The nation in Southwest Asia that has an absolute monarchy is Saudi Arabia. In this system, the king has extensive powers and governs the country without constitutional limitations. Unlike constitutional monarchies, where the monarch’s powers are restricted by laws or a constitution, an absolute monarchy allows the ruler to make decisions without the need for approval from a legislative body.
Saudi Arabia’s monarchy has a long history, with the current King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud having ascended to the throne in 2015. The royal family wields significant power in all areas of governance, including the judiciary and legislature. This system is rooted in tribal and religious traditions, where the king is seen as both a protector of the faith (Islam) and the nation.
In practice, this means that issues such as human rights, freedom of speech, and political opposition are heavily restricted. The stability of the monarchy has allowed for relative economic development in the country, particularly due to its vast oil reserves, but it has also faced criticism for its lack of democratic processes.