Asia's Monarchies

The Japanese Imperial Family is the oldest hereditary monarchy in the world, dating back to the sixth century BC; however, its central role in Japan has not shielded the family from controversy in recent years.

After winning a landslide in Bhutan's first parliamentary elections, the governing party pledges to follow the policies of the absolute monarchy it is replacing; this remote, beautiful country truly is in the throes of a noble experiment.

The National Assembly has chosen Sihamoni as its next monarch.

In 2008, Nepal's royalty was ousted from power, forced out of their palaces, and the country began a new era as a republic. The story of the fall of the House of Shah is one of bloodshed, betrayal, and intrigue. The transformation from kingdom to a republic was swift, dramatic.

Brunei may be one of the richest nations in the world, but financial problems have beset even their royal house. The sultan has recently made moves towards some form of partial democracy. However, it is up to him whether or not he introduces it. Why did he make a move to do so, and then let it drop?