List of royalty by net worth
Table:
Rank

Name

Title

Residence

Net worth

Source of wealth

1

Bhumibol Adulyadej
King of Thailand (died 2016)
Thailand
$43.8 billion (2015)[4]
Investments derived from the Bureau of the Crown Property.

2

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Dubai Sheikh

United Arab Emirates

$31.7 billion (April 2011)[a][better source needed]

Chairman of the Emirates Group, Dubai World, Noor Bank, DACC, and Noor Takaful insurance company.

3

Hassanal Bolkiah
Sultan of Brunei
Brunei
$20.0 billion (April 2011)[1][2]
Profits from oil and gas industry.

4

Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud
King of Saudi Arabia (died 2015)
Saudi Arabia
$18.0 billion (April 2011)[1][2]
Profits from oil industry.

5

Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan
President of the United Arab Emirates
Emir of Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
$15.0 billion (April 2011)[1][2]
Investments from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

6

Mohammed VI
King of Morocco
Morocco
$5.7 billion (2015)[8]
Investments in SNI and Siger Holdings.

7

Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates
Emir Sheikh of Dubai
United Arab Emirates
$4.5 billion (April 2011)[1][2]
Majority share of Dubai Holding and investments from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

8

Hans Adam II
Prince of Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein
$3.5 billion (April 2011)[1]
Holdings in the Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation.

9

Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
Emir of Qatar (as of 2011, abdicated 2013)
Qatar
$2.4 billion (April 2011)[1]
From various enterprises.

10

Albert II
Prince of Monaco
Monaco
$1.0 billion (April 2011)[1][2]
Various enterprises, including Société des bains de mer de Monaco and casinos.

11

Karim al-Hussayni
Aga Khan IV
France
$800 million (July 2010)[1]
From various enterprises, including Aga Khan Development Network.

12

Qaboos bin Said al Said
Sultan of Oman (died 2020)
Oman
$700 million (July 2010)[1]
From various enterprises.

13

Elizabeth II
Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms (etc..)
United Kingdom
$450 million (April 2011)[1][2]
From property, jewelry and other assets. See Finances of the British Royal Family.

14

Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah
Emir of Kuwait
Kuwait
$350 million (July 2010)[1]
From various enterprises

15

Beatrix
Queen of the Netherlands (as of 2011, abdicated 2013)
Netherlands
$200 million (April 2011)[1][2]
Holdings in Royal Dutch Shell.

16

Mswati III
King of Eswatini
Eswatini
$100 million (July 2010)[1]
From various enterprises.

Leveraging the tabular data and the context paragraphs listed below.

Provide an answer to this question: What is the net worth of the royal whose residence is a federation of seven emirates ? Respond with the correct answer (omit explanations) in JSON format as {"answer": "YOUR ANSWER"}. Do not introduce information beyond the provided sources.

Bhumibol Adulyadej ( Thai : ภูมิพลอดุลยเดช ; RTGS : Phumiphon Adunyadet ; pronounced [ pʰūː.mí.pʰōn ʔā.dūn.jā.dèːt ] ( listen ) ; see full title below ; 5 December 1927 - 13 October 2016 ) , conferred with the title King Bhumibol the Great in 1987 ( officially conferred by King Vajiralongkorn in 2019 ) , was the ninth monarch of Thailand from the Chakri dynasty , titled Rama IX . Reigning since 9 June 1946 , he was , at the time of his death , the world 's longest-reigning head of state , the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history and the longest-reigning monarch having reigned only as an adult , reigning for 70 years and 126 days . During his reign , he was served by a total of 30 prime ministers beginning with Pridi Banomyong and ending with Prayut Chan-o-cha . Forbes estimated Bhumibol 's fortune - including property and investments managed by the Crown Property Bureau , a unique body that is neither private nor government-owned ( the assets managed by the Bureau were at that time owned by the crown as an institution , not by the monarch as an individual ) - to be US $ 30 billion in 2010 , and he headed the magazine 's list of the world 's richest royals from 2008 to 2013 despite the fact the same magazine also estimated the worth of the British monarchy triple that of the Thai one . In May 2014 , Bhumibol 's wealth was once again listed as US $ 30 billion . After a period of deteriorating health which left him hospitalized on several occasions , Bhumibol died on 13 October 2016 in Siriraj Hospital . He was generally highly revered by the people in Thailand - many even saw him as close to divine . Notable political activists and Thai citizens who criticized the king or the institution of monarchy were often forced into exile or to suffer frequent imprisonments . Yet many cases were dropped before being proceeded or were eventually given royal pardon . His cremation was held on 26 October 2017 at the royal crematorium at Sanam Luang . His son , Maha Vajiralongkorn , succeeded him as King .
The monarchy of Thailand ( whose monarch is referred to as the King of Thailand or historically , King of Siam ; Thai : พระมหากษัตริย์ไทย ) refers to the constitutional monarchy and monarch of the Kingdom of Thailand ( formerly Siam ) . The King of Thailand is the head of state and head of the ruling Royal House of Chakri . Although the current Chakri Dynasty was created in 1782 , the existence of the institution of monarchy in Thailand is traditionally considered to have its roots from the founding of the Sukhothai Kingdom in 1238 , with a brief interregnum from the death of Ekkathat to the accession of Taksin in the 18th century . The institution was transformed into a constitutional monarchy in 1932 after the bloodless Siamese Revolution of 1932 . The monarchy 's official ceremonial residence is the Grand Palace in Bangkok , while the private residence has been at the Dusit Palace . The King of Thailand 's titles include Head of State , Head of the Royal Thai Armed Forces , Adherent of Buddhism and Upholder of religions .
Thailand , [ a ] officially the Kingdom of Thailand and formerly known as Siam , [ b ] is a country at the centre of the Southeast Asian Indochinese Peninsula composed of 76 provinces . At 513,120 km2 ( 198,120 sq mi ) and over 68 million people , Thailand is the world 's 50th-largest country by total area and the 21st-most-populous country . The capital and largest city is Bangkok , a special administrative area . Thailand is bordered to the north by Myanmar and Laos , to the east by Laos and Cambodia , to the south by the Gulf of Thailand and Malaysia , and to the west by the Andaman Sea and the southern extremity of Myanmar . Its maritime boundaries include Vietnam in the Gulf of Thailand to the southeast , and Indonesia and India on the Andaman Sea to the southwest . It is a unitary state . Although nominally the country is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy , the most recent coup , in 2014 , established a de facto military dictatorship under a junta . Tai peoples migrated from southwestern China to mainland Southeast Asia from the 11th century ; the oldest known mention of their presence in the region by the exonym Siamese dates to the 12th century . Various Indianised kingdoms such as the Mon kingdoms , Khmer Empire and Malay states ruled the region , competing with Thai states such as the Kingdoms of Ngoenyang , Sukhothai , Lan Na and Ayutthaya , which rivaled each other . Documented European contact began in 1511 with a Portuguese diplomatic mission to Ayutthaya , now one of the great powers in the region . Ayutthaya reached its peak during cosmopolitan Narai 's reign ( 1656-1688 ) , gradually declining thereafter until being ultimately destroyed in the 1767 Burmese-Siamese War . Taksin ( r. 1767-1782 ) quickly reunified the fragmented territory and established the short-lived Thonburi Kingdom .
The Crown Property Bureau ( CPB ) ( Thai : สำนักงานทรัพย์สินพระมหากษัตริย์ ; RTGS : samnak ngan sap sin phra maha kasat ) is the quasi-government agency responsible for managing the property of the crown of the Kingdom of Thailand . The bureau is legally defined as a juristic person and not a government agency . It has no tax obligations . The king appoints six members of the bureau 's governing board , with the seventh the sitting Minister of Finance of Thailand . It is claimed that crown property does not belong to the king in his private capacity , but to the monarchy as an institution which continues from reign to reign . :282 In 2018 the king was granted full , personal ownership of royal assets thought to be worth at least $ 30bn ( £22bn ) . The Crown Property Bureau , which controlled the royal fortune on behalf of the monarchy , said it transferred ownership of the assets following a change in the law last year .
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum ( Arabic : أحمد بن سعيد آل مكتوم ; born 1 December 1958 ) is president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority , CEO and chairman of the Emirates Group , chairman of Dubai World , and Noor Takaful insurance company . He is the current chancellor of the Middle East 's first research-based postgraduate university The British University in Dubai , chairman of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee , and second vice chairman of the Dubai Executive Council . A billionaire member of Dubai 's ruling Al Maktoum family , he is believed to be one of the world 's wealthiest royals .
Dubai ( /duːˈbaɪ/ doo-BY ; Arabic : دبي Dubay , Gulf Arabic : Arabic pronunciation : [ dʊˈbɑj ] ) is the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) and the capital of the Emirate of Dubai . Located in the eastern part of the Arabian Peninsula on the coast of the Persian Gulf , Dubai aims to be the business hub of Western Asia . It is also a major global transport hub for passengers and cargo . Oil revenue helped accelerate the development of the city , which was already a major mercantile hub . Today , less than 5% of the emirate 's revenue comes from oil . A centre for regional and international trade since the early 20th century , Dubai 's economy relies on revenues from trade , tourism , aviation , real estate , and financial services .
The United Arab Emirates ( UAE ; Arabic : الإمارات العربية المتحدة al-ʾImārāt al-ʿArabīyyah al-Muttaḥidah ) , sometimes simply called the Emirates ( Arabic : الإمارات al-ʾImārāt ) , is a country in Western Asia at the northeast end of the Arabian Peninsula on the Persian Gulf , bordering Oman to the east and Saudi Arabia to the south and west , as well as sharing maritime borders with Qatar to the west and Iran to the north . The sovereign constitutional monarchy is a federation of seven emirates consisting of Abu Dhabi ( which serves as the capital ) , Ajman , Dubai , Fujairah , Ras Al Khaimah , Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain . Their boundaries are complex , with numerous enclaves within the various emirates . Each emirate is governed by a ruler ; together , they jointly form the Federal Supreme Council . One of the rulers serves as the President of the United Arab Emirates . In 2013 , the UAE 's population was 9.2 million , of which 1.4 million are Emirati citizens and 7.8 million are expatriates . Human occupation of the present UAE has been traced back to the emergence of anatomically modern humans from Africa some 125,000 BCE through finds at the Faya-1 site in Mleiha , Sharjah . Burial sites dating back to the Neolithic Age and the Bronze Age include the oldest known such inland site at Jebel Buhais . Known as Magan to the Sumerians , the area was home to a prosperous Bronze Age trading culture during the Umm Al Nar period , which traded between the Indus Valley , Bahrain and Mesopotamia as well as Iran , Bactria and the Levant . The ensuing Wadi Suq period and three Iron Ages saw the emergence of nomadism as well as the development of water management and irrigation systems supporting human settlement in both the coast and interior . The Islamic age of the UAE dates back to the expulsion of the Sasanians and the subsequent Battle of Dibba . The UAE 's long history of trade led to the emergence of Julfar , in the present-day emirate of Ras Al Khaimah , as a major regional trading and maritime hub in the area .
The Emirates Group ( Arabic : مجموعة الإمارات ) is a state-owned Dubai-based international aviation holding company headquartered in Garhoud , Dubai , United Arab Emirates , near Dubai International Airport . The Emirates Group comprises dnata , an aviation services company providing ground handling services at 78 airports , and Emirates Airline , the largest airline in the Middle East . Emirates Airlines flies to over 150 destinations across 6 continents , operating a fleet of over 250 wide-bodied aircraft . The airline has 170 aircraft on order worth US $ 58 billion . [ citation needed ] The Emirates Group has a turnover of approximately US $ 27.9 billion and employs over 103,000 employees across all its business units and associated firms , making it one of the biggest employers in the Middle East . The company is wholly owned by the Government of Dubai directly under the Investment Corporation of Dubai and as part of Dubai Inc .
Dubai World ( Arabic : دبي العالمية ) is an investment company that manages and supervises a portfolio of businesses and projects for the Government of Dubai across a wide range of industry segments and projects that promote Dubai as a hub for commerce and trading . As a subsidiary of Dubai Inc. , it is the emirate 's flag bearer in global investments and has a central role in the direction of Dubai 's economy . Assets include DP World , which caused considerable controversy when trying to take over six US ports , its property arm , Nakheel , which built The Palm Islands and The World developments , and Istithmar World , its investment company . It is chaired by Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum .
Noor Bank ( formerly Noor Islamic Bank ) was established in January 2008 , in Dubai - United Arab Emirates . Among the youngest banks in the country , Noor Bank has achieved significant growth in the past 10 years . Today , in 2018 , the bank is ranked the 11th largest bank in the UAE in terms of asset size . Noor Bank is a full-service Sharia-compliant bank , offering a comprehensive range of products and services - in corporate and personal banking , wealth management , Takaful ( Islamic insurance ) , treasury and trading . It has presence across the country , at multiple locations in Abu Dhabi , Dubai , Sharjah and Al Ain . In addition to the Board of Directors , Noor Bank is also supervised by a Sharia Supervisory Committee , and a team of reputed scholars oversee and ensure Islamic compliance on all legal documentations , financial , products , services and banking matters . Noor Bank is rated A- IDR with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings .
Dubai World Central is the development currently under construction in Dubai , United Arab Emirates . It will be an economic zone to support a number of activities including logistics , aviation , commercial , exhibition , humanitarian , residential and other related businesses around Al Maktoum International Airport with the planned annual capacity of 12 million tonnes of cargo and 160 million passengers . The construction area is two times the size of Hong Kong Island The development will comprise the following sub-development projects :
Noor Takaful Family & Noor Takaful General are sister companies , established in early 2009 , to provide a broad range of Islamic insurance ( Takaful ) general and customised insurance products and services to individuals , families , groups and companies in the UAE market . They are the first such entities to abide by the new Federal Law No . 6 of 2007 , which requires life and non-life insurance businesses to be separate legal entities .
Hassanal Bolkiah ( full name : Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar 'Ali Saifuddien Sa'adul Khairi Waddien Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam ; born 15 July 1946 ) is the 29th and current Sultan and Yang di-Pertuan of Brunei , as well as the Prime Minister of Brunei , making him one of the last absolute monarchs . The eldest son of Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III and Raja Isteri ( Queen ) Pengiran Anak Damit , he succeeded to the throne as the Sultan of Brunei , following the abdication of his father on 5 October 1967 . The sultan has been ranked among the wealthiest individuals in the world . In 2008 , Forbes estimated the sultan 's total peak net worth at US $ 20 billion . After Queen Elizabeth II , the sultan is the world 's second longest-reigning current monarch . On 5 October 2017 , the sultan celebrated his Golden Jubilee to mark the 50th year of his reign on the throne .
The Sultan of Brunei is the head of state and absolute monarch of Brunei . He is the head of government in his capacity as Prime Minister of Brunei . Since independence from the British in 1984 , only one Sultan has reigned , though the royal institution dates back to the 14th century . The Sultan of Brunei can be thought of as synonymous with the ruling House of Bolkiah , with generations being traced from the first sultan , temporarily interrupted by the 13th Sultan , Abdul Hakkul Mubin , who in turn was deposed by a member of the House of Bolkiah . The Sultan 's full title is : His Majesty The Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam .
Brunei ( /bruːˈnaɪ/ ( listen ) broo-NY ) , officially the Nation of Brunei , the Abode of Peace ( Malay : Negara Brunei Darussalam , Jawi : نڬارا بروني دارالسلام ) , is a country located on the north coast of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia . Apart from its coastline with the South China Sea , the country is completely surrounded by the insular Malaysian state of Sarawak . It is separated into two parts by the Sarawak district of Limbang . Brunei is the only sovereign state completely on the island of Borneo ; the remainder of the island 's territory is divided between the nations of Malaysia and Indonesia . Brunei 's population was 428,963 in 2018 . At the peak of the Bruneian Empire , Sultan Bolkiah ( reigned 1485-1528 ) is alleged to have had control over most regions of Borneo , including modern-day Sarawak and Sabah , as well as the Sulu Archipelago off the northeast tip of Borneo , Seludong ( modern-day Manila ) , and the islands off the northwest tip of Borneo . The maritime state was visited by Spain 's Magellan Expedition in 1521 and fought against Spain in the 1578 Castilian War . During the 19th century , the Bruneian Empire began to decline . The Sultanate ceded Sarawak ( Kuching ) to James Brooke and installed him as the White Rajah , and it ceded Sabah to the British North Borneo Chartered Company . In 1888 , Brunei became a British protectorate and was assigned a British resident as colonial manager in 1906 . After the Japanese occupation during World War II , in 1959 a new constitution was written . In 1962 , a small armed rebellion against the monarchy was ended with the help of the British .
Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ( Arabic : عبدالله بن عبدالعزيز آل سعود , Abd Allāh ibn Abd al-Azīz Āl Saūd , Najdi Arabic pronunciation : [ ʢæbˈdɑɫ.ɫɐ ben ˈʢæbdæl ʢæˈziːz ʔæːl sæˈʢuːd ] ; 1 August 1924 - 23 January 2015 ) was King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques from 2005 to his death in 2015 . He ascended to the throne on 1 August 2005 upon the death of his half-brother , King Fahd . Abdullah , like Fahd , was one of the many sons of Ibn Saud , the founder of modern Saudi Arabia . Abdullah held important political posts throughout most of his adult life . In 1961 he became mayor of Mecca , his first public office . The following year , he was appointed commander of the Saudi Arabian National Guard , a post he was still holding when he became king . He also served as deputy defense minister and was named crown prince when Fahd took the throne in 1982 . After King Fahd suffered a serious stroke in 1995 , Abdullah became the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia until ascending the throne a decade later . During his reign he maintained close relations with United States and United Kingdom and bought billions of dollars worth of defense equipment from both states . He also gave women the right to vote for municipal councils and to compete in the Olympics . Furthermore , Abdullah maintained the status quo when there were waves of protest in the kingdom during the Arab Spring . In November 2013 , a BBC report claimed that , due to the close relations it had with Pakistan , Saudi Arabia could obtain nuclear weapons at will from that country .
The King of Saudi Arabia is Saudi Arabia 's absolute monarch who serves as head of state and head of government . He is the head of the Saudi royal family , the House of Saud . The King is called the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques ( خادم الحرمين الشريفين ) , a title that signifies Saudi Arabia 's jurisdiction over the mosques of Masjid al Haram in Mecca and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina , replacing His Majesty in 1986 .
Saudi Arabia , [ c ] officially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , [ d ] is a country in Western Asia constituting the bulk of the Arabian Peninsula . With a land area of approximately 2,150,000 km2 ( 830,000 sq mi ) , Saudi Arabia is geographically the largest sovereign state in Western Asia , the second-largest in the Arab world ( after Algeria ) , the fifth-largest in Asia , and the 12th-largest in the world . Saudi Arabia is bordered by Jordan and Iraq to the north , Kuwait to the northeast , Qatar , Bahrain , and the United Arab Emirates to the east , Oman to the southeast and Yemen to the south ; it is separated from Israel and Egypt by the Gulf of Aqaba . It is the only nation with both a Red Sea coast and a Persian Gulf coast , and most of its terrain consists of arid desert , lowland and mountains . As of October 2018 , the Saudi economy was the largest in the Middle East and the 18th largest in the world . Saudi Arabia also has one of the world 's youngest populations ; 50 percent of its 33.4 million people are under 25 years old . The territory that now constitutes Saudi Arabia was the site of several ancient cultures and civilizations . The prehistory of Saudi Arabia shows some of the earliest traces of human activity in the world . The world 's second-largest religion , Islam , emerged in modern-day Saudi Arabia . In the early 7th century , the Islamic prophet Muhammad united the population of Arabia and created a single Islamic religious polity . Following his death in 632 , his followers rapidly expanded the territory under Muslim rule beyond Arabia , conquering huge and unprecedented swathes of territory ( from the Iberian Peninsula in the West to modern-day Pakistan in the East ) in a matter of decades . Arab dynasties originating from modern-day Saudi Arabia founded the Rashidun ( 632-661 ) , Umayyad ( 661-750 ) , Abbasid ( 750-1517 ) and Fatimid ( 909-1171 ) caliphates as well as numerous other dynasties in Asia , Africa and Europe .
Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan ( Arabic : خليفة بن زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان ; born 7 September 1948 ; referred to as Sheikh Khalifa ) is the current President of the United Arab Emirates , the Emir of Abu Dhabi , the Supreme Commander of the Union Defence Force and the chairman of the Supreme Petroleum Council . Sheikh Khalifa is also chairman of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority , which manages $ 875 billion in assets , the largest amount managed by a nation 's head of state in the world . Collectively , the Al Nahyan family is believed to hold a fortune of $ 150 billion . Sheikh Khalifa succeeded his father , Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan , as Emir of Abu Dhabi on 2 November 2004 and became the President of the UAE the next day . As Crown Prince , he had already de facto carried out some aspects of the presidency since the late 1990s while his father was facing health problems . [ citation needed ] In January 2014 , Khalifa suffered a stroke but was in a stable condition . He has since assumed a lower profile in state affairs , but retained presidential powers . His half brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan now carries out public affairs of the state and day-to-day decision-making of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi .
The president of the United Arab Emirates or the Raʾīs ( Arabic : رَئِـيْـس ) is the head of state of the United Arab Emirates . The president and vice-president are elected every 5 years by the Federal Supreme Council ; while the prime minister is formally appointed by the president , every UAE vice-president simultaneously serves as prime minister as well . Usually , a sheikh from the Emirate of Abu Dhabi holds the presidency and a sheikh from the Emirate of Dubai the premiership . Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is the UAE 's founding father and widely accredited for unifying the seven emirates into one country . He was the UAE 's first president from the nation 's founding until his death on 2 November 2004 . On the following day the Federal Supreme Council elected his son , Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan , to the post . The president is also the commander-in-chief of the UAE Armed Forces . The current president is Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan . Sheikh Khalifa became president on 3 November 2004 , following the death of his father , Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan .
This article lists the rulers of separate states on the territory of the United Arab Emirates , most of which became its Emirates .
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority ( ADIA ) is a sovereign wealth fund owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi ( in the United Arab Emirates ) founded for the purpose of investing funds on behalf of the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi . It manages the Emirate 's excess oil reserves , estimated to be as much as $ 875 billion . Its portfolio grows at an annual rate of about 10% compounded . The fund is a member of the International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds and is therefore signed up to the Santiago Principles on best practice in managing sovereign wealth funds . ADIA has never published how much it has in assets but estimates have been between $ 800 billion to approximately US $ 875 billion . The Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute puts the figure at US $ 792 billion .
Mohammed VI ( Arabic : محمد السادس ; Berber languages : ⴰⴳⴳⵍⵉⴷ ⵎⵓⵃⴰⵎⵎⴷ ⵙⴷⵉⵙ ; born 21 August 1963 ) is the King of Morocco . He is a member of the Alaouite dynasty and ascended to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his father , King Hassan II . In 2019 , his net worth was estimated around US $ 2.1 billion .
This is the list of rulers of Morocco , since the establishment of the first Moroccan state in 789 . The common and formal titles of these rulers has varied , depending on the time period . Since 1957 , the designation King has been used . The annual salary of the King is 488,604 USD .
Morocco ( /məˈrɒkoʊ/ ( listen ) ; Arabic : المغرب , romanized : al-maġhrib , lit . 'place the sun sets ; the west ' ; Standard Moroccan Tamazight : ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ , romanized : lmeɣrib ; French : Maroc ) , officially the Kingdom of Morocco ( Arabic : المملكة المغربية , romanized : al-mamlakah al-maghribiyah , lit . 'The Western Kingdom ' ; Standard Moroccan Tamazight : ⵜⴰⴳⵍⴷⵉⵜ ⵏ ⵍⵎⵖⵔⵉⴱ , romanized : tageldit n lmaɣrib ; French : Royaume du Maroc ) , is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa . It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west , with land border with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to the south ( status disputed ) . Morocco also claims the exclaves of Ceuta , Melilla and Peñón de Vélez de la Gomera , all of them under Spanish jurisdiction , as well as several small Spanish-controlled islands of its coast . The capital is Rabat and the largest city is Casablanca . Morocco spans an area of 710,850 km2 ( 274,460 sq mi ) and has a population of over 36 million . Since the foundation of the first Moroccan state by Idris I in 788 AD , the country has been ruled by a series of independent dynasties , reaching its zenith under Almoravid and Almohad rule , when it spanned parts of Iberia and northwestern Africa . The Marinid and Saadi dynasties resisted foreign domination into the 17th century , allowing Morocco to remain the only northwest African country to avoid Ottoman occupation . The Alaouite dynasty , which rules to this day , seized power in 1631 . The country 's strategic location near the mouth of the Mediterranean attracted the interest of Europe , and in 1912 , Morocco was divided into French and Spanish protectorates , with an international zone in Tangier . It regained its independence in 1956 , and has since remained comparatively stable and prosperous by regional standards , with the fifth largest economy in Africa .
Société Nationale d'Investissement ( SNI ) or National Investment Company , is a large private Moroccan holding company mainly owned by the Moroccan royal family . Headquartered in Casablanca ( Morocco ) , the company was established in 1966 . SNI operates in different fields such as banking , telecommunication , renewable energy businesses and food industry among others . The conglomerate also holds stakes in the countrys largest private companies : AttijariWafa ( Banking ) , Managem ( mining ) , Nareva ( energy firm ) , Lafarge Ciments , and Marjane ( supermarket chain ) . SNI is adopting Pan-Africanism by investing in African countries ( Cameroon , Ivory Coast , Rwanda , Gabon… ) . The holding company used to be the majority shareholder of the now defunct ONA Group , until the activities of the latter were absorbed into the SNI and subsequently disposed of . In 2012 , the company 's consolidated turnover was MAD53 billion and its net income was MAD5 billion .
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ( Arabic : محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم ; Muḥammad bin Rāshid al Maktūm ; born 15 July 1949 ) is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates ( UAE ) , and ruler of the Emirate of Dubai . Since his accession in 2006 , after the death of his brother Sheikh Maktoum , he has undertaken reforms in the UAE 's government , starting with the UAE Federal Government Strategy in April 2007 . In 2010 , he launched the UAE vision 2021 with the aim of making the UAE 'one of the best countries in the world ' by 2021 . He is responsible for the growth of Dubai into a global city , as well as the launch of a number of major enterprises including Emirates Airline , DP World , and the Jumeirah Group . Many of these are held by Dubai Holding , a company with multi-diversified businesses and investments . Sheikh Mohammed has overseen the development of numerous projects in Dubai including the creation of a technology park and a free economic zone , Dubai Internet City , Dubai Media City , the Dubai International Finance Centre , the Palm Islands and the Burj Al Arab hotel . He also drove the construction of Burj Khalifa , the tallest building in the world . A keen equestrian , he is the founder of the Maktoum family-owned Godolphin racing stable and the owner of Darley , a thoroughbred breeding operation with operations in six countries . In 2012 , he rode the horse Madji Du Pont 160 km to take the FEI World Endurance Championship . He is a recognised poet in his native Arabic . He shares a close and friendly relationship with Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan , who is the Crown Prince of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi , and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces .
The prime minister of the United Arab Emirates is the head of government of the United Arab Emirates . While not required by the UAE constitution , the practice is that the emir of Dubai serve as the prime minister and vice president of the UAE . The first prime minister , Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum , took office on 9 December 1971 . He left office on 25 April 1979 and was succeeded by his father Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum , the vice president of the United Arab Emirates . Every prime minister since has also held the title of vice president . Upon the death of Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum on 7 October 1990 , his son Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum became prime minister for a second time . Upon Sheikh Maktoum Al Maktoum 's death on 11 February 2006 while on a visit to the Gold Coast of Australia , his younger brother Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , the current prime minister , succeeded him . The UAE 's prime minister chairs the Council of Ministers , which meets once a week in the capital , Abu Dhabi .
Dubai Holding ( Arabic : دبي القابضة ) is a global investment holding company that develops and manages an extensive portfolio of companies focused on investments , financial services , real estate , specialized business parks , telecommunications and hospitality . Its majority shares are owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , the Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai , and the primary founder of Dubai Inc. Abdulla Al-Habbai has been chosen as chairman by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum .
Hans-Adam II ( Johannes Adam Ferdinand Alois Josef Maria Marco d'Aviano Pius ; born 14 February 1945 ) is the reigning Prince of Liechtenstein . He is the son of Franz Joseph II , Prince of Liechtenstein ( 1906-1989 ) and his wife , Countess Georgina von Wilczek ( 1921-1989 ) . He also bears the titles Duke of Troppau and Jägerndorf , and Count of Rietberg . Hans-Adam is the richest monarch in Europe .
The Prince Regnant of Liechtenstein ( German : Fürst von Liechtenstein ) is the monarch and head of state of Liechtenstein . The princely family of Liechtenstein , after which the sovereign principality was named in 1719 , hails from Liechtenstein Castle in Lower Austria , which the family possessed from at least 1140 to the thirteenth century , and from 1807 onward . It is the only remaining European monarchy that practises strict agnatic primogeniture , meaning only first-born males may inherit the throne .
Liechtenstein ( /ˈlɪktənstaɪn/ ( listen ) LIK-tən-styne ; German : [ ˈlɪçtn̩ʃtaɪn ] ) , officially the Principality of Liechtenstein ( German : Fürstentum Liechtenstein ) , is a German-speaking microstate situated in the Alps and in the southwest of Central Europe . The principality is a semi-constitutional monarchy headed by the Prince of Liechtenstein ; the Prince 's extensive powers are equivalent to those of a President in a semi-presidential system . Liechtenstein is bordered by Switzerland to the west and south and Austria to the east and north . It is Europe 's fourth-smallest country , with an area of just over 160 square kilometres ( 62 square miles ) and a population of 38,557 . Divided into 11 municipalities , its capital is Vaduz , and its largest municipality is Schaan . It is also the smallest country to border two countries . Liechtenstein and Uzbekistan are the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world . Economically , Liechtenstein has one of the highest gross domestic products per person in the world when adjusted for purchasing power parity . It was once known as a billionaire tax haven , but is no longer on any blacklists of uncooperative tax haven countries . An Alpine country , Liechtenstein is mountainous , making it a winter sport destination . The country has a strong financial sector centered in Vaduz . Liechtenstein is a member of the United Nations , the European Free Trade Association , and the Council of Europe , and although not a member of the European Union , it participates in both the Schengen Area and the European Economic Area .
The Prince of Liechtenstein Foundation is a portfolio of private companies , museums , and art collections owned by the Princely Family of Liechtenstein . It is essentially a cap for a multitude of investments , such as the LGT Group , the Hofkellerei Wineries , Wilfersdorf Agricultural and Forest Company , RiceTec , and real estate holdings in Vienna , Austria . As of 2012 , there were 15 companies and 2 museums owned by the Foundation . In late 2009 , rumors speculated that the foundation was attempting to purchase rights to Vaduz FC . However , this has never been confirmed or denied , as of late 2012 . The Foundation also plays national heritage and political roles , opening up a Liechtenstein culture museum , selling the political books that support the royal family , and funding right-leaning politicians . The foundation is a Vaduz-based establishment , created in 1970 , to manage assets of the Princely Portfolio . Prince Hans-Adam II was head of the foundation from 1970 through 1984 , until his brother Prince Philipp Erasmus succeeded him as CEO , Prince Philipp was also the CEO for LGT Group , before being replaced by his nephew Prince Maximilian in 2006 . Before becoming CEO , Prince Philipp was a well-known hedge fund investor , working at the head of many influential investment firms . However , Prince Hans-Adam II is still the main beneficiary of the foundation at the present time . The chairman of Pearson PLC , Glen Moreno , is on the board of trustees at the foundation and also LGT Group . Cuno Pümpin is the chairman of the board of directors at Invision Private Equity AG ; he is also a member of the board of trustees at the foundation and LGT Group .
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani ( Arabic : الشيخ حمد بن خليفة آل ثاني ; born 1 January 1952 ) is a member of the ruling Al Thani Qatari royal family . He was the ruling Emir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 . The Qatari government now refers to him as His Highness the Father Emir . Hamad seized power in a bloodless palace coup d'état in 1995 . During his 18-year rule , Qatar 's natural gas production reached 77 million tonnes , making Qatar the richest country in the world per capita with the average income in the country US $ 86,440 a year per person . During his reign , several sports and diplomatic events took place in Qatar , including the 2006 Asian Games , 2012 UN Climate Change Conference , Doha Agreement , Fatah-Hamas Doha Agreement , and it was decided that the 2022 FIFA World Cup will be held in the country . He established the Qatar Investment Authority ; by 2013 , it had invested over $ 100 billion around the world , most prominently in The Shard , Barclays Bank , Heathrow Airport , Harrods , Paris Saint-Germain F.C. , Volkswagen , Siemens and Royal Dutch Shell . During Hamad 's rule , Qatar hosted two US military bases . It also maintained close relations with Iran . He supported and funded rebel movements , particularly in Libya and Syria during the Arab Spring , while maintaining political stability at home [ ? ] . The Sheikh founded news media group Al Jazeera , through which he maintained his influence over the Arab world . He also played a part in negotiations between the US and the Taliban .
The Emir of the State of Qatar is the monarch and head of state of Qatar , as well as the commander-in-chief of the Qatar Armed Forces and guarantor of the Constitution . It is the most powerful position in the country , and has a prominent role in foreign relations . The Emirs of Qatar are members of the House of Al Thani , which originate from the Banu Tamim , one of the largest tribes in the Arabian Peninsula . Since 25 June 2013 , Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is the current Emir .
Qatar ( /ˈkætɑːr/ , /ˈkɑːtɑːr/ ( listen ) , /ˈkɑːtər/ or /kəˈtɑːr/ ( listen ) ; Arabic : قطر Qaṭar [ ˈqɑtˤɑr ] ; local vernacular pronunciation : [ ˈɡɪtˤɑr ] ) , officially the State of Qatar ( Arabic : دولة قطر Dawlat Qaṭar ) , is a country located in Western Asia , occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula . Whether the sovereign state should be regarded as a constitutional monarchy or an absolute monarchy is disputed . Its sole land border is with neighbouring Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) monarchy Saudi Arabia to the south , with the rest of its territory surrounded by the Persian Gulf . The Gulf of Bahrain , an inlet of the Persian Gulf , separates Qatar from nearby Bahrain . In early 2017 , Qatar 's total population was 2.6 million : 313,000 Qatari citizens and 2.3 million expatriates . Islam is the official religion of Qatar . The country has the highest per capita income in the world . Qatar is classified by the UN as a country of very high human development and is widely regarded as the most advanced Arab state for human development . Qatar is a high-income economy , backed by the world 's third-largest natural gas reserves and oil reserves . Qatar has been ruled by the House of Thani since Mohammed bin Thani signed a treaty with the British in 1868 that recognised its separate status . Following Ottoman rule , Qatar became a British protectorate in the early 20th century until gaining independence in 1971 . In 2003 , the constitution was overwhelmingly approved in a referendum , with almost 98% in favour .
Albert II ( Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre Grimaldi ; born 14 March 1958 ) is the reigning monarch of the Principality of Monaco and head of the princely house of Grimaldi . He is the son of Prince Rainier III and Grace , Princess of Monaco formerly Grace Kelly , the American actress . Prince Albert 's sisters are Caroline , Princess of Hanover , and Princess Stéphanie . In July 2011 , Prince Albert married Charlene Wittstock . Prince Albert II is one of the wealthiest royals in the world , with assets valued at more than $ 1 billion , which include land in Monaco and France . Although Prince Albert does not own the Prince 's Palace of Monaco , he does own shares in the Société des bains de mer de Monaco , which operates Monaco 's casino and other entertainment properties in the principality .
The Sovereign Prince ( French : Prince de Monaco ) or Princess of Monaco ( French : princesse de Monaco ) is the reigning monarch and head of state of the Principality of Monaco . All reigning princes and princesses have officially taken the name of the House of Grimaldi , although some have belonged to other families ( Goyon de Matignon or Polignac ) in the male line . The present reigning prince is Albert II .
Monaco ( /ˈmɒnəkoʊ/ ( listen ) ; French pronunciation : ​ [ mɔnako ] ) , officially the Principality of Monaco ( French : Principauté de Monaco ) , [ a ] is a sovereign city-state , country , and microstate on the French Riviera in Western Europe . France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea . Monaco is about 15 km ( 9.3 mi ) from the state border with Italy . Monaco has an area of 2.02 km2 ( 0.78 sq mi ) , making it the second-smallest country in the world after the Vatican . Its population as of 2018 is 38,682 . With 19,009 inhabitants per square kilometre ( 49,230/sq mi ) , it is the most densely-populated sovereign state in the world . Monaco has a land border of 5.47 km ( 3.40 mi ) , the world 's shortest coastline of approximately 3.83 km ( 2.38 mi ) ( regardless of the coastline paradox ) , and a width that varies between 1,700 and 349 m ( 5,577 and 1,145 ft ) . The highest point in the country is a narrow pathway named Chemin des Révoires on the slopes of Mont Agel , in the Les Révoires Ward , which is 161 metres ( 528 feet ) above sea level . Monaco 's most populous Quartier is Monte Carlo and the most populous Ward is Larvotto/Bas Moulins . Through land reclamation , Monaco 's land mass has expanded by 20 percent . In 2005 , it had an area of only 1.974 km2 ( 0.762 sq mi ) . Monaco is known to be the most expensive and the wealthiest place in the world due to its tax laws .
The Société des Bains de Mer ( SBM ; Euronext : BAIN ; English : Monaco Sea Bath Society ) , officially the Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Étrangers à Monaco ( French : [ sɔsjete de bɛ̃ d ( ə ) mɛʁ e dy sɛʁkl ( ə ) dez‿etʁɑ̃ʒez‿a mɔnako ] ; English : Society of Sea Baths and Circle of Foreigners in Monaco ) , is a publicly traded company registered in the Principality of Monaco . SBM manages and owns the Monte Carlo Casino , the Opéra de Monte-Carlo , and the Hôtel de Paris in Monte Carlo .
Karim al-Husayn Shāh , also known as the Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini outside Ismaili Muslim communities , and by the religious-political title Aga Khan IV to Ismaili communities , KBE , CC ( Arabic : شاه كريم الحسيني، الآقاخان الرابع ; Persian : شاه کریم حسینی، آقاخان چهارم ; Urdu : شاه کریم حسینی، آقاخان چهارم ; Aga Khan is also transliterated as Aqa Khan and Agha Khan ; born 13 December 1936 ) is the 49th and current Imam of Nizari Ismailism , a denomination of Isma'ilism within Shia Islam with an estimated 10-15 million adherents ( 10-12% of the world 's Shia Muslim population ) . The Aga Khan is a business magnate with British and Portuguese citizenship , as well as a racehorse owner and breeder . He has held this position of Imam , under the title of Aga Khan IV , since 11 July 1957 , when , at the age of 20 , he succeeded his grandfather , Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III . It is believed that the Aga Khan is a direct lineal descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad through Muhammad 's cousin and son-in-law , Ali , considered the first Imam in Shia Islam , and Ali 's wife Fatima az-Zahra , Muhammad 's daughter from his first marriage . Aga Khan 's net worth has been estimated to be at $ 13.3 billion as of 2013 . Forbes describes the Aga Khan as one of the world 's ten richest royals . Additionally he is unique among the richest royals as he does not rule over a geographic territory . Among the goals the Aga Khan has said he works toward are the elimination of global poverty ; the promotion and implementation of religious pluralism ; the advancement of the status of women ; and the honoring of Islamic art and architecture . He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network , one of the largest private development networks in the world . The organisation works toward improvement of the environment , health , education , architecture , culture , microfinance , rural development , disaster reduction , the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities . Since his ascension to the Imamate of the Nizari Ismailis in 1957 , the Aga Khan has been involved in complex political and economic changes which have affected his followers , including the independence of African countries from colonial rule , the expulsion of Asians from Uganda , the independence of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union and the continuous turmoil in Afghanistan and Pakistan . Aga Khan IV became the first faith leader to address the Joint Session of the Parliament of Canada on 27 February 2014 .
Karim al-Husayn Shāh , also known as the Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini outside Ismaili Muslim communities , and by the religious-political title Aga Khan IV to Ismaili communities , KBE , CC ( Arabic : شاه كريم الحسيني، الآقاخان الرابع ; Persian : شاه کریم حسینی، آقاخان چهارم ; Urdu : شاه کریم حسینی، آقاخان چهارم ; Aga Khan is also transliterated as Aqa Khan and Agha Khan ; born 13 December 1936 ) is the 49th and current Imam of Nizari Ismailism , a denomination of Isma'ilism within Shia Islam with an estimated 10-15 million adherents ( 10-12% of the world 's Shia Muslim population ) . The Aga Khan is a business magnate with British and Portuguese citizenship , as well as a racehorse owner and breeder . He has held this position of Imam , under the title of Aga Khan IV , since 11 July 1957 , when , at the age of 20 , he succeeded his grandfather , Sir Sultan Muhammad Shah Aga Khan III . It is believed that the Aga Khan is a direct lineal descendant of the Islamic prophet Muhammad through Muhammad 's cousin and son-in-law , Ali , considered the first Imam in Shia Islam , and Ali 's wife Fatima az-Zahra , Muhammad 's daughter from his first marriage . Aga Khan 's net worth has been estimated to be at $ 13.3 billion as of 2013 . Forbes describes the Aga Khan as one of the world 's ten richest royals . Additionally he is unique among the richest royals as he does not rule over a geographic territory . Among the goals the Aga Khan has said he works toward are the elimination of global poverty ; the promotion and implementation of religious pluralism ; the advancement of the status of women ; and the honoring of Islamic art and architecture . He is the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network , one of the largest private development networks in the world . The organisation works toward improvement of the environment , health , education , architecture , culture , microfinance , rural development , disaster reduction , the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities . Since his ascension to the Imamate of the Nizari Ismailis in 1957 , the Aga Khan has been involved in complex political and economic changes which have affected his followers , including the independence of African countries from colonial rule , the expulsion of Asians from Uganda , the independence of Central Asian countries such as Tajikistan from the former Soviet Union and the continuous turmoil in Afghanistan and Pakistan . Aga Khan IV became the first faith leader to address the Joint Session of the Parliament of Canada on 27 February 2014 .
France ( French : [ fʁɑ̃s ] ( listen ) ) , officially the French Republic ( French : République française , pronounced [ ʁepyblik fʁɑ̃sɛːz ] ( listen ) ) , is a country whose territory consists of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories . [ XIII ] The metropolitan area of France extends from the Mediterranean Sea to the English Channel and the North Sea , and from the Rhine to the Atlantic Ocean . It is bordered by Belgium , Luxembourg and Germany to the northeast , Switzerland and Italy to the east , and Andorra and Spain to the south . The overseas territories include French Guiana in South America and several islands in the Atlantic , Pacific and Indian oceans . The country 's 18 integral regions ( five of which are situated overseas ) span a combined area of 643,801 square kilometres ( 248,573 sq mi ) and a total population of 67.02 million ( as of July 2019 [ update ] ) . France is a unitary semi-presidential republic with its capital in Paris , the country 's largest city and main cultural and commercial centre . Other major urban areas include Lyon , Marseille , Toulouse , Bordeaux , Lille and Nice . France , including its overseas territories , has the most number of time zones of any country , with a total of 12 . During the Iron Age , what is now metropolitan France was inhabited by the Gauls , a Celtic people . Rome annexed the area in 51 BC , holding it until the arrival of Germanic Franks in 476 , who formed the Kingdom of Francia . The Treaty of Verdun of 843 partitioned Francia into East Francia , Middle Francia and West Francia . West Francia , which became the Kingdom of France in 987 , emerged as a major European power in the Late Middle Ages , following its victory in the Hundred Years ' War ( 1337-1453 ) .
The Aga Khan Development Network ( AKDN ) is a network of private , non-denominational development agencies founded by the Aga Khan , which work primarily in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa . Aga Khan IV succeeded to the office of the 49th hereditary Imam as spiritual and administrative leader of the Shia faith rooted Nizari Ismaili Muslim supranational union in 1957 . Ismailis consist of an estimated 25-30 million adherents ( about 20% of the world 's Shia Muslim population ) . The network focuses on health , education , culture , rural development , institution building and the promotion of economic development . The AKDN aims to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor , without regard to their faith , origin or gender . Its annual budget for not-for-profit activities is approximately US $ 950 million - mainly in Africa , Asia , and the Middle East . The AKDN works in 30 countries around the world , and it employs over 80,000 paid staff , mostly in developing countries . While the agencies are secular , they are guided by Islamic ethics , which bridge faith and society .
Qaboos bin Said ( Arabic : قابوس بن سعيد , IPA : [ qaː.buːs bin sa.ʕiːd ʔaːl sa.ʕiːd ] ; 18 November 1940 - 10 January 2020 ) was the Sultan of Oman from 23 July 1970 until his death . A fifteenth-generation descendant of the founder of the House of Al Said , he was the longest-serving leader in the Middle East and Arab world at the time of his death . The only son of Sultan Said bin Taimur of Muscat and Oman , Qaboos was educated in England . After graduating from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst , he served briefly in the British Army . He returned to Oman in 1966 and was the subject of considerable restrictions from his father . In 1970 , Qaboos ascended to the Omani throne after overthrowing his father in a coup d'état , with British support . The country was subsequently re-named the Sultanate of Oman . As Sultan , Qaboos implemented a policy of modernization and ended Oman 's international isolation . His reign saw a rise in living standards and development in the country , the abolition of slavery , the end of the Dhofar Rebellion and the promulgation of Oman 's constitution . Suffering from poor health in later life , Qaboos died in 2020 . He had no children , so he named his cousin Haitham bin Tariq his heir .
The Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman is the monarch and head of state of Oman . It is the most powerful position in the country . The sultans of Oman are members of the Al Said dynasty , which is the ruling family of Oman since the mid-18th century . Since 11 January 2020 , Haitham bin Tariq Al Said has been the current sultan .
Oman ( /oʊˈmɑːn/ ( listen ) oh-MAHN ; Arabic : عمان ʻumān [ ʕʊˈmaːn ] ) , officially the Sultanate of Oman ( Arabic : سلطنة عُمان Salṭanat ʻUmān ) , is an Arab country on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula in Western Asia . Its official religion is Islam . Holding a strategically important position at the mouth of the Persian Gulf , the country shares land borders with the United Arab Emirates to the northwest , Saudi Arabia to the west , and Yemen to the southwest , and shares marine borders with Iran and Pakistan . The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the southeast and the Gulf of Oman on the northeast . The Madha and Musandam exclaves are surrounded by the UAE on their land borders , with the Strait of Hormuz ( which it shares with Iran ) and Gulf of Oman forming Musandam 's coastal boundaries . From the late 17th century , the Omani Sultanate was a powerful empire , vying with Portugal and the UK for influence in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean . At its peak in the 19th century , Omani influence or control extended across the Strait of Hormuz to modern-day Iran and Pakistan , and as far south as Zanzibar . When its power declined in the 20th century , the sultanate came under the influence of the United Kingdom . For over 300 years , the relations built between the two empires were based on mutual benefits . The UK recognized Oman 's geographical importance as a trading hub that secured their trade lanes in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean and protected their empire in the Indian sub-continent . Historically , Muscat was the principal trading port of the Persian Gulf region . Muscat was also among the most important trading ports of the Indian Ocean .
Elizabeth II ( Elizabeth Alexandra Mary ; born 21 April 1926 ) [ a ] is Queen of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth realms . [ b ] Elizabeth was born in London as the first child of the Duke and Duchess of York , later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth , and she was educated privately at home . Her father acceded to the throne on the abdication of his brother King Edward VIII in 1936 , from which time she was the heir presumptive . She began to undertake public duties during the Second World War , serving in the Auxiliary Territorial Service . In 1947 , she married Philip , Duke of Edinburgh , a former prince of Greece and Denmark , with whom she has four children : Charles , Prince of Wales ; Anne , Princess Royal ; Prince Andrew , Duke of York ; and Prince Edward , Earl of Wessex . When her father died in February 1952 , Elizabeth became head of the Commonwealth and queen regnant of seven independent Commonwealth countries : the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , New Zealand , South Africa , Pakistan , and Ceylon . She has reigned as a constitutional monarch through major political changes , such as devolution in the United Kingdom , Canadian patriation , and the decolonisation of Africa . Between 1956 and 1992 , the number of her realms varied as territories gained independence , and as realms , including South Africa , Pakistan , and Ceylon ( renamed Sri Lanka ) , became republics . Her many historic visits and meetings include a state visit to the Republic of Ireland and visits to or from five popes . Significant events have included her coronation in 1953 and the celebrations of her Silver , Golden , and Diamond Jubilees in 1977 , 2002 , and 2012 , respectively . In 2017 , she became the first British monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee . She is the longest-lived and longest-reigning British monarch , as well as the world 's longest-serving female head of state , oldest living monarch , longest-reigning current monarch , and the oldest and longest-serving current head of state .
The monarchy of the United Kingdom , commonly referred to as the British monarchy , is the constitutional monarchy of the United Kingdom , its dependencies ( the Bailiwick of Guernsey , the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Isle of Man ) and its overseas territories . The current monarch and head of state is Queen Elizabeth II , who ascended the throne in 1952 . The monarch and their immediate family undertake various official , ceremonial , diplomatic and representational duties . As the monarchy is constitutional the monarch is limited to functions such as bestowing honours and appointing the prime minister , which are performed in a non-partisan manner . The monarch is commander-in-chief of the British Armed Forces . Though the ultimate executive authority over the government is still formally by and through the monarch 's royal prerogative , these powers may only be used according to laws enacted in Parliament and , in practice , within the constraints of convention and precedent . The Government of the United Kingdom is known as Her ( His ) Majesty 's Government . The British monarchy traces its origins from the petty kingdoms of early medieval Scotland and Anglo-Saxon England , which consolidated into the kingdoms of England and Scotland by the 10th century . England was conquered by the Normans in 1066 , after which Wales too gradually came under control of Anglo-Normans . The process was completed in the 13th century when the Principality of Wales became a client state of the English kingdom . Meanwhile , Magna Carta began a process of reducing the English monarch 's political powers . From 1603 , the English and Scottish kingdoms were ruled by a single sovereign .
A Commonwealth realm is a sovereign state [ † 1 ] in which Queen Elizabeth II is the reigning constitutional monarch and head of state . Each realm functions as an independent co-equal kingdom from the other realms . As of 2020 , there are 16 Commonwealth realms : Antigua and Barbuda , Australia , The Bahamas , Barbados , Belize , Canada , Grenada , Jamaica , New Zealand , Papua New Guinea , Saint Kitts and Nevis , Saint Lucia , Saint Vincent and the Grenadines , Solomon Islands , Tuvalu , and the United Kingdom . All 16 Commonwealth realms are members of the Commonwealth of Nations , an intergovernmental organisation of 54 member states . Elizabeth II is head of the Commonwealth . In 1952 , Britain 's proclamation of Elizabeth II 's accession used the term realms to describe the seven sovereign states of which she was queen - the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , New Zealand , South Africa , Pakistan and Ceylon . Since then , new realms have been created through independence of former colonies and dependencies and some realms have become republics .
Elizabeth II ( born 21 April 1926 ) has held numerous titles and honours , both during and before her time as monarch of each of her Commonwealth realms . Each is listed below ; where two dates are shown , the first indicates the date of receiving the title or award ( the title as Princess Elizabeth of York being given as from her birth ) , and the second indicates the date of its loss or renunciation .
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland , commonly known as the United Kingdom ( UK or U.K. ) or Britain , [ note 11 ] is a sovereign country located off the north­western coast of the European mainland . Existing under its current name since 1921 , the United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain , the north­eastern part of the island of Ireland , and many smaller islands . Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland . Otherwise , the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean , with the North Sea to the east , the English Channel to the south and the Celtic Sea to the southwest , giving it the 12th-longest coastline in the world . The Irish Sea separates Great Britain and Ireland . The total area of the United Kingdom is 94,000 square miles ( 240,000 km2 ) . The United Kingdom is a unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy . [ note 12 ] The current monarch is Queen Elizabeth II , who has reigned since 1952 , making her the world 's longest-serving current head of state . The United Kingdom 's capital and largest city is London , a global city and financial centre with an urban area population of 10.3 million . Other major cities include Birmingham , Manchester , Glasgow , Leeds and Liverpool . The United Kingdom consists of four constituent countries : England , Scotland , Wales , and Northern Ireland . Their capitals are London , Edinburgh , Cardiff , and Belfast , respectively .
The finances of the British royal family come from a number of sources . The British government supports the monarch and some other members of the House of Windsor financially by means of the Sovereign Grant , a percentage of the annual profits of the Crown Estate which is intended to meet the costs of the sovereign 's official expenditures . This includes the costs of the upkeep of the various royal residences , staffing , travel and state visits , public engagements , and official entertainment . Other sources of income include revenues from the Duchies of Lancaster and Cornwall , a parliamentary annuity , and income from private investments . The Keeper of the Privy Purse is Head of the Privy Purse and Treasurer 's Office and has overall responsibility for the management of the sovereign 's financial affairs .
Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah GCB ( Hon ) ( Arabic : الشيخ صباح الأحمد الجابر الصباح ; born 16 June 1929 ) is the Emir of Kuwait and the Commander of the Kuwait Military Forces . He was sworn in on 29 January 2006 after confirmation by the National Assembly . He is the fourth son of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah .
The Emir of the State of Kuwait is the monarch and head of state of Kuwait . It is the most powerful position in the country . The emirs of Kuwait are members of the Al-Sabah dynasty , which originate from the Bani Utbah ; a federation of clans in the Arabian Peninsula . Since 29 January 2006 , Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah is the current emir .
Kuwait ( /kʊˈweɪt/ ( listen ) ; Arabic : الكويت al-Kuwait , Gulf Arabic pronunciation : [ ɪl‿ɪkweːt ] or [ lɪkweːt ] ) , officially the State of Kuwait ( Arabic : دولة الكويت Dawlat al-Kuwait ) , is a country in Western Asia . Situated in the northern edge of Eastern Arabia at the tip of the Persian Gulf , it shares borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia . As of 2016 [ update ] , Kuwait has a population of 4.5 million people : 1.3 million are Kuwaitis and 3.2 million are expatriates . Expatriates account for approximately 70% of the population . Oil reserves were discovered in commercial quantities in 1938 . In 1946 , crude oil was exported for the first time . From 1946 to 1982 , the country underwent large-scale modernization . In the 1980s , Kuwait experienced a period of geopolitical instability and an economic crisis following the stock market crash . In 1990 , Kuwait was invaded , and later annexed , by Saddam 's Iraq . The Iraqi occupation of Kuwait came to an end in 1991 after military intervention by a military coalition led by the United States . Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the United States . It is also a major ally of ASEAN , while maintaining a strong relationship with China .
Beatrix ( Beatrix Wilhelmina Armgard , Dutch pronunciation : [ ˈbeːjaːtrɪks ˌʋɪlɦɛlˈminaː ˈʔɑrmɡɑrt ] ( listen ) ; born 31 January 1938 ) is a member of the Dutch royal house who reigned as Queen of the Netherlands from 30 April 1980 until her abdication on 30 April 2013 . Beatrix is the eldest daughter of Queen Juliana and her husband , Prince Bernhard of Lippe-Biesterfeld . Upon her mother 's accession in 1948 , she became heir presumptive . Beatrix attended a public primary school in Canada during World War II , and then finished her primary and secondary education in the Netherlands in the post-war period . In 1961 , she received her law degree from Leiden University . In 1966 , Beatrix married Claus von Amsberg , a German diplomat , with whom she had three children . When her mother abdicated on 30 April 1980 , Beatrix succeeded her as queen . Beatrix 's reign saw the country 's Caribbean possessions reshaped with Aruba 's secession and becoming its own constituent country within the kingdom in 1986 . This was followed by the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010 , which created the new special municipalities of Bonaire , Sint Eustatius , and Saba , and the two new constituent countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten . On Koninginnedag ( Queen 's Day ) , 30 April 2013 , Beatrix abdicated in favour of her eldest son , Willem-Alexander . At the time of her abdication at age 75 , Beatrix was the oldest reigning monarch in the country 's history .
The monarchy of the Netherlands is the constitutional monarchy of the Netherlands . As such , the role and position of the monarch are defined and limited by the Constitution of the Netherlands . Consequently , a large portion of it is devoted to the monarch ; roughly a third of the document describes the succession , mechanisms of accession and abdication to the throne , the roles and responsibilities of the monarch and the formalities of communication between the States General and the role of the monarch in the creation of laws . The Kingdom of the Netherlands has been an independent monarchy since 16 March 1815 , but its one-time sovereign provinces have intermittently been governed by members of the House of Orange-Nassau and the House of Nassau from 1559 to 1747 , since Philip II of Spain appointed William of Orange as stadtholder . William became the leader of the Dutch Revolt and the independent Dutch Republic . As stadtholder , he was followed by several of his descendants . In 1747 , the function of stadtholder became a hereditary position in all Provinces of the thus crowned Dutch Republic . The last stadtholder was William V. His son became the first king as William I . The cycle of monarchs is described in the first section of Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Netherlands , which is dedicated to the cabinet . Willem-Alexander has been King of the Netherlands since 30 April 2013 .
The Netherlands ( Dutch : Nederland , [ ˈneːdərlɑnt ] ( listen ) ) , informally Holland , is a country in Northwestern Europe with some overseas territories in the Caribbean . In Europe , it consists of 12 provinces that border Germany to the east , Belgium to the south , and the North Sea to the northwest , with maritime borders in the North Sea with those countries and the United Kingdom . Together with the Caribbean Netherlands - Bonaire , Sint Eustatius and Saba - it forms a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands . The official language is Dutch and a secondary official language in the province of Friesland is West Frisian . In the north and east of the country , Low Saxon is also spoken , and in the southeast , Limburgish . In the Caribbean Netherlands English and Papiamento are recognised languages . The five largest cities in the Netherlands are Amsterdam , Rotterdam , The Hague , Utrecht and Eindhoven . Amsterdam is the country 's most populous city and nominal capital , while The Hague holds the seat of the States General , Cabinet and Supreme Court . The Port of Rotterdam is the busiest seaport in Europe , and the busiest in any country outside Asia . Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is the busiest airport in the Netherlands , and the third busiest in Europe . The country is a founding member of the EU , Eurozone , G10 , NATO , OECD and WTO , as well as a part of the Schengen Area and the trilateral Benelux Union . It hosts several intergovernmental organisations and international courts , many of which are centered in The Hague , which is consequently dubbed 'the world 's legal capital ' .
Royal Dutch Shell PLC , commonly known as Shell , is a British-Dutch oil and gas company headquartered in the Netherlands and incorporated in the United Kingdom . It is one of the oil and gas supermajors and the third-largest company in the world measured by 2018 revenues ( and the largest based in Europe ) . In the 2019 Forbes Global 2000 , Shell was ranked as the ninth-largest company in the world ( and the largest outside China and the United States ) , and the largest energy company . Shell was first in the 2013 Fortune Global 500 list of the world 's largest companies ; in that year its revenues were equivalent to 84% of the Dutch national $ 556 billion GDP . Shell is vertically integrated and is active in every area of the oil and gas industry , including exploration and production , refining , transport , distribution and marketing , petrochemicals , power generation and trading . It also has renewable energy activities , including biofuels , wind , energy-kite systems , and hydrogen . Shell has operations in over 70 countries , produces around 3.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day and has 44,000 service stations worldwide . As of 31 December 2014 , Shell had total proved reserves of 13.7 billion barrels ( 2.18×109 m3 ) of oil equivalent . [ note 1 ] Shell Oil Company , its principal subsidiary in the United States , is one of its largest businesses . Shell holds 50% of Raízen , a joint venture with Cosan , which is the third-largest Brazil-based energy company by revenues and a major producer of ethanol . Shell was formed in 1907 through the amalgamation of the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company of the Netherlands and the Shell Transport and Trading Company of the United Kingdom . Until its unification in 2005 the firm operated as a dual-listed company , whereby the British and Dutch companies maintained their legal existence but operated as a single-unit partnership for business purposes .
Mswati III ( born Makhosetive ; 19 April 1968 ) is the king ( Swazi : Ngwenyama , Ingwenyama yemaSwati ) of Eswatini and head of the Swazi Royal Family . He was born in Manzini in the Protectorate of Swaziland to King Sobhuza II and one of his younger wives , Ntfombi Tfwala . He was crowned as Mswati III , Ingwenyama and King of Swaziland , on 25 April 1986 at the age of 18 , thus becoming the youngest ruling monarch in the world at that time . Together with his mother , Ntfombi Tfwala , now Queen Mother ( Ndlovukati ) , he rules the country as an absolute monarch . Mswati III is known for his practice of polygamy ( although at least two wives are appointed by the state ) and currently has 15 wives . His policies and lavish lifestyle have led to local protests and international criticism .
Ngwenyama ( also Ingwenyama ) is the title of the male ruler ( King ) of Eswatini . The Ngwenyama is the counterpart of the Ndlovukati . Ingwenyama means Lion in SiSwati , but in an honorific sense , as opposed to libhubesi , the usual way of referring to actual lions . The title is sometimes written Ingwenyama , iNgwenyama , or ingwenyama , with the prefix i- ( plural ti- , tiNgwenyama ) , meaning the king . The current king is Mswati III .
Eswatini ( /ˌɛswɑːˈtiːni/ ESS-wah-TEE-nee ; Swazi : eSwatini [ ɛswáˈtʼiːni ] ) , officially the Kingdom of Eswatini ( Swazi : Umbuso weSwatini ) and also known as Swaziland ( /ˈswɑːzilænd/ SWAH-zee-land ; officially renamed in 2018 ) , is a landlocked country in Southern Africa . It is bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north , west , and south . At no more than 200 kilometres ( 120 mi ) north to south and 130 kilometres ( 81 mi ) east to west , Eswatini is one of the smallest countries in Africa ; despite this , its climate and topography are diverse , ranging from a cool and mountainous highveld to a hot and dry lowveld . The population is composed primarily of ethnic Swazis . The language is Swazi ( siSwati in native form ) . The Swazis established their kingdom in the mid-18th century under the leadership of Ngwane III . The country and the Swazi take their names from Mswati II , the 19th-century king under whose rule Swazi territory was expanded and unified ; the present boundaries were drawn up in 1881 in the midst of the Scramble for Africa . After the Second Boer War , the kingdom , under the name of Swaziland , was a British protectorate from 1903 until it regained its independence on 6 September 1968 . In April 2018 , the official name was changed from Kingdom of Swaziland to Kingdom of Eswatini , mirroring the name commonly used in Swazi . The government is an absolute monarchy , ruled by King Mswati III since 1986 . Elections are held every five years to determine the House of Assembly and the Senate majority . The current constitution was adopted in 2005 .