Countries with a monarchical form of government.

In the modern world, there are just over 230 states and self-governing territories with 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 on 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, a monarchy is an extremely flexible and diverse system ranging from a tribal form that successfully operates 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)
* The 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

* Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda
* Bahamas Bahamas
* Barbados
* Belize
* Grenada
* Canada
* Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
* Saint Kitts and Nevis
* Saint Lucia
* Jamaica

Oceania

* Australia
* New Zealand
* Niue
* Papua New Guinea
* Solomon islands
* Tuvalu

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 the 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 at present only three full-fledged monarchies have survived: 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 well-being

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. The political elite of these countries for the most part understands how important it is for the balance in society that the supreme power is a priori fixed in one hand and political circles do not fight for it, but work in the name of the interests of the whole nation.

Moreover, historical experience shows that the best social security systems in the world are built 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 a human face." Such a system is built in the modern countries of the Persian Gulf, where there is often much less oil than in some fields of the Russian Federation. Despite this, in the 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 a rigid, sometimes absolutist, political system, in the absence of parliamentarism and constitution, when all the bowels of the country belong to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins grazing camels, most 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 touches can be given. Any citizen of the country has the right to free medical care, including that which is provided 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 in the world (Cambridge, Oxford, Yale, Sorbonne). Housing is provided to young families at the expense of the state. The monarchies of the Persian Gulf are truly social states in which all conditions have been created for the progressive growth of the well-being of the population.

Turning from flourishing Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar to their neighbors in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula, who for a number of reasons abandoned the monarchy (Yemen, Iraq, Iran), we will see a striking difference in the internal climate of these states.

Who strengthens the unity of the people?

As historical experience shows, in multinational states, the integrity of the country is primarily associated with the monarchy. We see this in the past, on the example of the 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 cessation 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 context 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, a joke was even 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 provides us with several successful examples of the return of peoples who survived an 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. Having gone through a civil war, an economic crisis and a right-wing dictatorship, it returned to a monarchical form of government, taking its 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 country's prime minister and is currently the leader of the largest opposition party. in the Parliament of Bulgaria, 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 time, 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 illness, recover faster from political and economic adversity.

Without a king at 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, whose nominal co-rulers are 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. The decree on the nationalization of lands belonging to the royal family was repealed in 1997. Since 2001, the former king has been the 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. There are a large number of traditional states on the territory of the country, the most significant of which is Vogodogo (on the territory of the capital of the country Ouagudugou), where the ruler (moogo-naaba) Baongo II is currently on the throne.
Vatican
Theocracy (some analysts consider it a form of monarchy - an absolute theocratic monarchy - however, it should be borne in mind that it is not and cannot be hereditary).
Hungary
The 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 the potential contender for the Hungarian royal throne is 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 a republic was proclaimed in South Vietnam as a result of a referendum. Previously, 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 contender for 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 challenging this decision at the International Court of 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, the 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 the revolution, which resulted in the overthrow of Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi. The contender for 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. The pretender to the throne is the son of the 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 Ahmad 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 Abdulaye.
Congo(Democratic Republic of the 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 kingdom of Teke - 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.
Ivory Coast
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 of the 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. The pretender to the throne is the official heir to the king (the adopted son of 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 an independent state with a monarchical form of structure. 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 annexation 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 carry both the familiar-sounding titles of sultan or emir, as well as more exotic ones: aku uka, olu, igwe, amanyanabo, tortiv, alafin, both, obi, ataoja, oroje, olubaka, ohimege (most often this means in translation "leader" or "supreme leader").
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 the February Revolution of 1917. Although there are several pretenders to the Russian throne, most monarchists recognize Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, great-great-granddaughter of Emperor Alexander II, as the legitimate heiress.
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 of the former head of state - a residence, a private car with a driver and a salary of 50% of the salary of the country's president.
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, his son, heir to the throne, Prince Alexander (Karageorgievich) became the head of the royal house.
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 ceased to exist in 1957, the year after independence was declared. The contender for the throne is Crown Prince Sidi Ali Ibrahim.
Turkey 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 confederation of the Sultans of Lanao (Ranao) 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 Bagirmi and Wadari sultanates (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 a well-known politician, leader of the Inkata Freedom Party Mangosutu Gatshi Buthelezi from the Buthelezi tribe. During the apartheid period, the South African authorities created ten "autonomous" formations on a tribal basis, which were called bantustans (homelands). In 1994

And now a little about the features of the monarchy in African style.

African autocrats.

Benin. Joseph Langanfen, a representative of the Abomi dynasty, is the president of KAFRA, the council of the Abomi royal families.

The offspring of the dynasties that entered the history of Africa until the beginning of the twentieth century are the bearers of the secret power with which "modern governments" must coexist.

Unlike the Indian maharjas, they survived the upheavals of history and exist in a kind of parallel world, which remains very real. However, for some Africans, they are the epitome of a backward, archaic system that succumbed to the onslaught of Western colonization. They are accused of tribal conservatism, which prevents traditional African societies from moving towards the formation of modern-type states.

For others, these kings are the guarantors of the old culture in the face of an uncertain future. Be that as it may, they are still present in different countries, and this reality must be reckoned with.

Nigeria. Igwe Kenneth Nnaji Onimeke Orizu III. Obi (king) of the Nnevi tribe. When he was proclaimed king in 1963, Igwe was a farmer, and his 10 wives bore him 30 children. Located on the east of the Niger River, the main city of the tribe has several millionaires.

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. By nature, the monogamous king had to take two more wives, as it should be by rank.

Nigeria. In 1980, Sijuwade became the 50th oni (king) of Ilfa, one of the oldest African dynasties. Today he is the richest businessman, owning extensive property in Nigeria and England.

Cameroon. Fon (King) Banjuna is the brother of bold and powerful animals. At night, he can transform into a panther and hunt in a shroud. Formerly Chief Administrator and Head of Cabinet of the Minister of Finance of Cameroon, Kamga Joseph is now the 13th Fon of his tribe.

Ghana. Osediyo ado Danqua III. A graduate of the University of London and an economic adviser to the administration of Ghana, the King of Akropong has been living in the "holy places" of the Akuarem Asona, one of the seven main clans of the Akan tribe, for the past sixteen years.

Congo. Nyimi Kok Mabintsh III, King of Cuba. Now he is 50, he ascended the throne at the age of 20. He is considered a descendant of the creator god and possessor of supernatural powers. He has no right to sit on the ground and cross cultivated fields. And no one has ever seen him eat.

South Africa. Goodwill Zweletini, king of the Zulus. He is a direct descendant of the legendary Chak Zulu, the founder of the kingdom, whose military genius is sometimes compared to Napoleon.

Nigeria. Both Joseph Adecola Ogunoi. Tin (king) of the Ovo tribe. 600 years ago, the first monarch of the dynasty fell in love with a beautiful girl who turned out to be a goddess. She became his wife, but demanded that every year the people hold festivals in her honor with a sacrifice. This is still happening, but human sacrifices - necessarily a man and a woman - were replaced with a sheep and a goat.

Cameroon. Hapi IV, King of Ban. This royal dynasty is associated with a real tragedy. In the middle of the 12th century, several Bamileke clans settled in small villages around Ban. Legend has it that one of the village elders, Mfenge, was accused of witchcraft. In order to justify himself, he cut off his mother's head, and local shamans studied the corpse. Claims that witchcraft was transmitted through the "womb" were not proven, and Mfenge himself was made king.

These are Their African Majesties. 21st century.

What is a monarchy? Most often, this word causes people to associate with something magnificent, majestic and absolute. In this article, we will consider not only the general concept, but also the types of monarchy, its purpose and goals both in the centuries-old history of mankind and at the present moment. If we briefly outline the topic of the article, then it can be formulated as follows: "Monarchy: concept, features, types."

What type of government is called a monarchy?

Monarchy is one of the types of government, which involves the sole leadership of the country. In other words, this is such a political device, when all power is in the hands of one person. Such a ruler is called a monarch, but in different countries you can hear other titles, namely: emperor, shah, king or queen - they are all monarchs, regardless of how they are called at home. Another important feature of monarchical power is that it is inherited without any votes or elections. Naturally, if there are no direct heirs, then the laws that control the succession to the throne in monarchical countries come into force. Thus, power most often passes to the closest relative, but world history knows many other options.

In general, the form of government in the state determines the structure of the highest power in the country, as well as the distribution of functions, responsibilities and duties of the highest legislative bodies. As for the monarchy, then, as already mentioned, all power belongs to a single ruler. The monarch receives it for life, and besides, he does not bear any legal responsibility for his decisions, although it is he who determines how the state should act in a given situation.

How to distinguish a monarchical form of government?

Regardless of the fact that different types of monarchy have their own differences, there are also basic features that are common to all. Such characteristics help to quickly and accurately determine that we are really dealing with monarchical power. So, the main features are:

1. There is a sole ruler who is the head of state.
2. The monarch exercises his power from the moment he takes office until his death.
3. The transfer of power occurs by kinship, which is called inheritance.
4. The monarch has every right to govern the state at his own discretion, his decisions are not discussed or questioned.
5. The monarch is not subject to legal responsibility for his actions or decisions.

About the types of monarchy

Like other types of government, monarchy is a fairly broad concept, therefore its subspecies with separate features are also defined. Almost all types and forms of monarchy can be grouped into the following list:

1. Despotism.
2. Absolute monarchy.
3. Constitutional monarchy (dualistic and parliamentary).
4. Estate-representative monarchy.

All of these forms of government retain the basic characteristics of a monarchy, but they have their own unique nuances that create differences between them. Further, it is worth discussing in more detail what types of monarchy and their signs are.

About despotism

Despotism is a variant of the monarchy, where the power of the ruler is generally not limited by anything. In this case, the monarch is called a despot. As a rule, his power comes from the military-bureaucratic apparatus. In other words, he controls subordinates through force, which is mainly expressed in the support of troops or other power structures.

Since absolutely all power is in the hands of a despot, the law that he establishes does not in any way limit his rights or opportunities. Thus, the monarch and his associates can do whatever they want with impunity, and this will not have any negative consequences for them in a legal context.

An interesting fact: the great ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle mentioned despotism in one of his writings. He noted that this form of government is very similar to the situation with the master and his power over the slaves, where the master is an analogue of the despot monarch, and the slaves are the subjects of the ruler.

About absolute monarchy

Types of monarchy include the concept of absolutism. Here the main feature is that all power belongs exclusively to one person. Such a structure of power in the case of an absolute monarchy is dictated by law. It is also worth noting that absolutism and dictatorship are very similar types of power.

The absolute monarchy indicates that in the state all spheres of life are single-handedly controlled by the ruler. That is, it controls the legislative, executive, judicial and military branches. Often even religious or spiritual power is entirely in his hands.

Considering this issue in more detail, we can say that the opinion about such a form of government as an absolute monarchy is rather ambiguous. The concept and types of state leadership are quite broad, but with regards to despotism and absolutism, it is worth noting that the second option is still the best. If in a totalitarian country, under the leadership of a despot, literally everything is controlled, freedom of thought is destroyed and many civil rights are humiliated, then an absolute monarchy can be very favorable for the people. Prosperous Luxembourg can serve as an example, the standard of living of the people in which is the highest in Europe. In addition, at the moment we can observe types of absolute monarchy in countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar.

About constitutional monarchy

The difference between this type of government is the limited power of the monarch, established by the constitution, traditions, or sometimes even unwritten law. Here the monarch has no priority in the sphere of state power. It is also important that the restrictions are not just written down in the law, but actually implemented.

Types of constitutional monarchies:

1. dualistic monarchy. Here the power of the monarch is limited as follows: all decisions made by the monarch must be confirmed by a specially appointed minister. Without his resolution, no decision of the ruler will take effect. Another of the differences of the dualistic monarchy is that all executive power remains with the monarch.
2. parliamentary monarchy. It also limits the power of the monarch, and to such an extent that, in fact, he performs only a ceremonial or representative role. The ruler in a parliamentary monarchy has practically no real power left. Here, all executive power belongs to the government, which, in turn, is responsible to parliament.

On the estate-representative monarchy

In this form of monarchy, class representatives are involved, who are directly involved in the drafting of laws and government in general. The power of the monarch is also limited here, and this happens mainly due to the development of monetary and commodity relations. This put an end to the stability of the subsistence economy, which was then closed. Thus, the concept of centralization of power in a political context arose.

This type of monarchy was typical for the countries of Europe in the period from the 12th to the 14th centuries. Examples include the Parliament in England, the Cortes and Spain, the Estates General in France. In Russia, these were Zemsky Sobors in the period from the 16th to the 17th century.

Examples of monarchical government in the modern world

In addition to these countries, absolute monarchy is established in Brunei and the Vatican. It is worth noting that the United Arab Emirates is, in fact, a federal state, but each of the seven emirates in this association is part of an absolute monarchy.

The clearest example of a parliamentary monarchy is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. Holland is also sometimes referred to here.

Many countries belong to the constitutional monarchy, among which we highlight the following: Spain, Belgium, Monaco, Japan, Andorra, Cambodia, Thailand, Morocco and many more.

As far as the dualistic monarchy is concerned, there are three main examples worth mentioning here: Jordan, Morocco and Kuwait. It is worth noting that the latter is sometimes referred to as an absolute monarchy.

Weaknesses of the Monarchy

The monarchy, the concept and types of which were discussed above, is a political device, which, of course, has certain disadvantages.

The main problem is that the ruler and the people are too far from each other due to a peculiar layer, it is here that the monarchy has a weak point as a form of government. All types of monarchies, without exception, are distinguished by this shortcoming. The ruler is almost completely isolated from his people, which negatively affects both the relationship and the monarch's understanding of the real situation, and, accordingly, the adoption of important decisions. This is a small fraction of the unpleasant moments that are provoked by this state of affairs.

It is also obvious that when a country is governed in accordance with the preferences and moral principles of only one person, this introduces a certain subjectivity. A monarch is only a human being and, like ordinary citizens, is subject to fits of pride and self-confidence that come from the rapture of unlimited power. If we add to this the impunity of the ruler, then a rather characteristic picture is observed.

Another not entirely successful moment of the monarchical system is the transfer of the title by inheritance. Even if we consider the types of limited monarchy, this aspect is still present. The trouble is that the heirs following the law do not always turn out to be worthy people. This concerns both the general and organizational characteristics of the future monarch (for example, not everyone is strong enough or wise enough to rule the country), and his health (most often mental). Thus, power can pass into the hands of a mentally unbalanced and stupid older brother, although the royal family has a wiser and more adequate younger heir.

Types of monarchy: pros and cons

History shows that most often in a monarchical form of government, the people did not like the aristocracy. The problem was that people belonging to the upper strata of society were financially and intellectually different from the majority, respectively, this sowed natural enmity and gave rise to mutual hostility. But it is worth noting that if at the court of the monarch a policy was introduced that weakened the positions of the aristocracy, then its place was firmly occupied by the bureaucracy. Naturally, this state of affairs was even worse.

As for the lifetime power of the monarch, this is an ambiguous aspect. On the one hand, having the ability to make decisions for a long time, the monarch could work for the future. That is, counting on the fact that he would rule for several decades, the ruler gradually and consistently implemented his policy. This is not bad for the country, if the vector of development of the state is chosen correctly and for the benefit of the people. On the other hand, holding the post of monarch for more than one decade, bearing the burden of state care on your shoulders, is rather tiring, which may subsequently affect the efficiency of work.

Summing up, we can say that the monarchy is good as follows:

1. A well-established succession to the throne helps keep the country relatively stable.
2. A monarch who rules for life is able to do more than a ruler who is limited in time.
3. All aspects of the life of the country are controlled by one person, so he can see the whole picture very clearly.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the following:

1. Hereditary power could doom a country to life under the control of a person who is simply not capable of being a ruler for one reason or another.
2. The distance between the common people and the monarchs is incommensurable. The existence of an aristocracy very sharply divides the people into social strata.

Disadvantages for good

Quite often, the dignity of the monarchy turned out to be a problem in one situation or another. But sometimes everything happened the other way around: the seemingly unacceptable lack of the monarchy unexpectedly helped and acted for the good of the people.

In this section, we will touch on the topic of the injustice of the monarchy. Undoubtedly, many politicians who want to come to power are not satisfied with the fact that the title of the ruler of the country is inherited. The people, in turn, are often dissatisfied with the clear and inexorable stratification of society along class lines. But on the other hand, the hereditary power of the monarch stabilizes many political, social and economic processes in the state. The inevitable inheritance of power levers prevents unconstructive competition between a huge number of candidates claiming the post of ruler. Competition between contenders for the right to rule the country can lead to instability in the state and even military conflict resolution. And since everything is predetermined, peace and prosperity are achieved in the region.

Republic

There is another important point that is worth discussing - these are the types of monarchies and republics. Since a lot has been said about the monarchy, we turn to an alternative form of government. A republic is a form of government where all government bodies are formed through elections and exist in this composition for a limited period. It is important to understand this in order to see the fundamental difference between these types of leadership: a monarchical government, where the people are not given a choice, and a republic, the leading representatives of which are elected by the people themselves for a certain period. The elected candidates make up the parliament, which actually governs the country. In other words, the candidates elected by the citizens, and not the heirs of the monarchical dynasty, become the head of the republican state.

The Republic is the most popular form of government in world practice, which has repeatedly proven its effectiveness. An interesting fact: most of the states of the modern world are officially republics. If we talk about numbers, then in 2006 there were 190 states, of which 140 were republics.

Types of republics and their main characteristics

Not only the monarchy, the concepts and types of which we have considered, is divided into structural parts. For example, the main classification of such a form of government as a republic consists of four types:

1. Parliamentary republic. Based on the name, one can understand that here most of the power is in the hands of the parliament. It is this legislature that is the government of the country with this form of government.
2. Presidential republic. Here the main levers of power are concentrated in the hands of the president. Also, its task is to coordinate the actions and relations between all the leading branches of government.
3. Mixed Republic. It is also called semi-presidential. The main characteristic of this form of government is the dual responsibility of the government, which is subordinate to both the parliament and the president.
4. Theocratic Republic. In such a formation, power is mostly or even completely owned by the church hierarchy.

Conclusion

Knowledge of what types of monarchy can be found in the modern world helps to better understand the features of government. By studying history, we can observe the triumph or collapse of countries ruled by monarchs. This type of state power was one of the steps on the way to those forms of government that prevail in our time. Therefore, to know what a monarchy is, the concept and types of which we have discussed in detail, is very important for people who are interested in the political processes taking place on the world stage.

- (Greek, from monos one, and archo I control). A single-power state, i.e., where one person, the monarch, controls the state. Dictionary of foreign words included in the Russian language. Chudinov A.N., 1910. MONARCHY Greek. monarchia, from monos, one, and ... Dictionary of foreign words of the Russian language

MONARCHY (from the Greek μον κρχία autocracy) is one of the forms of monocracy and the name of the state system headed by the monarch. From other forms of monocracy (dictatorship, presidential rule, party leadership) ... ... Philosophical Encyclopedia

Monarchy- (from Gr. monarchia autocracy; English monarchy) a form of government in which, unlike oligarchy and democracy, the supreme state power is concentrated in the hands of the sole head of state ... Encyclopedia of Law

- (gr. monarchia autocracy) a form of government in which the head of state is the monarch. In the modern world, two historical types of monarchy remain: absolute monarchy and constitutional monarchy. The latter exists in two forms, differing ... Law Dictionary

A form of government in which the supreme state power belongs to the monarch (king, prince, sultan, shah, emir) and is inherited. Monarchy can be absolute when the power of the monarch is almost unlimited (Brunei, Bahrain, Qatar, ... ... Geographic Encyclopedia

MONARCHY, monarchies, women. (Greek monarchia autocracy) (books, polit.). The most despotic, dominant form of state government in the era of feudalism, in which the supreme power belongs to one person, the monarch; unity ... ... Explanatory Dictionary of Ushakov

- (Greek monarchia - autocracy) - one of the forms of government. The essential characteristic of the monarchy is the concentration, the concentration in the hands of one person - the monarch - the supreme power, which is inherited. Distinguish… … Political science. Dictionary.

Monarchy- Monarchy ♦ Monarchie The power of one person, but subject to the laws (as opposed to despotism, which does not recognize any norms and rules). When these laws themselves depend on the will of the monarch (called the autocrat), we are talking about absolute ... ... Philosophical Dictionary of Sponville

Female government, where the supreme power is in the hands of one person, monarchical truth, one or the state itself. | The state is a monarchy. Russian monarchy. Monarch husband. monocratic sovereign or autocrat. female monarch. autocrat; spouse ... ... Dahl's Explanatory Dictionary

Absolutism, despotism, autocracy, kingdom, monocracy Dictionary of Russian synonyms. monarchy n., number of synonyms: 5 absolutism (7) ... Synonym dictionary

MONARCHY, a state headed by a monarch (for example, king, king, shah, emir, kaiser), who receives power, usually by succession. Distinguish between unlimited (absolute) monarchy and limited (so-called ... ... Modern Encyclopedia

Books

• , Smolin Mikhail Borisovich. Mikhail Smolin's book "Monarchy or Republic?" consists of texts that form the basis of the program "White Word", which the author hosted on the Tsargrad TV channel. The book is based on answers to...
• Monarchy or republic? Imperial letters to neighbors, M.B. Smolin. Book by Mikhail Smolin Monarchy or Republic? consists of texts that form the basis of the White Word program, which the author hosted on the Tsargrad TV channel. The book is based on answers to current...

In the modern world, there are more than 230 states and self-governing territories with 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 created along colonial administrative boundaries are very UNSTABLE FORMATIONS. They can be fragmented and modified, which can be seen, for example, in Iraq. They are engulfed in ongoing conflicts, like a significant number of countries in Africa. And it is quite obvious that they are not among the advanced states.

Today, MONARCHY is an extremely flexible and diverse system ranging from a tribal form that successfully operates 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

ENGLAND - as we all know, Queen Elizabeth.

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)

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 from 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 Sabah al - Ahmed al Jaber al-Sabah

MALASIA - King Mizan Zainal Abidan (since 2006)

United Arab Emirates UAE - President Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan (since 2004)

OMAN - Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 2005)

THAILAND - King Pumilon Adulyadej (since 1946)

JAPAN - Emperor Akihito (since 1989)

AFRICA

LESOTHO - King Letsie III (from 1990 -1995 for the first time, then from 1996)

MOROCCO - King Mohammed VI (since 1986)

SWAZILAND - King Mswati III (since 1986)

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

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA

BAHAMAS BOHAMAS

BARBADOS

SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS

SAINT LUCIA

OCEANIA

AUSTRALIA

NEW ZEALAND

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Asia holds the FIRST PLACE in terms of 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 states - "dwarfs". Monaco, Liechtenstein, Vatican.

The THIRD PLACE is in the countries of Polynesia, and the fourth is in Africa, where three full-fledged monarchies are currently preserved: Morocco, Lesotho, Swaziland, plus several hundred tourist ones.

Nevertheless, a number of republican countries are forced to put up with the presence of traditional monarchical or tribal formations on their territory. and even enshrine their right in the constitution. These include: Uganda, Nigeria, Indonesia, Chad and others. Even countries such as India and Pakistan, which abolished the sovereign rights of local monarchs (khans, sultans, razhds, maharajas) in the early 1970s, 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 represent 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 not in a 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 INSTALLED IN ONE HANDS AND THE POLITICAL CIRCLES DO NOT RESPOND 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 a human face." Such a system is built in the modern countries of the Persian Gulf, without revolutions and civil wars, liberalization of everything and everything, without utopian social experiments, in a rigid, sometimes absolutist political system, in the absence of paramentarism and constitution, when all the bowels of the country belong to one ruling family, from poor Bedouins grazing camels, most of the subjects of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other neighboring states have turned into completely independent citizens.

Without delving into the endless enumeration of the advantages of the Arab social system, only a few touches can be drawn. Any citizen of the country has the right to free medical care, including that which is provided in any, even the most expensive, clinic, located in any clinic in the world! Also, any citizen of the country has the right to free education, coupled with free content, in any higher institution in the world (Combodia, Oxford, Yale, Sorbonne). Housing is provided to young families at the expense of the state. THE MONARCHIES OF THE PERSIAN GULF ARE GENUINELY WELFARE STATES, in which there are all conditions for the progressive growth of prosperity!!!

Turning from the flourishing CUWAIT, BAHRAIN and QATAR to their neighbors in the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula, who for a number of reasons abandoned the monarchy (Yemen, Iraq, Iran), we will see striking differences in the internal climate of these states.

WHO STRENGTHENS THE UNITY OF THE PEOPLE?

As historical experience shows, in multinational states, the integrity of the country is primarily associated with MONARCHY. We see this in the past, on the example of the RSIAN EMPIRE, Austria-Hungary, Yugoslavia, Iraq. The monarchic regime that comes to replace, as it was 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 cessation 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 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 standing in 2008 in Nepal plunged this state into a chain of political crises and permanent civil confrontation.

The second half of the 20th century provides us with several successful examples of the return of peoples who survived an 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. Having gone through a civil war, an economic crisis and a legal dictatorship, it returned to a monarchical form of government, taking its rightful place in 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), 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 decades 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 and clergy constantly have to speak out on this issue, in some cases and support the heads of the Royal Houses 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 King Simeon II of Bulgaria, who created his own national movement, named after him, who managed to become the country's prime minister and is currently the leader of the largest opposition party. in the Parliament of Bulgaria, which entered the coalition government.

To be continued..

An absolute monarchy is a form of government in which all executive, legislative, judicial and military power is concentrated in the hands of the monarch. At the same time, the presence of the parliament is possible, as well as the holding of parliamentary elections by the inhabitants of the country, but it is only an advisory body to the monarch and cannot in any way go against him.

In the world in a strict sense, there are only six countries with an absolute monarchy. If we consider it more openly, then the dualistic monarchy can also be equated with the absolute, and these are six more countries. Thus, there are twelve countries in the world in which power is somehow concentrated in one hand.

Surprisingly, in Europe (so loving to protect human rights and with irritation referring to any dictators) there are already two such countries! But at the same time, it is necessary to distinguish between absolute and constitutional monarchy, since there are a lot of kingdoms and principalities in Europe, but most of them are a constitutional monarchy, in which the head of state is the chairman of parliament.

And so, here are these twelve countries with an absolute monarchy:

one. . A small state in the Middle East on the Persian Gulf. Dualistic monarchy, King Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa since 2002.

2. (or Brunei for short). State in Southeast Asia on the island of Kalimantan. Absolute monarchy, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah since 1967.

3. . A city-state entirely located in Rome. Theocratic monarchy, the country has been ruled by Pope Francis (Franciscus) since 2013.

4. (full name: Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan). Located in the Middle East. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Abdullah II ibn Hussein al-Hashimi since 1999.

5., a state in the Middle East, an absolute monarchy, the country has been ruled by Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani since 2013.

6. . State in the Middle East. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by Emir Sabah al-Ahmed al-Jaber al-Sabah since 2006.

7. (full name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg). State located in the center of Europe. Luxembourg is a dual monarchy and has been ruled by Grand Duke HRH Henri (Heinrich) since 2000.

8. (full name: Kingdom of Morocco) - a state located in the northwestern part of Africa. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Mohammed VI bin al Hassan since 1999.

9. . State in the Middle East, on the coast of the Persian Gulf. An absolute monarchy, the country has been ruled by President Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan since 2004.

10. (full name: Sultanate of Oman). State on the Arabian Peninsula. An absolute monarchy, the country has been ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said since 1970.

eleven. . State in the Middle East. An absolute theocratic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Salman ibn Abdul-Aziz ibn Abdurrahman al Saud since 2015.

12. . The state is located in southern Africa. A dualistic monarchy, the country has been ruled by King Mswati III (Mswati III) since 1986.