When the 21st century began, the world had almost 200 different countries. Most nations have one of five main types of government.
In a democracy, the government is run by the people, for the people. Switzerland is one example of a democracy.
A republic is a type of democracy where people elect leaders to represent them, with one main leader. The United States is a constitutional republic, and its main leader is the president.
In communist countries like China, most businesses and resources belong to the government, not private citizens. The government provides services like health care and education.
A monarchy has a royal ruler, like a king or queen. Some monarchs, like Britain’s king, are heads of state but have limited power. Other monarchs, like Saudi Arabia’s king, are supreme rulers.
In a dictatorship, one person takes complete control, usually by force. Fidel Castro was a famous dictator who ruled Cuba from 1959 through 2008.
