There are three reigning kings left in Africa.
Africa's Remaining Monarchies
Currently, only three recognized monarchies with reigning kings persist on the African continent. These include the Kingdom of Morocco, and the two southern African nations: the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Kingdom of Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland). Each of these nations maintains a distinct form of monarchy, reflecting their unique historical and political paths.
Overview of African Monarchies
The remaining kingdoms in Africa are:
| Country | Monarch | Type of Monarchy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | King Mohammed VI | Constitutional Monarchy | The monarch holds significant political and religious authority. |
| Lesotho | King Letsie III | Constitutional Monarchy | A landlocked enclaved country entirely within South Africa. |
| Eswatini | King Mswati III | Absolute Monarchy | One of the world's last remaining absolute monarchies. |
Both Morocco and Lesotho operate under a constitutional monarchy system, where the king serves as head of state but governs within the bounds of a constitution, with executive power typically exercised by an elected government. In contrast, Eswatini stands out as one of the very few nations globally that still operates under an absolute monarchy, where the king holds supreme and unrestricted power.
The Rarity of Royalty in Modern Africa
The existence of so few monarchies in Africa today is a testament to the continent's post-colonial trajectory. Following widespread decolonization in the mid-20th century, most newly independent African nations opted for republican forms of government, replacing traditional or colonial-era monarchies with presidential or parliamentary systems. The three remaining kingdoms represent a small, yet significant, part of Africa's diverse political landscape, preserving ancient traditions and unique forms of governance. For further context on global monarchies, you can explore resources like Wikipedia's list of current monarchies.
