You’d think they’d be gone by now. Honestly, the idea of a king or queen in 2026 feels like a glitch in the simulation, a leftover from a time when people actually believed certain families had "divine right" to run the show. But here we are. Countries that are kingdoms aren't just historical footnotes or tourist traps for people who like shiny hats; they are functioning, complex, and sometimes incredibly powerful geopolitical players.
When you look at the map, you realize the variety is wild. You have the "fairytale" setups in Europe where the monarch basically just signs papers and cuts ribbons, and then you have places like Saudi Arabia where the King’s word is, quite literally, the law of the land. It’s a spectrum. It’s weird. And it’s way more relevant to global economics and travel than most people realize.
The Different Flavors of Modern Monarchy
Not all countries that are kingdoms work the same way. That's the first mistake people make. They lump the UK's King Charles III in with the Sultan of Brunei. That’s like comparing a decorative garden gnome to a high-security fence. One is there for the vibe; the other is there for a very specific, practical purpose.
The Symbolic Powerhouses
In places like the Netherlands, Norway, and Spain, the monarchy is "constitutional." This basically means the King or Queen is a human mascot for the state. They represent continuity. While the politicians argue over taxes and trash pickup, the monarch stands there as a symbol of "The Nation" that exists above the bickering. It’s a psychological trick that actually works for social stability.
Take Japan, for example. Technically an empire, but it functions like a kingdom. The Emperor is the "symbol of the state," and he has zero political power. Yet, the Japanese monarchy is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world, dating back to roughly 660 BCE according to legend. That kind of history gives a country a sense of gravity that a four-year election cycle just can’t touch.
The Absolute Rulers
Then you have the absolute monarchies. This is where things get real. In countries that are kingdoms like Oman or Eswatini, the monarch is the CEO, the judge, and the jury. There is no parliament that can overrule them. In Saudi Arabia, the King holds the title of Prime Minister and the Crown Prince usually handles the day-to-day grind of running a global oil superpower. If you’re traveling there or doing business, you aren't dealing with a bureaucracy—you’re dealing with a family.
Why Do These Kingdoms Even Survive?
It’s a fair question. Why didn't the 20th century, with its obsession with democracy and republics, just wipe them all out?
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Stability. That’s the short answer.
In many parts of the world, especially the Middle East, the monarchy is the glue. Look at Jordan. King Abdullah II navigates a region that is often on the brink of chaos. The monarchy provides a consistent point of contact for international diplomacy. If the government changes, the King remains. For many, that’s a safety net.
Also, money. Countries that are kingdoms often use the monarchy as a massive branding tool. The British Royal Family is estimated to bring in billions to the UK economy through tourism and the "Royal Warrant" brand value. People pay good money to stand outside a palace they can’t enter, hoping to see a person they’ll never meet. It’s a brilliant business model if you can keep it going for a thousand years.
The Cultural Impact You Can’t Ignore
If you visit Thailand, you’ll notice something immediately: the King’s portrait is everywhere. Everywhere. It’s not just a government requirement; it’s a deep-seated cultural reverence. In Thailand, the monarchy is tied to the very identity of being Thai. There are strict lese-majeste laws, meaning you can get in serious trouble for disrespecting the Crown. It’s a stark reminder that while we might see these figures on social media or in Netflix dramas, for the people living in these countries that are kingdoms, the stakes are much higher.
Then you have the Commonwealth realms. These are independent nations—like Canada, Australia, and Jamaica—that still recognize the British monarch as their head of state. It’s a weird, lingering colonial hangover that is currently being debated in town halls from Kingston to Canberra. Barbados recently pulled the plug and became a republic in 2021. Others might follow, but the process is messy and expensive. Why change the letterhead if the system isn't technically broken?
A Quick Reality Check on the Map
To give you a sense of scale, here is how some of these places break down:
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In Europe, you've got the UK, Belgium, Denmark, Luxembourg (a Grand Duchy, but same energy), Monaco, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden. They are mostly stable, wealthy, and very democratic.
In the Middle East, it’s Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE (which is a federation of monarchies). This is where the political power of a kingdom is at its peak.
In Asia, you have Cambodia, Thailand, Bhutan, and Malaysia. Malaysia has a unique "rotating" monarchy where nine Malay state rulers take turns being the national King for five-year terms. It’s like a royal version of musical chairs, and it actually helps balance power between different regions.
The Economic Engine of the Crown
Let’s talk about the "Royal Effect" on business. If you’re an entrepreneur, countries that are kingdoms offer a unique environment. In absolute or semi-absolute monarchies, decisions move fast. If the King decides a city needs to be built in the desert (like NEOM in Saudi Arabia), it happens. There are no five-year environmental impact studies or public hearings that can stop it indefinitely.
But there’s a flip side. The lack of "rule of law" in the traditional Western sense can be terrifying for investors. If you fall out of favor with the royal court, your business could be over by lunchtime. It’s a high-risk, high-reward environment that requires a lot of "wasta"—a Middle Eastern term for clout or connections.
Travel Etiquette in a Kingdom
If you're heading to one of these places, don't be the "ignorant tourist."
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- Watch your mouth. In Morocco or Thailand, criticizing the King isn't "free speech"—it’s a crime. Even "joking" on Facebook can land you in a cell.
- Respect the symbols. Don't step on money in Thailand (it has the King’s face on it). Don't turn your back on a royal procession in certain cultures.
- Understand the dress code. Many kingdoms are also deeply religious states. The King is often the "Defender of the Faith," so the rules are stricter.
The Future: Are Monarchies Dying?
Probably not. They are just evolving.
We are seeing a move toward "leaner" monarchies. In Sweden and Denmark, the royal families have been "downsizing"—stripping titles from extended family members to save taxpayer money. They know that to survive the 21st century, they have to look less like ancient deities and more like a high-end non-profit organization.
Even the absolute monarchies are changing. They are diversifying their economies away from oil and trying to appeal to Gen Z. They are hosting F1 races, building massive tech hubs, and trying to blend "Royal Tradition" with "Hyper-Modernity." It’s a weird tension. Can you have a TikTok-famous Crown Prince and an absolute throne at the same time? We’re finding out in real-time.
Actionable Steps for the Curious
If you're fascinated by how these power structures work or you're planning to visit one of these nations, here is how to handle it:
- Audit your destination's laws: Before flying to a kingdom, check the lese-majeste laws specifically. What's legal in London might get you deported in Bangkok.
- Follow the money: If you’re an investor, look at the "Sovereign Wealth Funds" of these kingdoms. The Saudi PIF or the Norwegian Pension Fund (technically a kingdom's fund) are the biggest movers of capital on Earth. Understanding the King’s priorities tells you where the global economy is headed.
- Read the local news (with a grain of salt): In many countries that are kingdoms, the press is state-controlled. Comparing the state-run news with international outlets like Reuters or the AP will give you a clear picture of what the monarchy wants the world to believe versus what is actually happening.
- Observe the "Succession" risk: In republics, we know when the next leader is coming. In kingdoms, a King’s health is a matter of national security. If you have business interests in a monarchy, always have a plan for what happens when the crown passes. Transitions are the most volatile moments for these nations.
The world of kingdoms isn't a relic of the past. It's a functioning, breathing part of our modern landscape. Whether it's through the soft power of a British royal wedding or the hard power of an Omani decree, these systems continue to shape how we travel, trade, and understand authority. They aren't going anywhere; they’re just getting better at PR.