Step-by-step explanation:
Absolute monarchy[1][2] (or absolutism as doctrine) is a form of monarchy in which the monarch is the only one to decide and therefore rules on his own. In this kind of monarchy, the king is usually limited by a constitution. However in some of these monarchies, the king is by no means limited and has absolute power.[3] These are often hereditary monarchies. On the other hand, in constitutional monarchies to which the authority of the head of state which is also bound or restricted by the constitution, a legislator or unwritten customs, the king is not the only one to decide, his entourage also exercises power, mainly the prime minister.[3]
World's states coloured by form of government1
Full presidential republics2 Semi-presidential republics2
Republics with an executive president elected by or nominated by the legislature that may or may not be subject to parliamentary confidence Parliamentary republics2
Parliamentary constitutional monarchies Parliamentary semi-constitutional monarchies which have a separate head of government but where royalty holds significant executive and/or legislative power
Absolute monarchies One-party states
Countries where constitutional provisions for government have been suspended (e.g. military dictatorships) Countries which do not fit any of the above systems (e.g. provisional governments/unclear political situations)
1 This map was compiled according to the Wikipedia list of countries by system of government. See there for sources.
2 Several states constitutionally deemed to be multiparty republics are broadly described by outsiders as authoritarian states. This map presents only the de jure form of government, and not the de facto degree of democracy.
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