Monarchies exist today in about 43 countries worldwide, including the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Spain, Thailand, Morocco, and several small nations.
Global Distribution of Modern Monarchies
Despite democracy's global spread, monarchy persists in numerous countries across all continents except Antarctica and South America.
Monarchies by Region:
Europe (12 monarchies):
- United Kingdom, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Luxembourg, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Vatican City
Asia (13 monarchies):
- Japan, Thailand, Brunei, Malaysia, Cambodia, Bhutan, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE
Africa (3 monarchies):
- Morocco, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho
Oceania (11 monarchies):
- Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and several Pacific island nations (all recognize British monarch)
Middle East (7 monarchies):
- Concentrated in Arabian Peninsula—Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Oman, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar
Types Present:
- Constitutional: Most European and Asian monarchies
- Absolute: Saudi Arabia, Brunei, Eswatini, Vatican City
- Commonwealth Realms: 15 countries recognize British monarch as head of state
Key Takeaways:
- 43 countries have monarchies today
- Highest concentration in Europe and Middle East
- Most are constitutional (limited power)
- Absolute monarchies rare but still exist