principado

A principado is a form of monarchy and a sovereign state ruled by a prince. The title of prince historically denotes a ruler who is not a king or emperor but holds a position of high authority, often over a relatively smaller territory. The term originates from the Latin word "princeps," meaning "first" or "chief." While the exact powers and status of a prince can vary significantly across different historical periods and regions, principality typically signifies a state with hereditary succession and a degree of independence.

Historically, principalities have existed in various forms across Europe and beyond. Examples include the Principality of Monaco, the Principality of Andorra, and numerous historical principalities within the Holy Roman Empire. These states often emerged as distinct political entities due to feudal arrangements, dynastic claims, or as a result of treaties. The structure of a principality can range from an absolute monarchy, where the prince holds supreme power, to a constitutional monarchy, where their authority is limited by a constitution and other governing bodies. The contemporary existence of principalities is rare, with most having been absorbed into larger kingdoms or republics over centuries of political evolution.