In today’s modern world, it may seem like the concept of monarchies ruling over kingdoms is a relic of the past. However, despite the prevalence of democratic forms of government, there are still a number of places around the world that maintain their traditional royal families and governing structures. So are there really any remaining kingdoms in the present day? Let’s take a look at the evidence.
What constitutes a kingdom?
First, it is important to establish what we mean by a “kingdom.” In the traditional sense, a kingdom is a geographic area or country that is ruled by a monarch, typically a king or queen. The monarch serves as the head of state and possesses political authority over the territory and population of the kingdom. Power is passed down through hereditary succession within a royal family. Historically, kingdoms held supreme authority within their boundaries. The monarch answered to no higher governing power. In the modern context, remaining kingdoms may operate within a framework that places limits on the power of the monarch through legal constraints or a parliamentary system.
How many current kingdoms exist in the world today?
According to most sources, there are 28 sovereign states in the world today that could be considered kingdoms, in that they recognize a monarch as their head of state. The most recognizable of these are found in Europe. For example, the United Kingdom of Great Britain still maintains Queen Elizabeth as monarch, while Spain, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden have kings as heads of state. The small city-state countries of Monaco, Liechtenstein, and Luxembourg are also ruled by monarchies. Outside of Europe, kingdoms include Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Bhutan, Cambodia, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Tonga, and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland). Several of these kingdoms in Asia and the Middle East are Islamic monarchies. Japan also maintains a royal family, with an emperor who serves as head of state, though the country is largely governed by an elected parliament.
Current Kingdoms in the World
| Country | Monarch |
|---|---|
| Antigua and Barbuda | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Australia | Queen Elizabeth II |
| The Bahamas | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Barbados | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Belize | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Bhutan | King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck |
| Brunei | Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah |
| Cambodia | King Norodom Sihamoni |
| Canada | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Denmark | Queen Margrethe II |
| Eswatini | King Mswati III |
| Jamaica | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Japan | Emperor Naruhito |
| Jordan | King Abdullah II |
| Lesotho | King Letsie III |
| Liechtenstein | Prince Hans-Adam II |
| Luxembourg | Grand Duke Henri |
| Malaysia | King Abdullah of Pahang |
| Monaco | Prince Albert II |
| Morocco | King Mohammed VI |
| The Netherlands | King Willem-Alexander |
| New Zealand | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Norway | King Harald V |
| Oman | Sultan Haitham bin Tariq |
| Papua New Guinea | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Saint Lucia | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Saudi Arabia | King Salman bin Abdulaziz |
| Solomon Islands | Queen Elizabeth II |
| Spain | King Felipe VI |
| Swaziland | King Mswati III |
| Sweden | King Carl XVI Gustaf |
| Thailand | King Maha Vajiralongkorn |
| Tonga | King Tupou VI |
| Tuvalu | Queen Elizabeth II |
| United Kingdom | Queen Elizabeth II |
As the table shows, there are over 25 current kingdoms in the world spanning multiple regions. Many are constitutional monarchies that limit the power of the royal family while retaining cultural traditions. A number of Pacific island nations also recognize Queen Elizabeth II as their ceremonial monarch. Overall, while not as prevalent as in previous eras, the kingdom model of government persists in nearly 30 sovereign states today.
A few prominent modern kingdoms
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom remains one of the most well-known kingdoms globally. Queen Elizabeth II has reigned since 1952, making her the longest serving monarch in British history. Though the U.K. is governed through an elected Parliament, the Queen still officially holds several powers like appointing the Prime Minister, approving legislation, and convening Parliament. However, her role is largely ceremonial in modern times. She also serves as head of state for 15 other Commonwealth realms outside the U.K., including Canada, Australia, and Jamaica.
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is an absolute Islamic monarchy, giving the king wide-ranging authority. Leadership has passed down through the sons of the first King Abdulaziz since his death in 1953. The current king is Salman bin Abdulaziz, who has reigned since 2015. The king serves as both head of state and head of government in Saudi Arabia, unlike in constitutional monarchies where an elected prime minister holds executive power. He has full legislative authority through royal decrees and appoints all judges. Reforms have been made to give more rights to citizens, though political parties are still banned.
Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan is a small Himalayan country ruled by the Wangchuck royal dynasty. The current Druk Gyalpo or “Dragon King” is King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, who took the throne in 2006 after his father abdicated. Bhutan has been slowly transitioning to a constitutional monarchy with the King sharing power with elected governmental bodies like the National Assembly. Nonetheless, the King still holds sway over matters of national security and foreign policy. Bhutan is relatively isolated but has been opening up gradually to the world in recent decades.
Are there any absolute monarchies left?
Absolute monarchies where the ruler has complete sovereign power are incredibly rare in the modern era. Most extant kingdoms function as constitutional or ceremonial monarchies, where an elected legislature and prime minister exercise actual political authority. The only places considered full absolute monarchies today are Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Oman, and Vatican City. Qatar and the United Arab Emirates could also be considered absolute or quasi-absolute monarchies. So while a small handful exist, unlimited royal power is mostly a relic of the past. Even in absolutist regimes, economic pressures and political reform have forced monarchs to cede some control.
Why do some kingdoms still persist?
With the global spread of democracy over the past century, why do some kingdoms continue to endure? There are a few key reasons:
- Cultural tradition and national identity – Historical monarchies engender pride and give citizens a sense of stability and continuity with the past. Traditions like royal pageantry support cultural cohesion.
- Political stability – Long-reigning royal families without political turnover can lend stability during times of change. Citizens may trust monarchs over elected officials.
- Tourism revenue – Royal families generate global fascination and tourism dollars. For example, British royal events like Harry and Meghan’s wedding generated an estimated $1.4 billion for the U.K. economy.
- Smooth transitions of power – Monarchies avoid messy political transitions and uncertainty over leadership changes found in electoral democracies.
- Constitutional authority – Modern constitutional monarchies combine the cultural traditions of kingdoms with democratic governance. Royals serve as living symbols while politicians manage policy.
These advantages have sustained monarchies even in the 21st century. However, critics argue countries pay a cost in terms of civil liberties, concentration of wealth, and lack of openness. Overall, a complex set of factors explain why kingdoms continue, but their power is much diminished from medieval eras.
Could there be new kingdoms?
While rare, there are occasional movements to re-establish monarchies in countries that are now republics. For example, Romania still has claimants to the old royal throne, while Serbia considered restoring its monarchy in the 1990s after democracy took hold. Efforts have emerged at times in places like Russia, Albania, Hungary, Greece, France, Iraq, and Nepal to bring back royal rulers. However, pro-monarchist sentiment is often more nostalgic than serious. The challenges of undoing decades of republican governance and constitutional frameworks make transitions unlikely. While never say never, the odds seem stacked against new kingdoms emerging in the 21st century.
Conclusion
Kingdoms have staying power, with nearly 30 existing worldwide today in substantive forms. Constitutional monarchies remain prevalent, while a only handful of absolute monarchies persist. Cultural tradition, tourism revenues, stability, and ceremonial duties help sustain royal families’ appeal. However, elected governments now hold actual authority in most kingdoms. While younger royals like Britain’s William hint at future popular interest, kingdoms are unlikely to regain their former unfettered power. Republican forms of government seem set to dominate for the foreseeable future. Still, it is premature to write off the resilient kingdom as a system of government just yet.