Which countries have monarchies and how do they operate around the world?

Monarchies exist in various forms around the world, not limited to Europe. Here’s a list of countries with monarchies and a brief overview of how they operate:

United Kingdom/Denmark/Spain/Sweden/Norway/Luxembourg/The Netherlands/ Belgium: The United Kingdom and other European nations have a constitutional monarchy. The monarch (currently King Charles III) is the head of state, but their powers are largely ceremonial. The government is run by elected officials, and the monarch’s role is mostly symbolic.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, where the King (currently King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud) holds significant executive power, including the ability to appoint government officials and make laws. The King’s authority is based on Islamic law and tradition.

Swaziland (Eswatini): Eswatini is an absolute monarchy, where the King (currently King Mswati III) holds extensive powers, including the ability to appoint the government, control the judiciary, and make laws. The King’s authority is largely unchallenged.

Brunei: Brunei is an absolute monarchy, where the Sultan (currently Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah) holds significant executive power, including control over the government, military, and economy. The Sultan’s authority is based on Islamic law and tradition.

Oman: Oman is an absolute monarchy, where the Sultan (currently Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said) holds extensive powers, including the ability to appoint government officials, make laws, and control the military. The Sultan’s authority is based on traditional and familial legitimacy.

Qatar: Qatar is an absolute monarchy, where the Emir (currently Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani) holds significant executive power, including control over the government, military, and economy. The Emir’s authority is based on Islamic law and tradition.

Kuwait: Kuwait is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The Emir (currently Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah) serves as the head of state, but his powers are limited by the constitution. The government is run by elected officials.

Bahrain: Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The King (currently King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa) serves as the head of state, but his powers are limited by the constitution. The government is run by elected officials.

Jordan: Jordan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The King (currently King Abdullah II) serves as the head of state, but his powers are limited by the constitution. The government is run by elected officials.

Morocco: Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system. The King (currently King Mohammed VI) serves as the head of state, but his powers are limited by the constitution. The government is run by elected officials.

These monarchies vary widely in terms of the powers vested in the monarch, the degree of democratic governance, and the historical and cultural context within which they operate.

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It’s interesting that we still have so many monarchies around the world so I wonder whether they’ll continue to exist out of tradition or will be removed.

It’s fascinating how each country has its own unique system and historical background.

I remember studying in school about the different kinds of monarchy and how absolute monarchy has changed to constitutional monarchy in many European countries, it’s quite fascinating how their power and position has changed through history.

When you think about it, monarchies are extremely archaic

Yes, all countries have varying levels of support. Spain is an interesting case because their monarchy was removed from the 1930s and 1970s then reinstated.

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Why was it reinstated?

It was reinstated after the dictator Franco died. He choose the monarchy to lead after he died with the hope the dictatorship would continue. However, the King Juan Carlos decided to install democracy in line with other Western European states.

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