Countries and regimes

Afghanistan

Theocratic emirate

An Islamic emirate ruled by the Taliban since 2021, Afghanistan is governed by a clerical supreme leader who imposes a strict interpretation of sharia, bars women from education and work, and faces economic crisis and isolation.

Alabama (United States)

Conservative-religious region

A southern US state led by Kay Ivey and a Republican supermajority, with an abortion ban in force since 2019, low taxation, and recent laws placing prayer and the Ten Commandments in public schools.

Alaska (United States)

Rentier frontier region

The largest US state and one of the least densely populated, Alaska lives off oil, pays every resident an annual dividend from its Permanent Fund, levies no state income tax, and has a strong gun culture, Native corporations and distrust of the federal government.

Albania

Secular parliamentary republic

A Muslim-majority parliamentary republic in the Balkans, Albania is a secular state with strong interfaith coexistence, a market economy after the end of Enver Hoxha's communist regime, NATO membership, and candidacy for the European Union.

Algeria

Military-backed presidential republic

Born from the war of independence against France, Algeria is an army-dominated republic with Islam as the state religion, a state-run economy dependent on oil and gas, a non-aligned foreign policy and repression of the Hirak movement.

Angola

Oil-based dominant-party presidentialism

A presidential republic ruled by the MPLA since independence from Portugal in 1975, Angola emerged from civil war in 2002, lives on oil and diamonds, concentrates power in President Lourenco and faces inequality and cost-of-living protests.

Argentina

Federal republic with market reforms

A presidential federal republic, Argentina under Javier Milei since 2023 pursues fiscal restraint, deregulation and privatization while retaining public services and aligning with the United States and Israel, breaking with Peronism.

Arizona (United States)

Divided border region

A southwestern state led by Democrat Katie Hobbs and a Republican legislature. It protects abortion until viability, vetoes religious laws, enforces the Proposition 314 border checks, and charges a flat 2.5% income tax.

Arkansas (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Sarah Huckabee Sanders governs with a Republican supermajority. A near-total abortion ban, a Ten Commandments law under appeal, ARHOME Medicaid, and a 3.7% top income-tax rate are in force.

Armenia

National-diasporic republic

A semi-presidential republic in the Caucasus, Armenia combines Christian national identity and historical rivalry with Azerbaijan and Turkey, seeking balance between Russia, the West, and Iran.

Australia

Multicultural-extractive monarchy

A federal parliamentary monarchy, Australia unites stable democracy, multiculturalism, and a market economy rich in natural resources, with strong alignment with the West and rigorous, selective migration policies.

Austria

Social-neutralist republic

A parliamentary federal republic in Central Europe, Austria combines military neutrality, a robust welfare state, a social market economy, a moderate Catholic-secular culture, and deep integration into the European Union.

Azerbaijan

Authoritarian petrostate presidential republic

An authoritarian presidential republic of the Aliyev family in the Caucasus, Azerbaijan is Shia-majority but a secular state, lives on oil and gas and retook Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023, allied with Turkey and balanced between Russia and Israel.

Bahrain

Sunni Gulf monarchy

A Persian Gulf monarchy ruled by the Sunni Al Khalifa dynasty over a Shia majority, Bahrain combines a liberalized financial hub, a parliament with limited powers, repression of the opposition since 2011, and alignment with Saudi Arabia and the US.

Bali (Indonesia)

Hindu-majority island province

An island province of Indonesia, Bali is the only Hindu-majority one in a Muslim-majority country, with a religious culture that organizes life, temples and the calendar, a tourism economy and tension between tradition, migration and overdevelopment.

Bangladesh

Unstable secular parliamentary republic

A Muslim-majority parliamentary republic with a secular constitution, Bangladesh is marked by rivalry between parties and the army, ousted Prime Minister Hasina in 2024 and exports mainly textiles, with large remittances.

Basque Country (Spain)

Foral autonomous community

An autonomous Spanish community comprising Araba, Bizkaia and Gipuzkoa, with its own parliament, co-official Basque language and distinctive fiscal autonomy. Basque nationalism and historic provincial institutions shape regional politics.

Bavaria (Germany)

Conservative-industrial region

Germany's largest federal state, Bavaria combines strong regional identity and Catholicism, historic dominance by the CSU, cutting-edge industry (BMW, Siemens), and active defense of its fiscal and cultural autonomy from Berlin.

Belarus

Statist-personalist autocracy

A post-Soviet presidential republic, Belarus is ruled by an authoritarian, personalist regime, with strong state control of the economy, repression of the opposition, and a close political alliance with Russia.

Belgium

Federal parliamentary monarchy

Federal parliamentary monarchy made up of three regions and three linguistic communities, with competitive elections, broad social protection, and an open economy integrated into the European Union. National politics combines multiparty coalitions, regional autonomy, and guarantees of religious freedom.

Bhutan

Buddhist-conservationist monarchy

A small Himalayan kingdom, Bhutan combines a Buddhist constitutional monarchy, strong protection of traditional culture and nature, and Gross National Happiness as its compass of government, with cautious openness to the outside world.

Bolivia

Plurinational-popular republic

An Andean presidential republic, Bolivia is marked by indigenous leadership, the defense of natural resources, and a plurinational state project that unites economic nationalism and broad popular participation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Supervised ethnoconfessional federation

A post-Dayton state split between the Croat-Bosniak Federation and the Serb Republika Srpska, Bosnia has a tripartite ethnic presidency, an international high representative, politics stalled by ethnic vetoes and a European Union candidacy.

Brazil

Social-developmentalist republic

The largest country in Latin America, Brazil is a democratic presidential federal republic with a mixed economy, broad social policies, and strong regional, cultural, and political diversity that shapes its electoral disputes.

Brunei

Islamic absolute sultanate

An oil- and gas-rich absolute sultanate, Brunei is ruled by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah as head of state and government, with a sharia penal code since 2014, tax-free welfare and the official ideology of the Malay Islamic Monarchy.

Bulgaria

Oligarchic-Orthodox parliamentary republic

A parliamentary republic with an Orthodox majority, Bulgaria belongs to the EU and NATO, with a low flat tax, chronic political instability, oligarchs and corruption, historic ties to Russia, a nuclear plant, a Roma minority and conservative laws on gender.

Burkina Faso

Sovereigntist pan-African military republic

Sahel country ruled by a military junta led by Ibrahim Traoré, which dissolved political parties in 2026, postponed elections, nationalized gold mines, left ECOWAS and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), with a sovereigntist, Pan-Africanist rhetoric inherited from Sankara.

California (United States)

Techno-progressive region

The most populous US state, California is a global hub of technology and culture, with strongly progressive, environmentalist, and technocratic politics and a gigantic, innovative market economy.

Cambodia

Dominant-party dynastic autocracy

A constitutional monarchy in name, Cambodia has been dominated for four decades by Hun Sen and now by his son Hun Manet, with a banned opposition, controlled press, a garment and tourism economy and strong Chinese influence.

Cameroon

Bilingual presidential autocracy

A bilingual presidential republic, Cameroon has been ruled by Paul Biya since 1982, with centralized power, a separatist war in the Anglophone regions, a Boko Haram threat in the north and an oil and cocoa economy.

Canada

Multicultural-welfare monarchy

A federal parliamentary monarchy, Canada combines stable democracy, multiculturalism, a broad welfare state, and a market economy rich in natural resources, with a strong commitment to rights and diversity.

Cape Verde

Island semi-presidential democracy

A Portuguese-speaking archipelago off West Africa, Cape Verde is one of the continent's most stable democracies, with semi-presidentialism, peaceful alternation of power, a tourism and diaspora-remittance economy, a Catholic majority and relatively liberal customs.

Catalonia (Spain)

Independentist-industrial region

An autonomous region in northeastern Spain, Catalonia combines its own national identity and language, an industrial, cosmopolitan economy, progressive social politics, and a strong independence movement that culminated in the 2017 referendum.

Chile

Progressive-liberal republic

A South American presidential republic, Chile combines stable democracy, an open market economy, and a strong social and progressive agenda, a legacy of redemocratization after Pinochet's military dictatorship.

China

One-party industrial socialism

A single-party socialist state, China unites the absolute political control of the Communist Party with a state-directed market economy, becoming a global industrial, technological, and geopolitical power.

Chongqing (China)

Industrial dirigiste municipality

China's largest directly administered municipality, Chongqing combines heavy industry, a car-making base and freight trains to Europe with Bo Xilai's "Chongqing model" (public housing, anti-crime campaign, "red songs"), ended in 2012.

Colombia

Catholic-pacifying republic

A South American presidential republic, Colombia combines democracy, a strong Catholic tradition, and a market economy, seeking to consolidate peace after decades of armed conflict under an unprecedented left-wing government.

Colorado (United States)

Liberal Democratic region

In October 2026 Democrat Jared Polis governs with a Democratic majority. Abortion is protected, cannabis and psychedelics are legal, the TABOR tax cap still applies, and clean-energy targets are in force. Polis leaves office in January 2027.

Connecticut (United States)

New England Democratic region

A New England state led by Democrat Ned Lamont since 2019. It keeps the middle-class tax cut and a spending cap, protects abortion, restricts guns, and limits cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

Costa Rica

Liberal-pacifist republic

A presidential republic in Central America, Costa Rica stands out for abolishing its armed forces, its consolidated democracy, its environmental commitment, and a tradition of political stability and peace in the region.

Croatia

Catholic-touristic parliamentary republic

A Catholic parliamentary republic, Croatia belongs to the EU, the euro, Schengen and NATO, with a dominant Adriatic tourism sector, long-lasting HDZ governments, a contested memory of the war of independence, a Serb minority and a Church influential on family issues.

Cuba

One-party egalitarian socialism

A single-party socialist state in the Caribbean, Cuba maintains a planned economy, strong state control, and universal public services, with power centralized since the revolution led by Fidel Castro in 1959.

Cyprus

Divided presidential republic

A presidential republic of the EU, divided since the Turkish invasion of 1974, with an occupied north recognized only by Turkey, an influential Orthodox Church, a services and finance economy, sovereign British bases, a strong communist party and a peace plan rejected in 2004.

Czechia

Liberal-secular republic

A parliamentary republic in Central Europe, Czechia combines a consolidated liberal democracy, a strong secular tradition, an industrialized market economy, and integration into the European Union after the end of the socialist bloc.

Dagestan (Russia)

Tutelary Muslim region

A republic of the Russian Federation in the North Caucasus, Dagestan is multiethnic and Sunni Muslim-majority, with strong Sufi religiosity, local clans, dependence on subsidies from Moscow, repression of radical Islamism, and little real autonomy.

Delaware (United States)

Corporate Democratic region

In October 2026 Matt Meyer governs in a Democratic trifecta. The state remains a hub for business charters, with abortion protections and limits on cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Meyer has a 27–14 House and a 15–6 Senate.

Denmark

Social-competitive monarchy

A Nordic parliamentary monarchy, Denmark combines a generous welfare state, high taxes, and a competitive market economy, pairing strong social equality with more restrictive migration policies.

DR Congo

Fragile presidential republic at war

The second-largest country in Africa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is led by Tshisekedi, with a fragile state, war in the east against M23 and other militias, vast cobalt and copper wealth and a legacy of Mobutism and Belgian rule.

Ecuador

Presidential republic

An Andean republic dollarized since 2000, Ecuador is governed by Daniel Noboa, who declared an internal armed conflict against organized crime and deployed soldiers in the streets and prisons, but saw foreign military bases rejected in a 2025 referendum.

Egypt

Military-statist regime

An Arab presidential republic, Egypt is governed by an authoritarian regime with heavy military weight, which prioritizes security and stability, controls the opposition, and directs much of the economy through the state.

El Salvador

Security-digital republic

A presidential republic in Central America, El Salvador gained prominence for its tough security policy against gangs and its adoption of bitcoin, uniting strong popular support and the concentration of power in the executive.

England (United Kingdom)

Liberal-conservative constituent country

The largest constituent country of the United Kingdom, England is governed directly by Westminster with no parliament of its own, with an established Church of England, a public health service (NHS), a financial centre in London, a Brexit majority and a growing populist vote.

Estonia

Digital-Atlantic republic

A Baltic parliamentary republic, Estonia unites liberal democracy, an open economy, an advanced digital state, and strong Euro-Atlantic alignment, remaining vigilant about national sovereignty in the face of Russian pressure.

Ethiopia

Ethnic federation under a dominant party

An ethnic federation in East Africa and a never-colonized state, Ethiopia is led by Abiy Ahmed and the Prosperity Party, emerging from the Tigray war, with ethnic tensions and an opening state economy, plus the Renaissance Dam.

European Union

Regulatory supranational union

A supranational political and economic union, the European Union integrates democratic states through shared institutions, a common market, coordinated regulation, free movement, and a strong commitment to rights, secularism, and international cooperation.

Finland

Social-defensive republic

A Nordic parliamentary republic, Finland combines a welfare state, social market economy, high educational and technological performance, progressive values, and a strategic culture shaped by territorial defense and its border with Russia.

Florida (United States)

Conservative-touristic region

A US state with a conservative, pro-market profile, Florida combines low taxation, tourism, intense immigration, combative cultural politics, and a state government active in security and education.

France

Social-republican republic

A European semi-presidential republic, France combines a strong republican and secular tradition, a robust welfare state, a mixed economy, and a prominent diplomatic, cultural, and military role in the European Union and the world.

Georgia

Westernizing-frontier republic

A semi-presidential republic in the Caucasus, Georgia pursues integration with the European Union and NATO, maintains an open market economy, and faces Russian occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia since 2008.

Georgia (United States)

Southern Republican region

In October 2026 Brian Kemp governs with a Republican majority. The LIFE Act on abortion, an income-tax rate cut to 4.99%, and laws against sanctuary cities and for official English are in force. Kemp has a 100–80 House and a 33–23 Senate.

Germany

Social-exporting republic

A parliamentary federal republic, Germany is Europe's largest economy, with a social market economy, a strong export industry, and a central role in the European Union, uniting democratic stability and geopolitical weight.

Ghana

Stable presidential democracy

A stable presidential republic in West Africa, Ghana has had peaceful alternation of power since 1992, a free press and civil society, an economy of cocoa, gold and oil, a Pentecostal Christian majority and IMF-backed debt restructuring.

Greece

Parliamentary republic

A southeastern European parliamentary democracy with the Orthodox Church recognized in its constitution, Greece overcame the debt crisis under EU-imposed austerity, is governed by Kyriakos Mitsotakis's New Democracy and legalized same-sex marriage in 2024.

Greenland (Denmark)

Arctic-social autonomous territory

An autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has its own government and parliament, an Inuit majority, a fishing economy sustained by Danish subsidies, public health and education, a debate over independence and an Arctic contest over minerals and military bases.

Gujarat (India)

Mercantile Hindutva Indian state

A state in western India and Narendra Modi's home, Gujarat has a vegetarian, Jain-influenced commercial culture, an industrial and export economy, the pro-business 'Gujarat model', alcohol prohibition and BJP dominance, and was a laboratory of Hindu nationalism.

Guyana

Rising oil presidential republic

An English-speaking South American presidential republic, Guyana has enjoyed an offshore oil boom since 2019, with among the world's highest growth, politics split between Indo-Guyanese and Afro-Guyanese and a dispute over Essequibo with Venezuela.

Hawaii (United States)

Insular social region

An archipelago led by Democrat Josh Green and a Democratic majority. It has one statewide school district, abortion legal since 1970, employer health insurance required since 1974, and a green fee on tourism.

Hong Kong (China)

Technocratic-financial region

A global financial center, Hong Kong is an autonomous region of strong free-market capitalism and technocratic management, whose broad autonomy has been increasingly restricted by mainland China's political control.

Hungary

National-illiberal republic

A parliamentary republic in Eastern Europe, Hungary is governed under so-called illiberal democracy, uniting nationalism, Christian conservatism, sovereignty vis-à-vis the European Union, and strong control of media and institutions.

Iceland

Social-pacifist republic

A Nordic parliamentary republic, Iceland combines stable democracy, a welfare state, an open market economy, a highly secular and progressive society, strong institutional trust, and a peaceful foreign policy without permanent armed forces.

Idaho (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Brad Little governs with a Republican supermajority. The state keeps a broad abortion ban, low taxation, and laws restricting gender-related care for minors. The Senate is 29–6 and the House is 61–9.

Illinois (United States)

Metropolitan-union region

A Midwestern state dominated by Chicago, Illinois combines a Democratic political machine with a history of corruption, strong public-sector unions, a huge pension debt, strict gun laws, liberalized social policy and a conservative agricultural interior.

India

Hindu-majority federal republic

The world's largest democracy, India is a federal parliamentary republic of 1.4 billion people, governed since 2014 by Narendra Modi and the BJP, with rising Hindu nationalism, a fast-growing economy and a foreign policy of strategic autonomy.

Indiana (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Mike Braun governs with a Republican supermajority. A near-total abortion ban, universal school vouchers, right-to-work, and constitutional carry are in force. Braun has a 40–10 Senate and a 70–30 House.

Indonesia

Developmentalist-plural republic

The world's largest Muslim country, Indonesia is a democratic presidential archipelagic republic, with an expanding market economy, great ethnic and religious diversity, and growing regional weight in Southeast Asia.

Iowa (United States)

Agrarian Republican region

In October 2026 Kim Reynolds governs in a Republican trifecta. A fetal-heartbeat abortion law, universal education savings accounts, a 3.8% flat income tax, and official English are in force. The Republican Senate cannot override vetoes alone.

Iran

Clerical-statist theocracy

A theocratic Islamic republic, Iran combines elected institutions with the supreme authority of the clerics, under the rule of the religious jurist, a state-controlled economy, and strong regional projection in the Middle East.

Iraq

Confessional federal republic

A federal parliamentary republic since 2003, Iraq shares power among Shias, Sunnis and Kurds through informal quotas, with an autonomous Kurdistan, state-linked armed militias and an economy dependent on state oil.

Ireland

Liberal-multinational republic

A European parliamentary republic, Ireland combines liberal democracy, an open market economy attractive to multinationals, a tradition of neutrality, and rapid social transformation toward progressive policies.

Israel

National-technological republic

A parliamentary republic in the Middle East, Israel combines a vibrant democracy, a strong Jewish national identity, an advanced technology economy, and a prolonged conflict with the Palestinians that dominates its politics and security.

Italy

Fragmented-industrial republic

A Mediterranean parliamentary republic, Italy unites a long cultural heritage, a diversified market economy, and unstable, fragmented politics, with the recent rise of conservative and nationalist forces.

Ivory Coast

Post-conflict presidential republic

A West African presidential republic, Ivory Coast is led by Alassane Ouattara, has a cocoa and coffee economy, emerged from the civil wars of 2002 and 2011, lives with a Muslim north and Christian south divide and keeps close ties with France.

Jamaica

Commonwealth parliamentary monarchy

A Commonwealth parliamentary democracy in the Caribbean, Jamaica has the British king as head of state, alternation between two parties, a strong religious and reggae culture, a tourism and remittance economy and high urban violence.

Jammu and Kashmir (India)

Disputed territory under Indian administration

A Himalayan region with a Muslim majority, disputed by India, Pakistan and China, Jammu and Kashmir lost its special autonomy in 2019 and became a union territory governed by New Delhi, with insurgency, a heavy military presence and tourism.

Japan

Conservative-technological monarchy

An Asian parliamentary monarchy, Japan unites tradition and high technology, with an advanced market economy, an aging society, and stable conservative politics, maintaining constitutional pacifism and strong global economic weight.

Jordan

Hashemite parliamentary monarchy

A Hashemite monarchy with an elected parliament, but with the king controlling government, army and foreign policy, Jordan relies on foreign aid and remittances, hosts many Palestinian refugees and has had peace with Israel since 1994.

Kansas (United States)

Divided Republican region

In October 2026 Democrat Laura Kelly is governor and the Republican legislature has a supermajority. Abortion remains legal until viability, Medicaid is not expanded, and carry is constitutional. Kelly is term-limited, with a veto-proof GOP.

Kazakhstan

Petrostate presidential republic

The largest country in Central Asia, Kazakhstan is a presidential republic with concentrated power, heir to the Nazarbayev regime, with a secular state, an oil and minerals economy and a balance between Russia, China and the West.

Kentucky (United States)

Divided Republican region

In October 2026 Democrat Andy Beshear is governor and the Republican legislature overrides his vetoes. A near-total abortion ban, constitutional carry, and a 3.5% flat income tax are in force. The supermajority overrides vetoes by a simple vote.

Kenya

Decentralized presidential republic

A presidential republic with competitive elections and a strong civil society, Kenya has a 2010 constitution decentralized into 47 counties, a services and tech economy such as M-Pesa, ethnic tensions and recent tax protests.

Kerala (India)

Plural social-democratic Indian state

A state in India's southwest, Kerala elected the world's first communist government by popular vote in 1957 and alternates left and center in power. It has the country's best social indicators, a Gulf remittance economy and a plural population of Hindus, Muslims and Christians.

Kosovo

Contested Albanian parliamentary republic

A former Serbian province, Kosovo declared independence in 2008, recognized by about half of the UN but not by Serbia, Russia and China. An Albanian-majority secular parliamentary republic with a Serb minority, NATO troops and a remittance economy.

Kuwait

Rentier constitutional emirate

Hereditary Gulf emirate ruled by the Al Sabah family, Kuwait had a combative elected parliament and a relatively free press, but the emir suspended it in 2024 and began revoking citizenships en masse. State oil economy with broad welfare for citizens.

Kyrgyzstan

Unstable presidential republic

A Muslim-majority Central Asian republic, Kyrgyzstan toppled presidents in 2005, 2010 and 2020 and now concentrates power in Japarov, with a restricted press, a remittance and gold economy and reliance on Russia and China.

Laos

Market-oriented one-party communist state

A one-party communist republic, Laos has been ruled by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party since 1975, with a party-controlled market economy, heavy debt to China, Mekong hydropower dams and a tolerated Theravada Buddhism.

Latvia

National-Atlanticist parliamentary republic

A Baltic parliamentary republic, Latvia combines the EU, NATO and an open economy with defence of the Latvian language, citizenship withheld from part of the Russian-speaking minority, distrust of Russia and a Lutheran, Catholic and Orthodox society that is highly secular.

Lebanon

Confessional-fragmented republic

A parliamentary republic in the Middle East, Lebanon divides power among religious communities in a confessional system, with pluralism, a strong service sector, and chronic political and economic instability.

Liechtenstein

Liberal-rentier monarchy

A tiny European principality, Liechtenstein is a prosperous constitutional monarchy, with strong local autonomy, a liberal economy based on finance and industry, and one of the highest income levels per capita in the world.

Lithuania

Atlanticist semi-presidential republic

A Baltic semi-presidential republic, Lithuania left the USSR in 1990 and belongs to the EU, the euro and NATO, with strong hostility to Russia, high military spending, support for Ukraine, an open economy and a Catholic-majority society that is secularizing.

Louisiana (United States)

Catholic conservative region

In October 2026 Jeff Landry governs in a Republican trifecta. The state keeps its own civil code, a broad abortion ban, low taxation, and cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Landry has a 28–11 Senate and a 73–32 House.

Luxembourg

Financial-integrated monarchy

A European grand duchy and global financial center, Luxembourg combines parliamentary monarchy, an open economy, deep European integration, and a multicultural society sustained by services, technology, and finance.

Macau (China)

Hyper-open recreational region

A Chinese special administrative region and the world's largest gambling center, Macau unites very low taxes, a hyper-open economy of casinos and tourism, a Portuguese Catholic heritage, and a political system controlled by Beijing, without full democracy.

Madrid (Spain)

Liberal-conservative region

The autonomous community around the Spanish capital, Madrid has been governed by the People's Party since 1995 and, under Isabel Díaz Ayuso, became a showcase of low taxes, economic freedom, school choice and attraction of capital and Latin American immigrants.

Maine (United States)

Northern Democratic region

In October 2026 Janet Mills governs with a narrow Democratic majority and no veto-proof margin. An ICE restriction law, paid leave since May, and a tax on million-dollar incomes are in force. There is no majority to override a veto.

Malaysia

Multiethnic-Islamic monarchy

An elective federal monarchy in Southeast Asia, Malaysia combines democracy, a multiethnic society, Islam as the official religion, and a state-directed market economy, with affirmative action policies for Malays.

Maldives

Island Islamic presidential republic

An island presidential republic, the Maldives makes Sunni Islam the state religion and a condition of citizenship, lives on luxury tourism and fishing and depends on India and China, with high debt, climate threat and political disputes.

Malta

Catholic island parliamentary democracy

A small island republic in the European Union, Malta has a two-party parliamentary democracy, strong Catholic influence, an economy of tourism, gaming and financial services, military neutrality, divorce legalized in 2011 and abortion still highly restricted.

Maryland (United States)

Coastal Democratic region

In October 2026 Wes Moore governs with a Democratic supermajority. A reproductive-freedom amendment, legal adult-use cannabis, repeal of the death penalty, and hospital rate-setting are in force. Moore has a 34–13 Senate and a 102–39 House.

Massachusetts (United States)

Academic-progressive region

A northeastern US state, Massachusetts is a progressive stronghold and a hub of education and science, with prestigious universities, a strong liberal tradition, and politics focused on social rights and innovation.

Mauritius

Multiethnic island parliamentary democracy

An Indian Ocean island independent since 1968, Mauritius is a multiethnic parliamentary democracy with an Indo-Mauritian majority, alternation of power, an economy of tourism, sugar and finance, a strong welfare state and a society balancing Hindus, Christians and Muslims.

Mexico

Popular-integrationist republic

A presidential federal republic in North America, Mexico unites electoral democracy, a market economy integrated with the United States, and persistent challenges of inequality, corruption, and drug-related violence.

Michigan (United States)

Union Democratic region

An industrial state led by Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, with strong auto-industry unions and expanded Medicaid. Abortion was restored by Proposal 3 in 2022, and the law that limited union organizing was repealed.

Minas Gerais (Brazil)

Historic-moderate region

A historic mining state and birthplace of a failed 18th-century independence conspiracy against colonial rule, Minas Gerais has an economy built on mining and agriculture, with traditionally moderate, conciliatory politics.

Minnesota (United States)

Divided Democratic region

A northern state led by Democrat Tim Walz, with a Democratic Senate and a tied House. The 2026 session cut vehicle-tab fees and property tax, and blocked an abortion amendment, a gun package, and new limits on ICE.

Mississippi (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Tate Reeves governs in a Republican trifecta. An income-tax phase-out, an illegal-entry law, rejection of universal school choice, and a ban on lab-grown meat are the record in force. Reeves leads a Republican trifecta in 2026.

Missouri (United States)

Central Republican region

In October 2026 Mike Kehoe governs in a Republican trifecta. Voters rejected an income-tax repeal, abortion remains legal through viability, cannabis is legal, and the minimum wage is $15. Voters kept the income tax in August 2026.

Moldova

Divided parliamentary democracy

A parliamentary republic between Romania and Ukraine, Moldova is a European Union candidate, has a Russian-backed separatist Transnistria, a poor remittance-dependent economy, a split between pro-European and pro-Russian camps and strong Orthodox influence.

Monaco

Rentier-touristic monarchy

A small Mediterranean principality, Monaco combines constitutional monarchy, low taxation, strong dependence on financial services and luxury tourism, maintaining a conservative social order and great economic openness.

Mongolia

Post-communist democracy

A democratic republic between Russia and China, Mongolia left communist rule in 1990 and has competitive elections, a mining-dependent market economy, a nomadic tradition, and a revival of Tibetan Buddhism.

Montana (United States)

Rural Republican region

In October 2026 Greg Gianforte governs with a Republican majority. Constitutional carry, regulated adult-use cannabis, expanded Medicaid, and no state sales tax are in force. Gianforte has a 32–18 Senate and a 58–42 House.

Montenegro

EU-candidate parliamentary republic

A small Balkan country independent from Serbia since 2006, Montenegro is a NATO member, EU candidate and uses the euro, has left Djukanovic's long dominance and lives the dispute between Montenegrin and Serb identity and the role of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Morocco

Parliamentary Islamic monarchy

A constitutional monarchy in North Africa, Morocco has an elected parliament, but the king, Commander of the Faithful, holds real power, with official Islam, a market economy open to trade, and a claim over Western Sahara.

Mozambique

Dominant party in conflict

A presidential republic ruled by Frelimo since independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique overcame civil war, faces a jihadist insurgency in Cabo Delgado, violently disputed elections in 2024 and an economy of gas, coal and farming.

Myanmar

Buddhist military junta

A Southeast Asian country ruled by a military junta since the 2021 coup, Myanmar is in civil war against ethnic and pro-democracy militias, with official Buddhist nationalism and persecution of the Muslim Rohingya minority.

Nebraska (United States)

Agrarian Republican region

In October 2026 Jim Pillen governs with a Republican majority in a unicameral legislature. Public power, a 12-week abortion limit, medical cannabis, the death penalty, and a $15 minimum wage are in force. Medical cannabis was upheld in September.

Nepal

Unstable secular federal republic

A former Hindu kingdom, Nepal has been a secular federal republic since 2008, after the Maoist civil war, with unstable coalitions, an economy of remittances, tourism and hydropower, dependence on India and China and Gen Z protests in 2025 that toppled the government.

Netherlands

Liberal-mercantile monarchy

A parliamentary monarchy, the Netherlands is known for its liberal tradition, social tolerance, and free trade, with an open, globalized economy and progressive policies on customs and individual rights.

Nevada (United States)

Market-and-gaming region

A state with no income tax, led by Republican Joe Lombardo and a Democratic legislature. It runs on gaming, tourism, and mining, with abortion to 24 weeks and cannabis legalized by popular vote, and gaming under state regulation.

New Hampshire (United States)

Libertarian-fiscal region

A small state in the northeastern United States, New Hampshire is known for its strong libertarian culture, low taxation, absence of a state income tax, and a motto that exalts liberty above all.

New Jersey (United States)

Coastal Democratic region

In October 2026 Mikie Sherrill governs with a Democratic majority. An energy-rate freeze, a clinic-protection law, an immigrant trust directive, and a push for nuclear power are the record in office. Sherrill has governed since 20 January 2026.

New Mexico (United States)

Progressive border region

A southwestern state led by Democrat Michelle Lujan Grisham. It runs on oil, gas, and federal laboratories, with universal child care, the Opportunity Scholarship, and abortion legal through every stage of pregnancy.

New York (United States)

Financial-cosmopolitan region

The financial and cultural center of the United States, New York combines liberal, progressive politics, enormous immigrant diversity, a globalized service-based economy, and strong symbolic weight in the world.

New Zealand

Progressive-bicultural monarchy

A Pacific parliamentary monarchy, New Zealand is known for progressive democracy, social welfare, and an open market economy, with strong recognition of Māori culture and the country's bicultural partnership.

Nigeria

Federal presidential republic

Africa's most populous country, Nigeria is a federation split between a Muslim north, with sharia in twelve states, and a Christian south, dependent on oil and scarred by Boko Haram, and under Bola Tinubu it cut fuel subsidies.

North Carolina (United States)

Divided Republican region

In October 2026 Democrat Josh Stein is governor and the legislature is Republican. Abortion has a legal limit, the state is right-to-work, and the legislature can override executive vetoes. Stein faces a 30–20 Senate and a 71–49 House.

North Dakota (United States)

State-enterprise Republican region

In October 2026 Kelly Armstrong governs in a Republican trifecta. The state keeps a public bank and a public mill, has had no death penalty since 1973, and nearly bans abortion. Armstrong has an 83–11 House and a 42–5 Senate.

North Korea

Dynastic-autarkic totalitarianism

A totalitarian single-party state, North Korea maintains a planned economy, international isolation, and a cult of the Kim dynasty, uniting communism, nationalism, and the self-reliance doctrine known as Juche.

North Macedonia

Multiethnic parliamentary republic

A Balkan parliamentary republic, North Macedonia changed its name in 2019 to end the dispute with Greece, joined NATO in 2020 and negotiates EU accession, blocked by Bulgaria, with a 25% Albanian minority and a low-income economy.

Norway

Social-oil monarchy

A Nordic parliamentary monarchy, Norway combines a broad welfare state, oil wealth managed by a large sovereign fund, and strong social equality, serving as a benchmark of quality of life and social democracy.

Ohio (United States)

Industrial Republican region

An industrial state led by Republican Mike DeWine and a Republican majority. It has a flat 2.75% income tax, abortion protected by the 2023 amendment, limits on gender care for minors, and a moratorium on executions.

Oklahoma (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Kevin Stitt governs in a Republican trifecta. The state contests tribal jurisdiction after McGirt, keeps an abortion ban, and is on a path to cut the income tax. Stitt remains in office until January 2027.

Oman

Ibadi absolute sultanate

An absolute sultanate on the Gulf, majority Ibadi, Oman concentrates power in the sultan, who also heads the government, and lives on oil and gas under diversification, with a neutral foreign policy of regional mediation.

Oregon (United States)

Pacific Democratic region

In October 2026 Tina Kotek governs with a Democratic majority. Urban growth boundaries, recriminalized hard-drug possession, abortion with no gestational limit, and no general sales tax are in force. Kotek has a 37–23 House and an 18–12 Senate.

Pakistan

Islamic republic under military tutelage

A parliamentary Islamic republic and nuclear power, Pakistan alternates civilian governments with strong army tutelage, with sharia-inspired laws, a mixed economy dependent on foreign aid, and a permanent rivalry with India.

Palestine

Fragmented authority under occupation

Recognized by the UN as an observer state, Palestine is governed by the Fatah-led Palestinian Authority, with territory split between the occupied West Bank and a Gaza Strip devastated by war, an aid-dependent economy, and elections suspended for two decades.

Panama

Presidential republic and service economy

A unitary presidential republic that abolished its standing armed forces and maintains a dollarized economy centered on the Canal, financial services, the Colón Free Trade Zone, and international trade integration.

Paraguay

Presidential republic

A unitary presidential republic governed for decades by the Colorado Party, with low taxation, a soy- and beef-exporting economy, major hydroelectric output at Itaipú, and a conservative, largely Catholic society bilingual in Guaraní.

Paraná (Brazil)

Agro-industrial conservative region

A southern state with strong agribusiness and European immigrant settlement, Paraná combines a thriving agricultural and industrial economy with a mostly conservative, economically liberal electorate.

Pennsylvania (United States)

Divided industrial region

An industrial northeastern state and cradle of the Constitution, Pennsylvania is split between Democratic Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and a conservative interior, with shale gas, a union tradition, hunting culture and a state monopoly on wine and spirits.

Peru

Andean presidential republic

A unitary presidential republic marked by severe political instability and successive presidential removals, with an open economy based on mining, widespread labor informality, and deep inequality between the coast and the Andean and Amazonian regions.

Philippines

Dynastic-Catholic democracy

An archipelagic presidential republic, the Philippines combines a democracy dominated by political dynasties, a strong Catholic identity, and a market economy, with security and anti-crime agendas in the spotlight.

Poland

National-Catholic republic

A parliamentary republic in Eastern Europe, Poland combines democracy, a strong Catholic and nationalist identity, and a growing market economy, with politics marked by tensions between conservatism and liberalism.

Portugal

Social-Atlantic republic

A European semi-presidential republic, Portugal combines consolidated democracy, a market economy integrated into the European Union, a moderate welfare state, low institutional conflict, secularized Catholic heritage, and strong Atlantic openness.

Puerto Rico (United States)

Colonial unincorporated territory

Unincorporated United States territory in the Caribbean, Puerto Rico holds American citizenship without full voting representation in Congress, faces an ongoing debate between statehood, independence, and the current status, and struggles with debt crisis and heavy dependence on federal tax incentives.

Punjab (India)

Sikh agrarian Indian state

A Sikh-majority state in India's northwest, Punjab is the country's breadbasket and a Green Revolution symbol, with a tradition of community and military service, the memory of the Khalistan movement and the Golden Temple massacre, and an AAP government.

Qatar

Rentier-projective monarchy

A small absolute Gulf monarchy, Qatar concentrates power in the royal family and bases its wealth on natural gas, pairing religious conservatism with intense international projection through investments, media, and diplomacy.

Quebec (Canada)

French-speaking federal province

Mostly French-speaking Canadian province, Quebec protects French as its common and official language and holds broad powers within the federation. Nationalism and secularism mark its politics; since October 2026 it is governed in a minority by the sovereigntist Parti Québécois.

Rhode Island (United States)

Coastal Democratic region

In October 2026 Dan McKee governs with a Democratic supermajority. A reproductive-privacy law, an assault-weapons ban since July, legal cannabis, and a $16 minimum wage are in force. McKee remains in office; the general election is in November.

Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Tourist-security region

A state symbolizing Brazilian tourism and culture, Rio de Janeiro faces urban violence and territorial disputes between militias and drug gangs, with politics dominated by public security and populism.

Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil)

Ranching-agribusiness region

Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul has a strong regional identity and a tradition of polarized political disputes, with an economy built on agribusiness, ranching, and industry.

Rojava (North and East Syria)

Democratic-egalitarian confederalism

An autonomous region in northern Syria, Rojava organizes itself through democratic confederalism, with local self-management, gender equality, ethnic pluralism, and ecology, inspired by the libertarian ideas of Abdullah Öcalan.

Romania

Orthodox-Atlanticist semi-presidential republic

A semi-presidential republic with an Orthodox majority, Romania inherits Ceaușescu's regime and combines the EU, NATO and US bases with a low flat tax, an anti-corruption drive, rising nationalism, an influential Church and the annulment of the 2024 presidential election.

Russia

Statist-rentier authoritarianism

A Eurasian presidential republic, Russia concentrates power in an authoritarian, nationalist regime, with an economy dependent on natural resources, a strong military apparatus, and a foreign policy of confrontation with the West.

Rwanda

Authoritarian developmental state

An authoritarian developmental state under Paul Kagame since 2000, Rwanda rebuilt after the 1994 genocide, bans ethnic discourse, restricts the opposition, grows with a tech focus and, per the UN, backs the M23 in Congo.

Santa Catarina (Brazil)

Industrial-conservative region

A southern state settled by Azorean and other European immigrants, Santa Catarina has a high human development index, a diversified small- and medium-business economy, and a predominantly conservative electorate.

São Paulo (Brazil)

Industrial-financial region

Brazil's most populous and wealthiest state, São Paulo is the country's industrial and financial engine, marked by strong economic liberalism, a cosmopolitan culture, and decisive weight in national politics.

Saudi Arabia

Rentier-religious monarchy

An absolute Gulf monarchy, Saudi Arabia unites power concentrated in the royal family, strict application of Islam, and an oil-dependent economy, pursuing controlled modernization under the crown prince's leadership.

Scotland (United Kingdom)

Independentist social-democratic nation

A constituent country of the United Kingdom, Scotland has its own parliament, a distinct national identity and language, a strong independence movement (2014 referendum), and social-democratic politics further left than England's.

Senegal

Sovereigntist presidential republic

A Sufi Muslim-majority West African republic, Senegal is a stable secular democracy that since 2024, under Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, has pursued left-wing sovereigntism: it removed French troops and criticizes the CFA franc.

Serbia

National-conservative parliamentary republic

An Orthodox-majority Balkan country, Serbia has been dominated since 2012 by Aleksandar Vučić's party, is an EU candidate yet close to Russia and China, militarily neutral, does not recognize Kosovo and faced massive student protests in 2025.

Shenzhen (China)

Tech-export special economic zone

China's first Special Economic Zone, created by Deng Xiaoping in 1980, Shenzhen went from fishing village to global technology and manufacturing hub (Huawei, Tencent, DJI), with a dynamic market under Communist Party oversight.

Singapore

One-party liberal technocracy

An Asian city-state, Singapore is a parliamentary republic dominated by a single party, combining open capitalism, efficient technocratic management, strict order, and limited political freedoms in the name of progress.

Slovakia

Parliamentary republic

A parliamentary republic born of the peaceful split of Czechoslovakia in 1993, integrated into the European Union, NATO, and the euro, with an industrial economy centered on automotive manufacturing and politics marked by nationalism, Catholic traditionalism, and scepticism toward foreign military aid.

Slovenia

Parliamentary republic

A parliamentary republic that separated peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991 and joined the European Union, NATO, and the euro, combining a market economy with strong social protection, influential unions, and a largely secular society.

Somalia

Fragile clan-based federal state

A fragile federal republic, Somalia has a central government of limited authority, power shared among clans and federal states such as Puntland and Jubaland, a de facto separatist Somaliland and the jihadist Al-Shabaab insurgency.

South (Brazil)

Agro-export region

The region of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul. In October 2026 Ratinho Júnior, Jorginho Mello, and Eduardo Leite are still in office. Codesul defends state revenue, the economy is private and export-led, and Mercosur is the trade route.

South Africa

Industrial-unequal republic

A parliamentary republic, South Africa is the continent's largest industrial economy and a multiracial democracy born from the end of apartheid, marked by cultural diversity and deep social inequalities.

South Carolina (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Henry McMaster governs with a Republican supermajority. A six-week abortion ban, constitutional carry, an income-tax cut, and an active death penalty are in force. McMaster's term ends in January 2027.

South Dakota (United States)

Rural Republican region

In October 2026 Larry Rhoden governs with a Republican supermajority. There is no state income tax, abortion is banned, carry is constitutional, and the state is right-to-work. Rhoden has governed since 25 January 2025.

South Korea

Technological-security republic

An Asian presidential republic, South Korea combines a vibrant democracy, an export-oriented market economy, and technological leadership, the result of rapid development under strong state impetus.

Spain

Decentralized-social monarchy

A parliamentary monarchy, Spain combines a consolidated democracy, strong decentralization into autonomous communities, a market economy, and social, progressive policies, with regional tensions such as the Catalan question.

Sri Lanka

Buddhist-national republic

An island presidential republic in South Asia, Sri Lanka gives constitutional primacy to Buddhism, won the war against Tamil separatists in 2009, faced the 2022 debt crisis, and elected a left-wing coalition in 2024.

Sudan

Militarized state in civil war

In civil war since 2023 between the army and the Rapid Support Forces, after Bashir's fall in 2019 and the 2021 coup, Sudan faces famine, mass displacement, state collapse and rivalry among regional powers.

Suriname

Multiethnic parliamentary republic

A former Dutch colony in South America, Suriname is a multiethnic parliamentary republic of Hindustanis, Creoles, Javanese and Maroons, with ethnically based parties, a legacy of the dictator Bouterse and an economy of gold, offshore oil and high debt.

Sweden

Social-democratic monarchy

A Nordic parliamentary monarchy, Sweden is a benchmark of social democracy, with a broad welfare state, high taxes, strong social equality, and an open, innovative market economy combined with progressive values.

Switzerland

Liberal direct democracy

A European federal confederation, Switzerland is known for its direct democracy, strong cantonal autonomy, historic neutrality, and a prosperous economy based on finance, precision industry, and institutional stability.

Syria

Post-Assad transitional republic

Under President Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria is in a transition begun after Assad’s fall, with a 2025 provisional constitution, reconstruction, and challenges of unity, security, and minority rights.

Taiwan

Democratic-technological republic

An island presidential republic, Taiwan is a vibrant democracy and global technology hub, especially semiconductors, living under constant military threat from China, and is Asia's pioneer in progressive causes such as marriage equality.

Tajikistan

Secular dynastic dictatorship

Tajikistan has been ruled by Emomali Rahmon since 1992, with power gradually passed to his son, a banned opposition, repression of Islamists and the hijab, a remittance and aluminum economy and reliance on Russia and China.

Tamil Nadu (India)

Dravidian industrial Indian state

A state in India's far south, Tamil Nadu is the cradle of the Dravidian movement, uniting Tamil language pride, rejection of Hindi and Brahmin hegemony, welfare populism and defense of federal autonomy, with strong industry and DMK and AIADMK in power.

Tanzania

Post-socialist dominant party

A presidential republic under a dominant party, Tanzania has been governed by the CCM since independence, heir to Nyerere's ujamaa socialism, with a union of mainland and Zanzibar, gradual economic opening and growing repression of the opposition.

Tennessee (United States)

Conservative-religious region

In October 2026 Bill Lee governs with a Republican supermajority. The session tightened immigration enforcement, expanded school vouchers, and limited the autonomy of Nashville and Memphis. Lee has a 27–6 Senate and a 75–24 House.

Texas (United States)

Free-market energy region

The second-largest US state, Texas stands out for its conservatism, its culture of strong individual freedom, low taxation, and a dynamic market economy tied to energy and industry.

Thailand

Militarized-religious monarchy

A constitutional monarchy in Southeast Asia, Thailand alternates civilian governments and strong military influence, with a revered monarchy, predominant Buddhism, and a market economy geared toward tourism and exports.

Timor-Leste

Young semi-presidential democracy

A young semi-presidential democracy, Timor-Leste won independence from Indonesia in 2002 after 24 years of occupation, is Catholic-majority, uses the US dollar, depends on its oil sovereign fund and joined ASEAN in 2025.

Tunisia

Authoritarian presidential republic

A North African republic, Tunisia was the cradle of the Arab Spring and the region's only democracy until 2021, when President Saied suspended parliament and concentrated power, amid economic crisis and a strong UGTT labor union.

Turkey

National-religious authoritarianism

A presidential republic between Europe and Asia, Turkey combines electoral democracy with strong concentration of power, nationalism, religious conservatism, and an assertive foreign policy in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.

Turkmenistan

Neutral personality-cult dictatorship

A closed Central Asian dictatorship, Turkmenistan is ruled by the Berdimuhamedow family, with a personality cult, total press control, permanent neutrality, a natural gas economy and almost total dependence on China as buyer.

Uganda

Personalist dominant-party presidentialism

Governed by Yoweri Museveni since 1986, Uganda is a dominant-party presidential republic with no term or age limit, a repressed opposition, a harsh anti-LGBT law, a very young population, large refugee intake and oil on the way.

Ukraine

Resistant-westernizing republic

A semi-presidential republic in Eastern Europe, Ukraine is consolidating democracy, national identity, and closer ties to the West while resisting the Russian invasion, a struggle that dominates its politics, economy, and society.

United Arab Emirates

Rentier-diversified federation

A federation of Gulf monarchies, the United Arab Emirates combines power concentrated in the royal families, a liberal economy diversified beyond oil, and strong bets on technology, tourism, and global finance.

United Kingdom

Liberal-financial monarchy

A parliamentary monarchy, the United Kingdom has a long liberal and democratic tradition, a market economy, and a strong financial sector, maintaining global influence after leaving the European Union in the process known as Brexit.

United States

Liberal-federal republic

A global power and presidential federal republic, the United States combines a strong liberal tradition, a dynamic market economy, technological innovation, and a two-party system that polarizes national political life.

Uruguay

Secular-progressive republic

A South American presidential republic, Uruguay is recognized for solid democracy, strong secularism, broad social rights, and progressive policies, pairing institutional stability with a market economy.

Utah (United States)

Conservative-communal region

A western US state with a Mormon majority, Utah combines the Latter-day Saints Church's influence over family and customs, a flat income tax, balanced budgets, a booming tech sector, a welcoming stance toward refugees and strict alcohol control.

Uzbekistan

Secular authoritarian presidential republic

A Muslim-majority Central Asian republic, Uzbekistan is ruled as a secular authoritarian regime by President Mirziyoyev, with gradual economic opening after Karimov, heavy surveillance and an economy of cotton, gold and gas.

Vatican City

Clerical theocratic monarchy

A city-state governed by the Holy See, the Vatican combines religious sovereignty, an absolute elective monarchy, and clerical administration, functioning as the institutional center of the Catholic Church and a global diplomatic actor.

Venezuela

Statist-socialist authoritarianism

A South American presidential republic, Venezuela lives under an authoritarian regime of socialist and nationalist orientation, marked by concentration of power, a prolonged economic crisis, and heavy emigration of its population.

Vermont (United States)

Progressive-communal region

A small rural New England state, Vermont combines direct-democracy town meetings, the progressive politics of Bernie Sanders, cooperatives, dairy farming and environmentalism, with one of the least religious populations in the country and permissive gun laws.

Vietnam

One-party reformist socialism

A single-party socialist state, Vietnam maintains the Communist Party's political control alongside market reforms that opened the economy, promoting rapid industrial growth and integration into global trade.

Virginia (United States)

Moderate Democratic region

An Atlantic state led by Abigail Spanberger and a Democratic majority. It keeps right-to-work, limits cities under the Dillon rule, regulates data centers above 25 MW, and votes on reproductive freedom in November 2026.

Washington (United States)

Secular progressive region

A Pacific state led by Democrat Bob Ferguson since 2025. It taxes income above one million dollars at 9.9%, funds abortion access with public money, and opposes masked federal ICE operations inside the state.

Washington, D.C. (United States)

Federal-institutional district

The capital of the United States, Washington concentrates federal power and government institutions, with the strong weight of the public machine, a globalist orientation, and a central role in the country's diplomacy and military power.

West Bengal (India)

Bengali populist Indian state

A state in eastern India, West Bengal was ruled 34 years by the left and then by Mamata Banerjee (2011-2026), until the BJP won in 2026. It has a strong Bengali identity, Kolkata as cultural capital, 27% Muslims and a border with Bangladesh.

West Virginia (United States)

Rural Republican region

In October 2026 Patrick Morrisey governs with a Republican supermajority. A near-total abortion ban, no death penalty since 1965, the Hope Scholarship, and a 5% income-tax cut are in force. Morrisey has a 32–2 Senate and a 91–9 House.

Wisconsin (United States)

Midwestern Democratic region

A Midwestern state led by Democrat Tony Evers, in office until January 2027. The 1849 abortion law fell in 2025 and a 20-week limit remains; anti-union Act 10 is still in force, alongside dairy-industry grants.

Wyoming (United States)

Libertarian-extractive region

The least populous U.S. state, Wyoming levies no state income or corporate tax, bases its economy on oil, gas, and mining, and combines a strong gun culture with deep distrust of the federal government.

Yemen

Fragmented state in civil war

Divided by civil war since 2014, Yemen has a Saudi-backed recognized government in the south and the Zaydi Houthis in the north; southern separatists were defeated in 2026. There is famine, Red Sea attacks and a barely existing state.

Zapatista Chiapas (Mexico)

Indigenous-communal autonomy

Zapatista territories in southern Mexico, self-governed since 1994 by mostly Maya communities through caracoles and Good Government Councils, rejecting political parties and the state, with cooperative agrarian economy and strong women's leadership.

Zimbabwe

Dominant party in crisis

Ruled by Zanu-PF since 1980, Zimbabwe passed from Mugabe's dictatorship to President Mnangagwa, with radical land reform, historic hyperinflation, Western sanctions, an informal dollarized economy, disputed elections and repression of the opposition.

Zug (Switzerland)

Crypto-fiscal region

Switzerland's smallest canton and one of the lowest-taxed jurisdictions in the world, Zug attracts holdings and foundations through low taxation, hosts the Crypto Valley around Ethereum and accepts tax payments in bitcoin, under cantonal direct democracy.

Ancient Egypt

Pharaonic monarchyc. 3100–30 BCE

A Nile Valley civilization ruled by pharaonic dynasties through periods of unity and fragmentation. Sacred kingship, temples, and agricultural administration structured society; practices and institutions varied over three millennia.

Kingdom of Israel

Theocratic monarchyc. 1047–930 BCE

A monarchy uniting the Hebrew tribes under Saul, David and Solomon, the Kingdom of Israel concentrated power in a king anointed by a prophet, with Jerusalem and the Temple as its religious center, the law of the Torah, tribal levies and expansion over its neighbors.

Sparta

Disciplinary military oligarchyc. 900–192 BCE

A militarist city-state of Ancient Greece, Sparta organized its whole society around war, with a mixed regime of kings and council, rigid discipline, austerity, and dominance over a vast subjugated population.

Persian Empire (Achaemenid)

Tolerant satrapal empire550–330 BCE

The first great universal empire in history, Achaemenid Persia governed dozens of peoples through autonomous satrapies, roads, and tribute, tolerating local languages, laws, and religions under the absolute authority of the King of Kings.

Republican Rome

Senatorial-expansionist republic509–27 BCE

An aristocratic republic of antiquity, Rome balanced consuls, Senate, and tribunes of the plebs in a mixed system of elective magistracies, expanding across the Mediterranean through citizen legions and a strong cult of civic virtue.