4. Brunei Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah | Getty
Brunei is one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world, and the only one in Asia. As an absolute monarch, the Sultan of Brunei is thus the head of state and head of government. He is the King, Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Minister of Finance and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The Sultan of Brunei's extended name is Hassanal Bolkiah ibni Omar Ali Saifuddien III and he is the 29th and current Yang di-Pertuan (Sultan) of Brunei. He has also held the position of the Prime Minister of the country since they achieved independence from British rule in 1984.
