Nepal’s lawmakers abolish country’s monarchy

Published 11:00 am Wednesday, May 28, 2008

KATMANDU, Nepal — Nepal’s lawmakers have abolished the monarchy and declared the country a republic, ending 239 years of royal rule in the Himalayan nation.

The newly elected assembly adopted the resolution at its first meeting Wednesday by an overwhelming majority and has given the king 15 days to leave his palace in central Katmandu.

There was no immediate reaction from the palace, which has rarely commented on political developments in Nepal since King Gyanendra was forced to end his royal dictatorship after widespread protests two years ago.

The country’s former rebels, the Maoists, then ended their 10-year communist insurgency, and in April won the most seats in the assembly, setting the stage for the end of Nepal’s monarchy.

A look at some of world’s remaining monarchies

Nepal ended 239 years of royal rule on Wednesday. The last time a monarchy was abolished was in May 2007 when Samoa’s king died.

Some of the world’s remaining ruling monarchies:

Bahrain, constitutional monarchy: King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa.

Bhutan, constitutional monarchy: King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Elections in March ended the country’s absolute monarchy, with the king ceding most of his powers.

Brunei, constitutional sultanate: Sultan and Prime Minister Sir Hassanal Bolkiah.

Jordan, constitutional monarchy: King Abdullah II.

Kuwait, constitutional emirate: Sheik Sabah Al Ahmed Al Sabah.

Oman, monarchy: Sultan and Prime Minister Qaboos bin Said.

Qatar, emirate: Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifah al-Thani.

Saudi Arabia, monarchy: King and Prime Minister Abdullah.

Swaziland, monarchy: King Mswati III.

United Arab Emirates, federation of emirates: President Sheik Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Source: CIA World Factbook