Kungariket

Kungariket is the Swedish term for a kingdom, a state ruled by a king or queen. In modern usage it typically refers to a constitutional or ceremonial monarchy, where the monarch's powers are largely symbolic and political authority rests with elected representatives.

Etymology: The word combines kung (king) with riket (the realm). In Swedish legal texts the official designation of Sweden is Konungariket Sverige, while the more general term kungariket Sverige is used in common language or in encyclopedic descriptions.

Historical context: Historically, kingdoms emerged in medieval Europe as autonomous polities with hereditary rulers. In Sweden, the term appears in chronicles describing the medieval realm, the Kalmar Union, and the later establishment of a centralized state. The concept contrasts with republics or duchies.

Modern governance: In contemporary monarchies, monarchs serve as ceremonial heads of state, performing representative duties and constitutional functions such as granting royal assent, while government is led by a prime minister or equivalent. Monarchies vary by constitution and laws.

See also: Monarki; Konungariket Sverige; Konstitutionell monarki; Kungadöme.