On April 30 Emperor Akihito of Japan will abdicate his seat on the Chrysanthemum Throne to make way for his son to rule and usher in the new imperial era of Reiwa in the country.
Many countries still feature some form of monarchy. The titles of these monarchs vary, defined by the country’s traditions and language. Most monarchies are constitutional, having largely ceremonial roles. Some, however, have absolute power, while a small number are elective and one is a co-regency – when two or more people share a monarchical position.
The following are some of the countries that have monarchs, listed alphabetically.