Most of us learned about kings and queens in history books, but believe it or not, absolute monarchies are still alive and well in our modern world. While many countries have embraced democracy or constitutional monarchies where royals hold mostly ceremonial roles, there are places where monarchs genuinely call the shots. They write laws, control budgets, and shape their nations without needing to answer to elected parliaments or constitutions.
These aren’t just remnants of a bygone era. These are functioning governments where one person holds the reins of power, making decisions that affect millions. So let’s dive in and discover six with real authority.
Saudi Arabia: The Kingdom Built on Oil and Tradition
King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who ascended the throne in January 2015, wields complete control over political, economic, and social affairs in Saudi Arabia. The nation has no written constitution; instead, governance is based on Islamic Sharia law and the Quran. Power essentially rests with the royal family, particularly with the de facto r Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who handles much of the day-to-day governance. There are no elected bodies to challenge royal authority, and all major decisions rest solely with the King and his family. The country’s vast oil wealth funds its economy, but also concentrates enormous financial power in the hands of the monarchy, making Saudi Arabia one of the most prominent examples of absolute in the world today.
Brunei: The Sultan Who Runs Everything
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah has been reigning since 1967, making him the world’s longest-reigning current monarch. As both the head of state and head of government, the Sultan oversees all aspects of governance without an elected parliament. The Sultan is quite literally a one-man show in Brunei. He is the country’s prime minister, defence minister, finance and economy minister, as well as foreign affairs supremo. The country’s oil and gas wealth funds extensive welfare programs such as free education, healthcare, and housing, and citizens pay no income tax, while political opposition is banned. Despite criticism over his implementation of strict Sharia law in 2019, the Sultan’s grip on power remains absolute in this tiny but wealthy nation.
Vatican City: The Pope’s Unique
Pope Leo XIV was elected on 8 May 2025 on the second day of the 2025 papal conclave. According to the Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, the Supreme Pontiff has the fullness of legislative, executive, and judicial powers for Vatican City. Unlike other monarchies, the Pope is elected by cardinals rather than inheriting the throne, making Vatican City unique among absolute monarchies. The pope has absolute power in the executive, legislative, and judicial branches over Vatican City, and is thus the only absolute monarch in Europe. There are no political elections, and decisions are final, making it the smallest but one of the most powerful absolute monarchies in the world. This ecclesiastical monarchy functions as both a spiritual center for over a billion Catholics and a fully functioning sovereign state.
Oman: The Quiet Power of the Sultan
Absolute monarchs remain in Brunei, Oman and Saudi Arabia, with Oman representing another example of concentrated royal power in the Middle East. Sultan Haitham bin Tariq took power in 2020 following the death of his predecessor, Sultan Qaboos, who had d for nearly five decades. The Sultan holds ultimate authority over Oman’s government, military, and judicial system. Unlike some of its neighbors, Oman has traditionally maintained a more moderate foreign policy stance and has avoided some of the more controversial aspects of absolute . Still, the Sultan maintains firm control over all governmental functions, and political parties remain banned. The country’s strategic location and oil wealth have allowed it to maintain stability while preserving its absolute monarchy structure.
Qatar: Where Tradition Meets Modernity
Qatar is classified as mixed, meaning there are representative bodies of some kind, but the monarch retains most of his powers. The Emir, currently Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, exercises substantial control over Qatar’s government despite the existence of advisory councils. The ruling family’s control extends to the country’s massive natural gas reserves, which have transformed Qatar into one of the wealthiest nations per capita globally. While the Emir has introduced some reforms and Qatar has gained international attention for hosting events like the FIFA World Cup, ultimate power still rests firmly with the monarchy. The advisory council has limited influence, and the Emir retains authority to appoint government officials and make final decisions on major policies, ensuring that Qatar remains under monarchical despite its modern facade.
These six nations prove that absolute monarchy isn’t just a thing of the past. Whether justified by religious tradition, economic prosperity, or cultural heritage, these monarchs continue to wield real power in ways that would seem extraordinary to citizens of democratic nations. From the oil-rich deserts of the Middle East to the smallest state in Europe, absolute persists as a form of governance that shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. What’s your take on monarchies in our modern age?
<p>The post Surprising but True: These Countries Still Have Monarchs first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>