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EMPEROR
Sovereign monarch, that is, who does not respond to a higher authority. The term was first used in the Roman Empire and later spread across Europe and America. Today, the only emperor in the world is Akihito of Japan
KING
Has the same powers as the Emperor, with a bonus: religious authority. He usually holds office for life and can rule alone (absolutist monarchy) or with a Parliament (constitutional monarchy)
SULTAN
The name comes from Arabic and means «leadership». It was used by Egyptians, Moroccans, and Ottoman Turks, among others, to designate sovereign rulers. Today, there are still sultans in places like Malaysia and Indonesia.
SHEIK
The title means “elder” in Arabic and is awarded to someone who completes studies in Islamic history, philosophy and culture in college. In recent decades, its use has expanded: in the Persian Gulf it designates influential and powerful men.
POWERFUL BOSSES
Discover other categories of rulers around the world
DICTATOR
Leader with absolute authority who comes to power legally, that is, by elections or appointments – like Hitler, in 1933 – or by coup d’état – like Getúlio Vargas, in 1937
PRESIDENT
He is the head of the executive branch of a democratic country. He can be elected directly or indirectly and commands the work of ministers, governors and mayors.
PRIME MINISTER/ PREMIER/ CHANCELLOR
Head of government in parliamentary countries (the head of state is symbolic). Example: the United Kingdom has a queen, but the prime minister is in charge.
GRAND DUKE
Title of sovereign princes in countries like Austria and Russia, especially from 1500 onwards. He may even be the head of a grand duchy – today, the only one is Luxembourg, owned by Grand Duke Henri
IN GO
It is an Islamic title of nobility, first attached to the military and later to powerful men. Each country uses it in a different way – it even has its own name! Only in Kuwait and Qatar, the emir is the head of government
POPE
He leads the Catholic church, is bishop of Rome and commands the Vatican, an independent territory within the Italian capital. There, the pope commands the legislative, executive and judicial spheres.