A surprising number of countries have ruling monarchs; 43 countries still have them.
1. Constitutional monarchy: the monarch divides power with a constitutionally founded government. In this situation the monarch, while having ceremonial duties and certain responsibilities, does not have any political power. For example, the UK’s monarch must sign all laws to make them official, but has no power to change or reject new laws.
Some examples of countries with constitutional monarchies: Japan; UK; Denmark, Canada
Recent: Since Barbados’ removal of the Queen as head of state in 2021, six other Caribbean nations have expressed the desire to do the same, namely: Belize; The Bahamas; Jamaica; Grenada; Antigua and Barbados; St. Kitts and Nevis
2. Absolute Monarchy: The monarch has full and absolute political power. They can amend, reject, or create laws, represent the country’s interests abroad, appoint political leaders, and so on.
Examples: Saudi Arabia; Vatican City; Eswatini
3. Federal Monarchy: The monarch serves an overall figurehead of the federation of states which have their own governments, or even monarchies, ruling them.
Examples: Malaysia; UAE
4. Mixed Monarchy: This is a situation wherein an absolute monarch may divide powers in distinct ways specific to the country.
Examples: Jordan; Liechtenstein; Morocco