Abdoulaye.
Congo ( Democratic Republic Congo, formerly Zaire). Republic since independence in 1960. There are a number of traditional kingdoms throughout the country. The most famous are: the Kingdom of Cuba (King Kwete Mboke is on the throne); the kingdom of Luba (king, sometimes also called emperor, Kabongo Jacques); the state of Ruund (Luunda), headed by the ruler (mwaant yaav) Mbumb II Muteb.
Congo (Republic of the Congo). Republic since independence in 1960. In 1991, the country's authorities restored the institution of traditional leaders (revising their decision 20 years ago). The most famous among the leaders is the head of the traditional Teke kingdom - King (oonko) Makoko XI.
Korea. (DPRK and the Republic of Korea) The monarchy ceased to exist in 1945 due to the surrender of Japan, in 1945-1948 the country was under the control of the allied powers that won the Second World War, in 1948 two republics were proclaimed on the territory of the Korean Peninsula. Due to the fact that from 1910 to 1945 the rulers of Korea were vassals of Japan, it is customary to classify them as part of the Japanese imperial family. The pretender to the Korean throne is the representative of this surname, Prince Kyu Ri (sometimes his surname is written as Lee). On the territory of the DPRK, there is de facto a hereditary form of government, but de jure it is not stipulated in the legislation of the country.
Côte d'Ivoire. Republic since independence in 1960. On the territory of the country (and partly on the territory of neighboring Ghana) is the traditional kingdom of Abrons (ruled by King Nanan Ajumani Kouassi Adingra).
Laos. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1975 as a result of the communist revolution. In 1977 all members royal family were sent to a concentration camp ("re-education camp"). The king's two sons, Prince Sulivong Savang and Prince Danyavong Savang, were able to escape from Laos in 1981-1982. There is no official information about the fate of the king, queen, crown prince and other family members. According to unofficial reports, they all died of starvation in a concentration camp. Prince Sulivong Savang, as the eldest surviving male of the family, is the formal pretender to the throne.
Libya. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1969. After the coup organized by Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, King Idris I, who was abroad during the coup, was forced to abdicate. Pretender to the throne - the official heir to the king ( Foster-son his cousin) Prince Mohammed al-Hasan al-Rida.
Malawi. Republic since 1966 (from the moment of independence in 1964 until the proclamation of the Republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). An important role in the political life of the country is played by the supreme leader (inkosi i makosi) Mmbelwa IV from the Ngoni dynasty.
Maldives. The monarchy ceased to exist after a referendum in 1968 (during the period of British rule, that is, before independence was declared in 1965, the country once became a republic for a short time). The formal contender for the throne, however, who never declared his claims, is Prince Mohammed Nureddin, son of the Sultan of the Maldives Hassan Nureddin II (reigned 1935-1943).
Mexico. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1867 after the execution by the revolutionaries of the ruler of the empire proclaimed in 1864, Archduke Maximilian of Austria. Earlier, in 1821-1823, the country had already once been independent state With monarchical form devices. Representatives of the Iturbide dynasty, whose ancestor was the Mexican emperor during this period, are pretenders to the Mexican throne. The head of the Iturbide family is Baroness Maria (II) Anna Tankl Iturbide.
Mozambique. Republic since independence in 1975. On the territory of the country is the traditional state of Manyika, whose ruler (mambo) is Mutasa Pafiva.
Myanmar (until 1989 Burma). Republic since independence in 1948. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1885 after the accession of Burma to British India. The pretender to the throne is Prince Hteiktin Tau Paya, grandson of the last king Thibau Ming.
Namibia. Republic since independence in 1990. A number of tribes are ruled by traditional rulers. The role of traditional leaders is at least indicated by the fact that Hendrik Witboui served as deputy head of government for several years.
Niger. Republic since independence in 1960. There are a number of traditional states on the territory of the country. Their rulers and tribal elders choose their own political and religious leader, who bears the title of Sultan of Zinder (the title is not hereditary). Currently, the title of the 20th Sultan of Zinder is held by Haji Mamadou Mustafa.
Nigeria. Republic since 1963 (from independence in 1960 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). There are about 100 traditional states on the territory of the country, the rulers of which wear as usual sounding titles sultan or emir, or more exotic ones: aku ka, olu, igwe, amanyanabo, tortiv, alafin, both, obi, ataoja, oroje, olubaka, ohimega (most often this means “leader” or “supreme leader” in translation) .
Palau (Belau). Republic since independence in 1994. Legislative power is exercised by the House of Delegates (council of chiefs), which includes the traditional rulers of the 16 provinces of Palau. Yutaka Gibbons, the paramount chief (ibedul) of Koror, the main city of the country, enjoys the greatest authority.
Portugal. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1910 as a result of the escape from the country of King Manuel II, who feared for his life in connection with an armed uprising. The pretender to the throne is the house of Duarte III Pio, Duke of Braganza.
Russia . The monarchy ceased to exist after February Revolution 1917. Although there are several contenders for the Russian throne, most monarchists recognize Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II.
Romania. The monarchy ceased to exist after the abdication of King Michael I in 1947. After the collapse of communism, the former king visited his native country several times. In 2001, the Romanian Parliament granted him the rights former head states - a residence, a private car with a driver and a salary in the amount of 50% of the salary of the president of the country.
Serbia. Along with Montenegro, it was part of Yugoslavia until 2002 (the rest of the republics seceded from Yugoslavia in 1991). In Yugoslavia, the monarchy finally ceased to exist in 1945 (since 1941, King Peter II was outside the country). After his death, the head royal house became his son - the heir to the throne, Prince Alexander (Karageorgievich).
USA. Republic since independence in 1776. The Hawaiian Islands (annexed to the United States in 1898, acquired statehood in 1959) had a monarchy until 1893. The pretender to the Hawaiian throne is Prince Quentin Kuhio Kawananakoa, a direct descendant of the last Hawaiian queen Liliuokalani.
Tanzania. The republic was formed in 1964 as a result of the unification of Tanganyika and Zanzibar. On the island of Zanzibar, shortly before the unification, the monarchy was overthrown. The 10th Sultan of Zanzibar Jamshid bin Abdullah was forced to leave the country. In 2000, the Tanzanian authorities announced the rehabilitation of the monarch and that he has the right to return to his homeland as an ordinary citizen.
Tunisia. The monarchy ended in 1957 next year after the declaration of independence. The contender for the throne is Crown Prince Sidi Ali Ibrahim.
Turkey. It was proclaimed a republic in 1923 (the sultanate was abolished a year earlier, and the caliphate a year later). The pretender to the throne is Prince Osman VI.
Uganda. Republic since 1963 (from independence in 1962 until the proclamation of the republic, the head of state was the Queen of Great Britain). Some traditional kingdoms on the territory of the country were liquidated in 1966-1967 and almost all were restored in 1993-1994. Others managed to avoid liquidation.
Philippines. Republic since independence in 1946. There are many traditional sultanates on the territory of the country. 28 of them are concentrated in the area of Lake Lanao (Mindanao Island). The Philippine government officially recognizes the Lanao (Ranao) confederation of sultans as a political force representing the interests of certain segments of the island's population. The throne of the Sultanate of Sulu (located on the archipelago of the same name) is claimed by at least six people representing two clans, which is explained by various political and financial benefits.
France. The monarchy was abolished in 1871. Heirs of various families claim the French throne: Prince Henry of Orleans, Count of Paris and Duke of France (Orleanist pretender); Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou (Legitimist pretender) and Prince Charles Bonaparte, Prince Napoleon (Bonapartist pretender).
Central African Republic. After gaining independence from France in 1960, a republic was proclaimed. Colonel Jean-Bedel Bokassa, who came to power in 1966 as a result of a military coup, in 1976 proclaimed the country an empire, and himself emperor. In 1979 Bokassa was overthrown and the Central African Empire became the Central African Republic again. The contender for the throne is the son of Bokassa, Crown Prince Jean-Bedel Georges Bokassa.
Chad. Republic since independence in 1960. Among the numerous traditional states on the territory of Chad, two should be singled out: the sultanates of Bagirmi and Wadari (both were formally liquidated after the declaration of independence and restored in 1970). Sultan (mbang) Bagirmi - Muhammad Yusuf, Sultan (kolak) Vadari - Ibrahim ibn-Muhammad Urada.
Montenegro. See Serbia
Ethiopia. The monarchy ceased to exist in 1975 after the abolition of the post of emperor. The last of the reigning emperors was Haile Selassie I, belonging to the dynasty, the founders of which are considered to be Menelik I, son of Solomon, king of Israel, from the queen of Sheba. In 1988, in a private ceremony in London, Haile Selassie's son, Amha Selassie I, was proclaimed the new Emperor of Ethiopia (in exile).
Republic of South Africa. Since 1961 (from the moment of independence in 1910 until the proclamation of the republic, the Queen of Great Britain was the head of state). Tribal leaders (amakosi), as well as the ruler of the traditional kingdom of KwaZulu, Goodwill Zwelitini KaBekuzulu, play an important role in the life of the country. Separately, it is worth highlighting the supreme leader of the Tembu tribe, Baelekhai Dalindiebo a Sabata, who, in accordance with the customs of the tribe, is considered the nephew of former South African President Nelson Mandela. The leader of the tribe is also famous politician, leader of the Inkata Freedom Party Mangosutu Gatshi Buthelezi of the Buthelezi tribe. During the apartheid period, the South African authorities created ten "autonomous" formations on a tribal basis, which were called bantustans (homelands).