This is a list of current and former female monarchs regardless of title, including queens regnant, empresses regnant, pharaohs and monarchs by other titles (grand duchess, princess, etc.). Consorts, such queens consort (i.e. spouses of male monarchs) are not included, see list of current consorts of sovereigns. Female regents are not included, see list of regents.
The following is an incomplete list of women monarchs who are well known from popular writings, although many ancient and poorly documented ruling monarchs (such as those from Africa and Oceania) are omitted. Section 1 lists monarchs who ruled in their own right, such as queens regnant. Section 2 lists legendary monarchs. Section 3 lists constituent monarchs: monarchs who ruled in their own right, but had no constitutional standing or regal powers while in power. Section 4 lists various female rulers who were referred to with the title "Chieftainess." Regents, such as queens regents, are not monarchs and are not included in this page. Pretenders to thrones are also not included in this page.
Monarchs
Africa
North Africa
Algeria
Hoggar Mountains
Kingdom of the Aurès
Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are Spanish territories of North Africa.
Peraza family
Kingdom of the Canary Islands The title of "King/Queen of the Canary Islands" was included in the list of titles and honours of the Spanish Crown.
Egypt
Pharaonic Egypt The first verified female monarch of Egypt is Sobekneferu of the Twelfth dynasty. However, queens from earlier periods such as Neithhotep, Merneith and Khentkaus I held powerful positions and may have ruled Egypt in their own right, but the archaeological evidence is ambiguous.
Ptolemaic dynasty Ptolemy II instituted a new practice of brother-sister marriage when he married his full sister, Arsinoe II. They became, in effect, co-rulers, and both took the epithet Philadelphus ("Brother-Loving" and "Sister-Loving"). Because of this custom many of the kings ruled jointly with their spouses, who were also of the royal house. The only Ptolemaic Queens who ruled alone were Cleopatra II, Berenice III and Berenice IV. Cleopatra VI did co-rule, but it was with another female, Berenice IV. Cleopatra VII officially co-ruled with Ptolemy XIII Theos Philopator, Ptolemy XIV, and Ptolemy XV, but effectively, she ruled Egypt alone.
Roman Egypt Zenobia took Roman Egypt by Palmyrene invasion and was declared Queen of Egypt.
Bahri Mamluk dynasty
Libya
Cyrenaica
Sudan
Egyptian Empire
Kingdom of Kush
Kandake was a title for queens, queen mothers, and queens consort in Nubia, but ruling kandakes included:
Dotawo
West Africa
Benin
Hogbonu
The Gambia
Elizabeth II, Queen of the Gambia (reigned 1965–1970)
Nana Juaben Serwah II (reigned 1959–19??), Dwabenhene
Akan state of Akyem Abuakwa
Nana Afia Dokuaa (reigned 1817–1835)
Guinea-Bissau
Orango
Aurelia Correia (reigned 1830–1874/1879)
Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa (reigned c. 1910–1930) – Succeeded her father Bankajapa.
Roxa
Juliana of Canhabaque (reigned in the early 1900s)
Idiana Ibop (reigned until the 1920s)
Côte d'Ivoire
Baoule
Pokou (reigned c. 1750 – c. 1760) – Queen and founder of the Baoule tribe.
Akwa Boni (reigned c. 1760 – c. 1790) – Pokou's niece who succeeded her to the throne.
Liberia
Famata Bendu, queen of the Vai people (reigned ?–1892)
Mali
Mali Empire
Kassi (reigned ?–1352/1353), co-ruler with Mansa Sulayman
Nigeria
Elizabeth II, Queen of Nigeria (reigned 1960–1963)
Bornu Empire
Aissa Koli (reigned 1497–1504 or 1563–1570)
Daura
The title "Kabara" was used by female monarchs who ruled over the Hausa people in the Middle Ages. A line of matriarchal monarchs is recorded in the Kano Chronicle that ends with the reign of Daurama in the 9th century. These queens reigned from c. 700 to c. 1000.
Kufuru
Ginu
Yakumo
Yakunya
Wanzamu
Yanbamu
Gizir-gizir
Inna-Gari
Daurama
Ga-Wata
Shata
Fatatuma
Sai-Da-Mata
Ja-Mata
Ha-Mata
Zama
Sha-Wata
Daurama II
Igodomigodo
Emose (reigned 584–600)
Orrorro (reigned 600–618)
Ondo Kingdom
Pupupu, founder and ruler of the Ondo Kingdom c. 1510.
Zazzau
Amina – There is controversy among scholars as to the date of her reign, one school placing her in the mid-15th century, and a second placing her reign in the mid to late 16th century.
Yoruba people
Ooni Luwoo (reigned in the 10th century)
Oyo Empire
Orompoto (reigned c. 1555–1575) – Succeeded her brother Eguguojo to the throne.
Senegal
Lingeer's leadership activities were carried out at the highest tier, as a co-monarch.
Lingeer Fatim Beye (reigned c. 1335)
Lingeer Ndoye Demba (reigned c. 1367) – she was the founder of the Serer Joos Maternal Dynasty
Lingeer Ngoné Dièye
Njembot Mbodj
Ndaté Yalla Mbodj
Lingeer Selbeh Ndoffene Joof
Sierra Leone
Elizabeth II, Queen of Sierra Leone (reigned 1961–1971)
Koya Temne
Fatima (reigned 1826–1840)
Kpa Mende
Madam Yoko (reigned 1878–1906)
Central Africa
Angola
Jaga
Mussasa (reigned in the 17th century)
Tembandumba
Matamba
Mwongo Matamba (reigned ?–1631) – she was captured and deposed by Ana Nzinga in 1631
Ana I de Sousa Nzinga Mbande (reigned 1631–1663)
Barbara (reigned 1663–1666)
Verónica I Guterres Kandala Kingwanga (reigned 1681–1721)
Ana II (reigned 1742–1756)
Verónica II (reigned 1756–1758)
Ana III (reigned 1758–1767)
Mbunda Kingdom
Vamwene Naama
Vamwene Yamvu
Vamwene Mbaao ya Chinguli (reigned in the 1500s–early 1600s)
Vamwene Kaamba ka Mbaao
Vamwene Mukenge wa Lweembe, Livindamo
Ndongo
Ana de Sousa Nzinga Mbande (reigned 1624–1626 and 1657–1663)
Mukambu Mbandi (reigned 1663–1671)
Kingdom of Jinga
Kamana
Kingdom of kongo
There were two female monarchs during Kongo Civil War.
Ana Afonso de Leão, queen of Kinlaza
Suzana de Nóbrega, queen of Kimpanzu
Cameroon
Soukda, founder of Mandara Kingdom (reigned c. 1500)
Ngoungoure, queen of Bamum (reigned 1865) – her rule lasted 30 minutes
East Africa
Comoros
Ndzuwani (Anjouan)
Alimah I (reigned during the 16th century – unknown start date, reign ended c. 1590)
Alimah II (reigned c. 1632 – c. 1676)
Alimah III (reigned c. 1676 – c. 1711)
Alimah IV (reigned 1788–1792) – she was the de facto ruler of Anjouan with sultan Abdallah I during his reigns in 1782–1788 and 1792–1796.
Bambao
Nyau wa Faume
Itsandra
Fey Beja waWabeja, Mfalme
Bajini
Ja Mhaba, Mfalme
Hadija bint Ahmed, Mfalme
Mwali
Raketaka Jombe Sudy (reigned 1842–1865 and 1874–1878) – she also ruled as regent twice, 1865–1868 and 1871–1874. After 1851 she took the name of Jumbe Fatima bint Abderremane
Zewditu (reigned 1916–1930) – Daughter of Menelik II. She ascended to the throne after her nephew Iyasu V was deposed.
Kenya
Elizabeth II, Queen of Kenya (reigned 1963–1964)
Names taken from Female Rule in the Indian Ocean World (1300–1900).
Mwana Masuru
Maryamu
Mwana Mkisi
Mwana Inali
Mwana Darini binti Bwana Mkuu bin Abubakar
Asha binti Muhammad
Mwanai Mimi
Mwana Khadija binti Omari
Madagascar
Rangita (reigned 1520–1530) – Daughter of king Rafandramanenitra.
Rafohy (reigned 1530–1540) – Daughter of queen Rangita.
Ranavalona I (reigned 1828–1861) – Wife of Radama I.
Rasoherina (reigned 1863–1868) – Wife of Radama II.
Ranavalona II (reigned 1868–1883) – Wife of Radama II and cousin of Rasoherina.
Ranavalona III (reigned 1883–1897) – Niece of Ranavalona II.
The female monarchs of Madagascar traditional states were:
Ambohidratrimo
Ramananandrianjaka Rambolamasoandro
Rabehety
Boina Kingdom
Andrianaginarivo (reigned 1777–1778)
Tombola (reigned 1778)
Ravahiny (reigned 1778–1808)
Oantitsy (reigned 1832–1836)
Tsiomeko (reigned 1836–1840)
Menabe
Bibiasa
Bemihisatra
Safy Mozongo (reigned 1869–1881) – she was the mother of Binao.
Binao (reigned 1881–1927)
Bemazava
Irana Andriamamelonarivo
Tsiresy I Andriamanomponarivo
Tsiresy II Nenimoana
Antankarana
Ambary of Antankarana
Soanaomby
Imarovatana
Ramanandrianjaka II Ravorombato
Betsimisaraka
Bety of Betsimisaraka
Mauritius
Elizabeth II, Queen of Mauritius (reigned 1968–1992)
Mozambique
Angoche Sultanate
Queen of Angoche, name unknown (reigned c. 1550)
Somaliland
Sultanate of Ifat
Māti Layla Abūd (reigned in the 14th century)
South Sudan
Shilluk Kingdom
Abudok, the eighth ruler (and only queen) of the Shilluk.
Tanzania
Elizabeth II, Queen of Tanganyika (reigned 1961–1962)
Therese Ntare VI of Heru
Names taken from Female Rule in the Indian Ocean World (1300–1900).
Mwana Aziz
Mwana Miveni
Mwana Aisha
Mwana Fatuma binti Darhash
Mwana Hadiya
Mwana Mize binti Muaba
Mwana Mwema, queen of Unguja (reigned ?–1653)
Fatuma binti Yussuf, queen of Unguja (reigned ?–1698 and 1709–1715)
Mwana wa Mwana
Mwanzuani
Mwana Khazija binti Ngwali
Fatuma binti Ali
Sabini binti Ngumi
Uganda
Elizabeth II, Queen of Uganda (reigned 1962–1963)
Bunyoro
Masamba Ga Winyi (reigned in the early 17th century; 5 Years)
Paroketu
Akech (reigned 1760–1787)
Songora people
The female monarchs of Songora were:
Kogyere I Rusija-Miryango
Kogyere II
Njunaki Kamaranga
Nyakahuma
Kitami kya Nyawera
Kantunguru
Kogyere III Ikamiro
Southern Africa
Malawi
Elizabeth II, Queen of Malawi (reigned 1964–1966)
Namibia
Mbunza
Kapango (reigned c. 1750)
Ongandjera
Nakashwa (reigned 1862)
Oukwanyama
Martha Nelumbu (reign 2005–)
Shambyu
Maria Mwengere (reigned 1947–1987)
Angelina Matumbo Ribebe (reigned 1989–2015)
Sofia Mundjembwe Kanyetu (reign 2023–)
Uukwangali
Mate I (reigned c. 1750)
Nankali (reigned c. 1775)
Simbara (reigned 1785–1800)
Mate II (reigned 1800–1818)
Mpande (reigned 1880–1886)
Kanuni (reigned 1926–1941 and 1958–1971)
South Africa
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–1961)
AmaMpondomise
Mamani kaPhahlo (reigned 1732–1758)
Lobedu people
The Modjadji or Rain Queen is the hereditary queen of Lobedu, the people of the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The succession to the position of Rain Queen is matrilineal, meaning that the Queen's eldest daughter is the heir, and that males are not entitled to inherit the throne at all. The Rain Queen is believed to have special powers, including the ability to control the clouds and rainfall.
Maselekwane Modjadji (reigned 1800–1854)
Masalanabo I Modjadji (reigned 1854–1894)
Khetoane Modjadji (reigned 1895–1959)
Makoma Modjadji (reigned 1959–1980)
Mokope Modjadji (reigned 1981–2001)
Makobo Modjadji (reigned 2003–2005)
Masalanabo II Modjadji
Zambia
Mamochisane, queen of Makololo tribe (reigned c. 1851)
Zimbabwe
Elizabeth II, Queen of Rhodesia (reigned 1965–1970)
The Americas
North America
Canada
Victoria (reigned 1837–1901)
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–2022)
Mexico
Cobá
Che'enal (reigned c. 565 – c. 574)
Lady Yopaat (reigned c. 600 – c. 640)
Lady K’awiil Ajaw (reigned 640–682)
Ecatepec
Tlapalizquixochtzin (reigned in the late 15th–early 16th century)
Palenque
Ix Yohl Ik'nal (reigned 583–604)
Sak K'uk', also known as Muwaan Mat (reigned 612–615)
Tepetlaoztoc
Azcasuch (reigned in the late 15th–early 16th century)
Toltec Empire
Xiuhtlaltzin (reigned 979–983)
Toniná
Lady K'awiil Yopaat (reigned 762–774)
Tzacoalco
Malinxalchitl (reigned ?–1524)
Central America
Belize
Elizabeth II (reigned 1981–2022)
Pusilha
Lady Ich’aak K’inich
Guatemala
El Perú
Lady K'abel (reigned 672–692)
La Florida
Lady Chaak (reigned c. 731)
Naranjo
Wac Chanil Ahau, also known as Lady Six Sky
Tikal
Unen Bahlam (reigned c. 317)
Lady of Tikal (reigned 511–527?)
The Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda
Elizabeth II (reigned 1981–2022)
Bahamas
Elizabeth II (reigned 1973–2022)
Barbados
Elizabeth II, Queen of Barbados (reigned 1966–2021)
Grenada
Elizabeth II (reigned 1974–2022)
Jamaica
Elizabeth II (reigned 1962–2022)
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Elizabeth II (reigned 1983–2022)
Saint Lucia
Elizabeth II (reigned 1979–2022)
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Elizabeth II (reigned 1979–2022)
South America
Brazil
Maria I (reigned as Queen of Brazil 1815–1816) – she was also Queen of Portugal in 1777–1816
Ecuador
Quilago, queen of Cochasquí
Guyana
Elizabeth II, Queen of Guyana (reigned 1966–1970)
Peru
Lady of Cao, Moche ruler
Suriname
Juliana (reigned 1954–1975)
Trinidad and Tobago
Elizabeth II, Queen of Trinidad and Tobago (reigned 1962–1976)
Asia
East Asia
China
Wu Zetian (Chinese: 武則天) – Empress regnant of China, ruling from 690 to 705. She was the only orthodox reigning empress in the history of China.
Although Wu Zetian is the only undisputed empress regnant recognized in orthodox Chinese historiography, there are two other documented cases of a woman holding the title of "Empress regnant" in Chinese history:
Daughter of Emperor Xiaoming of Northern Wei (Chinese: 元氏 (北魏孝明帝女); reigned 1–2 April 528) – during Northern Wei Dynasty, Empress Dowager Hu, after her son Emperor Xiaoming of Northern Wei's death, falsely declared Emperor Xiaoming's daughter to be a son and declared the daughter to be the new ruler, but almost immediately revealed that the child was in fact female, and thereafter declared Yuan Zhao, the young son of Emperor Xiaoming's cousin Yuan Baohui (元寶暉) emperor. Emperor Xiaoming's daughter is also therefore not usually considered a true monarch.
Eastern Kingdom of Women In Tibet, there was Nüguo (Chinese: 女國, lit. "Kingdom of Women"), also known as Dong nüguo (Chinese: 東女國, lit. "Eastern Kingdom of Women"), related to the tribe Sumpa. Several queens regnant of there were recorded in Chinese history books.
Supi Mojie (Chinese: 蘇毗末羯)
Dajiawa (Chinese: 达甲瓦)
Qibangsun (Chinese: 弃邦孙)
Tangpangshi (Chinese: 湯滂氏)
Lianbi (Chinese: 斂臂)
Eyaner (Chinese: 俄琰兒)
Zhaoyefu (Chinese: 趙曳夫)
Japan
Korea
Silla
Seondeok (reigned 632–647)
Jindeok (reigned 647–652)
Jinseong (reigned 887–897)
South Asia
Bangladesh
Chakma Circle
Kalindi (reigned 1832–1873)
India
Alupa dynasty
Ballamahadevi (reigned 1275–1292) – she ruled with her son Nagadevarasa
Arakkal dynasty
Ali Raja Bibi Harrabichi Kadavube (reigned 1728–1732)
Ali Raja Bibi Junumabe I (reigned 1732–1745)
Ali Raja Bibi Junumabe II (reigned 1777–1819)
Bhauma-Kara dynasty
Tribhuvana Mahadevi I (reigned 845–850)
Tribhuvana Mahadevi II (reigned 890–896)
Tribhuvana Mahadevi III (reigned 896–905)
Gauri Mahadevi (reigned c. 910 – c. 916)
Dandi Mahadevi (reigned c. 916 – c. 936)
Vakula Mahadevi (reigned c. 936 – c. 940)
Dharma Mahadevi (reigned c. 940 – c. 950)
Bhopal State
Qudsia Begum (reigned 1819–1837) – in 1819, 18-year-old Qudsia Begum (also known as Gohar Begum) took over the reins after the assassination of her husband, Nawab Muiz Muhammad Khan Bahadur. She was the first female ruler of Bhopal. She declared that her 2-year-old daughter Sikander would follow her as the ruler; none of the male family members dared to challenge her decision. She ruled till 1837, when she died having adequately prepared her daughter for ruling the state.
Begum Sultan Shah Jehan (reigned 1844–1860 and 1868–1901) – Shahjahan was the only surviving child of Sikandar Begum, sometime Nawab of Bhopal by correct title, and her husband Jahangir Mohammed Khan. She was recognised as ruler of Bhopal in 1844 at the age of six; her mother wielded power as regent during her minority. However, in 1860, her mother Sikandar Begum was recognised by the British as ruler of Bhopal in her own right, and Shahjahan was set aside.
Begum Nawab Sikandar (reigned 1860–1868)
Begum Kaikhusrau Jahan (reigned 1901–1926)
British Raj
Victoria, Empress of India (reigned 1876–1901)
Gerusoppa
Rani Chennabhairadevi (reigned 1552–1606)
Holkar dynasty
Ahilyabai Holkar (reigned 1767–1795), also known as the Philosopher Queen
Kakatiya dynasty
Rani Rudrama Devi (reigned 1262–1295)
Kashmir
Sugandha (reigned 904–906)
Didda (reigned 980–1003), she ruled first as a Regent for her son Abhimanyu and thereafter as sole ruler in her own right
Kota Rani (reigned 1338–1339)
Keladi Nayaka dynasty
Keladi Chennamma (reigned 1672–1697)
Virammaji (reigned 1757–1763)
Mamluk dynasty
Razia Sultana (reigned 1236–1240)
Oiniwar dynasty
Viswavasa Devi (reigned 1431–1443)
Sambalpur State
Rani Mohan Kumari (reigned 1827–1833)
Sivaganga estate
Velu Nachiyar (reigned c. 1780 – c. 1790)
Vellacci (reigned c. 1790 – c. 1793)
Thanjavur Maratha kingdom
Sujana Bai (reigned 1737–1738)
Travancore Kingdom
Gowri Lakshmi Bayi of Travancore (reigned 1810–1813) – she also ruled 1813–1815 as regent
Ullal
Abbakka Chowta (reigned 1525–1570)
Maldives
Damahaar (reigned before 990) – Damahaar, a Ranin (Queen) of the Aadeetta (Sun) Dynasty, is mentioned by al-Idrisi as having reigned over the Maldives at some time before the semi-legendary King Koimala; there are several other mentions by foreign travelers, mainly Arabs, of queens ruling over the Maldives at various times; these are not always named and their reigns cannot be precisely dated
Khadijah (reigned 1347–1363, 1364–1374, and 1376–1380)
Raadhafathi (reigned 1380)
Dhaain (reigned 1385–1388)
Kuda Kala Kamanafa’anu (reigned 1607–1609)
Amina I (reigned 1753–1754)
Amina II (reigned 1757–1759)
Nepal
Kingdom of Bhaktapur
Ganga Rani, co-ruler of Trailokya Malla (reigned in the 16th century)
Pakistan
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–1956)
Gilgit
Dadi Jawari (reigned 1642—1667 and 1689—1705) — also known as Malika Jawahir Khatun
Malika Sahibnuma, also spelled as Sahebnuma (reigned 1825–1828)
Soomra dynasty
Hamoon (reigned 1107) – she occupied the throne after her husband Sanghar's death, but was soon crushed by the nobles
Sri Lanka
Anula of Anuradhapura (reigned 47–42 BC)
Sivali of Anuradhapura (reigned 35)
Lilavati of Polonnaruwa (reigned 1197–1200, 1209–1210, and 1211–1212)
Kalyanavati of Polonnaruwa (reigned 1202–1208)
Kusumasana Devi (reigned 1581)
Sugala Devi (reigned ?–1158) — she led Queen Sugala rebellion in 1157
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–1972)
Southeast Asia
Cambodia
Funan
Queen Soma (reigned in the 1st century)
Kulaprabhavati (reigned 514–517) – there was a succession war between her and her stepson Rudravarman for three years
Chenla
Kambuja-raja-lakshmi (reigned 575–580)
Jayadevi (reigned 681–713) – during her rule, she was faulted in leadership which led the Chenla kingdom to break into two individual states, but then it record the period to be female-dominated dynasty with the wide range of female successors, totally driving the entire kingdom
Indrani (reigned in the 8th century)
Nṛpatendradevī (reigned in the 8th century)
Jayendrabhā (reigned in the 8th century)
Jyeṣṭhāryā (reigned c. 803)
Post-Angkor period
Queen Tey (reigned 1687)
Ang Mey (reigned 1835–1840 and 1844–1846) – also known as Ngọc Vân Quận chúa (Lady Ngọc Vân – Vietnamese) or Ksat Trey, she was proclaimed on the death of her father by the Vietnamese faction at court with the title of Mỹ Lâm Quận chúa (Lady Mỹ Lâm – Vietnamese). She was famous as a Vietnamese puppet queen
First Kingdom of Cambodia
Queen Sisowath Kossamak (reigned 1960–1970, disputed) – After her husband King Norodom Suramarit's death, Kossamak kept her title of Queen and continued to function as the symbol and representative of the monarchy while Sihanouk assumed his position as monarch, but titled as Prince rather than King.
Indonesia
Aceh Sultanate
Seri Ratu Ta'jul Alam Shah (reigned 1641–1675) – the Sultana of Atjeh (Aceh) Darussalam, formerly known as Puteri Seri Alam the Daughter of the Great Sultan Iskandar Muda, and wife of Sultan Iskandar Thani
Seri Ratu Naqiatuddin Nurul Alam (reigned 1675–1678)
Seri Ratu Inayat Shah (reigned 1678–1688)
Seri Ratu Kamalat Syah (reigned 1688–1699) – she was deposed and replaced by her husband under pressure from the Mufti of Mecca
Bali Kingdom
Śri Wijaya Mahadewi (reigned c. 983)
Mahendradatta (reigned before 989–1007)
Śri Ajñadewi (reigned c. 1016)
Śri Maharaja Sakalendukirana Laksmidhara Wijayottunggadewi (reigned c. 1088–1101)
Arjayadengjayaketana (reigned c. 1200)
Queen of Bali, name unknown (reigned ?–1284) – in 1284, Kertanegara attacked Bali and captured the queen of Bali
Kingdom of Klungkung
Dewa Agung Istri Kanya (reigned 1814–1850)
Tanette
Siti Aisyah We Tenriolle (reigned 1855–1910)
Kalingga Kingdom
Maharani Shima (reigned 674–695)
Majapahit
Tribhuwana Wijayatunggadewi (reigned 1328–1350)
Suhita (reigned 1429–1447)
Mataram Kingdom
Śri Isyana Tunggawijaya (reigned 947–985)
Sonbai Kecil
Bi Sonbai, also known as Usi Tetu Utang, in western Timor (reigned 1672–1717)
Kalinyamat Sultanate
Ratu Kalinyamat (reigned c. 1549–after 1579)
Sultanate of Gowa
Tumanurung Baine
Samudera Pasai Sultanate
Ratu Nahrasyiyah
Bone state
We Banrigau, Mallajange ri Cina
We Tenrituppu, Matinroe ri Bantaeng
We Bataritoja, Sultanah Zainab Zulkiyahtuddin (reigned 1714–1715 and 1724–1749)
We Imaniratu, Sultanah Rajituddin
We Tenriawaru, Sultanah Ummulhuda
We Fatimah Banri, Datu Citta
Sultanate of Buton
Wa kaa kaa (reigned 1332–?)
Bulawambona (reigned in the 14th century)
Bintan Island
Wan Sri Benian, queen of Bintan (reigned c. 1290)
Tanjungpura Kingdom
Ratu Sukadana (reigned 1608–1622)
Laos
Lan Xang
Nang Keo Phimpha (reigned 1438) – after her nephew Lan Kham Deng died, she seized control of Lan Xang and the next four kings were under her control. She only reigned for a few months in 1438 at the age of 95; she was then deposed and killed.
Malaysia
Kelantan
Puteri Saadong (reigned 1667–1671)
Myanmar
Hanthawaddy
Shin Sawbu (reigned 1454–1471)
Sandoway
Saw Yin Mi (reigned the 1420s–1437)
Waithali
Kuverami (reigned 334–341)
Laihka State
Wife of Sao Ne Ya (reigned 1680–1683)
Youngest Sister of Hkun Hkawt (reigned 1866–1868)
Philippines
Kingdom of Tondo
Dayang Kalangitan (reigned c. 1450–c. 1500)
Kingdom of Maynila
Queen of Maynila, name unknown (reigned c. 1521) – she succeeded her husband Salalila and was succeeded by her son Matanda; according to oral traditions, her name is "Ysmeria"
Sultanate of Sulu
Nur ul-Azam (reigned c. 1685)
Thailand
Hariphunchai
Jamadevi (reigned in the 6th–7th century) — first ruler of the Mon kingdom of Hariphunchai
Pattani
Ratu Hijau, 'the Green Queen' (reigned 1584–1616)
Ratu Biru, 'the Blue Queen' (reigned 1616–1624)
Ratu Ungu, 'the Purple Queen' (reigned 1624–1635)
Ratu Kuning, 'the Yellow Queen' (reigned 1635–1651)
Raja Mas Kelantan (reigned 1670–1698)
Raja Mas Chayam (reigned 1698–1702 and 1716–1718)
Raja Dewi (reigned 1702–1711)
Lanna
Chiraprapha (reigned 1545–1546)
Wisutthi Thewi (reigned 1564–1578)
Timor-Leste
There were many chiefdoms on Timor, but according to the hierarchy among the Timorese domains, the ruler of Sonbai of West Timor, the ruler of Wehali of Central Timor, and the ruler of Likusaen (today: Liquiçá) of East Timor were three paramount rulers of Timor.
Liquiçá
Dona Ursula da Costa (reigned c. 1818)
Dona Gracia da Costa Rodrigues Pereira (reigned c. 1881 – c. 1883)
Dona Engracia da Costa Delgado (reigned c. 1890 – c. 1892)
Vietnam
Queen Trưng Trắc (reigned 40–43) – the Trưng sisters (Vietnamese: Hai Bà Trưng, lit. 'two ladies Trưng') were leaders who rebelled against Chinese rule for three years, and are regarded as national heroines of Vietnam. Her name is Trưng Trắc.
Trưng Nhị, co-ruler of Trưng Trắc
Lady Triệu (reigned 248), also known as Lệ Hải Bà Vương (chữ Hán: 麗海婆王, lit. "beautiful sea's lady king")
Empress Lý Chiêu Hoàng (reigned 1224–1225)
Champa
Daughter of Kandarpadharma (reigned ?–653)
West Asia
Iran
Thea Musa (Parthian queen regnant of Iran, reigned 2 BC–4 AD) – she ruled with her son Phraates V
Boran (reigned 630 and 631–632) — Sasanian queen regnant and Daughter of Khosrow II
Azarmidokht (reigned 630–631) — Sasanian queen regnant, sister of Boran and daughter of Khosrow II
Elymais
Anzaze (reigned 82/81–75 BC, following dates on the coins), she appears on coins together with king Kamnaskires III; they perhaps ruled together as on the coins she is called βασιλίσσης (the Genitive case of queen, βασίλισσα – basílissa)
Ulfan (reigned in the 2nd century) – she co-ruled with her husband Orodes III
Ahmadilis
Sulafa Khatun (reigned 1209–1225)
Qutlugh-Khanids
Kutlugh Turkan (reigned 1257–1282)
Padishah Khatun (reigned 1292–1295)
Kurdujin Khatun (reigned 1295–1296 and 1319–1338)
Salghurids
Abish Khatun (reigned 1264–1284)
Il Khanate
Sati Beg (reigned 1338–1339)
Khorshidi dynasty
Dawlat Khatun (reigned 1316)
Iraq
First Dynasty of Ur
Puabi (reigned c. 26th century BC) – there is a theory that she ruled on her own right
Jalayirid Sultanate
Tandu Khatun (reigned 1411–1419)
Soran Emirate
Mir Xanzad
Israel
Beit Shemesh
Lady of the Lions (reigned c. 1350 BC)
Judah
Athaliah (reigned 843–835 BC)
Hasmonean dynasty
Salome Alexandra (reigned 76–67 BC)
Herodian dynasty
Salome I (reigned 4 BC–10 AD) – she ruled as Toparch of Jabneh, Ashdod and Phasaelis
Livia (reigned 10–29) – she ruled as Toparch of Jabneh
Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem
Melisende (reigned 1131–1153) – she ruled with her husband Fulk of Anjou and her son Baldwin III as co-rulers
Sibylla (reigned 1186–1190) – she ruled with her husband Guy de Lusignan as co-ruler
Isabella I (reigned 1190/92–1205) – she ruled with her husbands Conrad of Montferrat, Henry of Champagne and Aimery of Cyprus as co-rulers
Maria (reigned 1205–1212) – she ruled with her husband John of Brienne as co-ruler from 1210
Isabella II (reigned 1212–1228), also known as Yolande of Jerusalem – she ruled with her husband Frederick II of Hohenstaufen as co-ruler from 1225
Jordan
Gileadite
Laodice of the Sameans (reigned c. 92 BC) – in the Codex Leidensis, the people of Laodice is Gileadites.
Nabatea
Chuldu (reigned 9 BC–16 AD) – she ruled with her husband Aretas IV Philopatris
Shaqilath (reigned 16–40 AD) – she ruled with her husband Aretas IV Philopatris
Shaqilath II – she ruled with her husband Malichus II; after his death she was regent for her son Rabbel II Soter
Gamilath – she ruled with Rabbel II Soter
Hagaru – she ruled with Rabbel II Soter
Lebanon
Tripoli The County of Tripoli was an autonomous state.
Lucia of Tripoli (reigned 1287–1289)
Saudi Arabia
Bāzu
Iapa, queen of the city Dihrani – Esarhaddon conquered eight kings and queens of the land Bāzu
Baslu, queen of the city Ihilum – Esarhaddon conquered eight kings and queens of the land Bāzu
Qedarite
Zabibe (reigned c. 750–735 BC)
Samsi (reigned c. 735–710 BC)
Yatie (reigned c. 710–695 BC)
Te'el-hunu (reigned c. 695–690 BC)
Tabua (reigned c. 678–675 BC)
Syria
Tanukhids
Mavia (reigned 375–425) – "The Queen of the Arabs"
Seleucid Empire
Cleopatra Thea (reigned 126–121 BC) – she ruled with her sons Seleucus V and Antiochus VIII
Cleopatra Selene I (reigned 82–69 BC) – she ruled with her son Antiochus XIII
Palmyrene Empire
Zenobia (reigned 272) – she ruled mostly as regent for her son but reigned briefly under the regnal name Septimia Zenobia Augusta in 272.
Turkey
Antioch The Principality of Antioch was an autonomous state.
Constance (reigned 1130–1163)
Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia
Isabella (reigned 1219–1252) – she co-ruled with her husband Hethum I from 1226
Caria
Artemisia I (reigned c. 480 BC)
Artemisia II (reigned 353–351 BC)
Ada (reigned 344–340 and 334–326 BC)
Dardania
Mania (reigned after 399 BC) – queen of ancient Dardania according to Polyaenus and Xenophon
Heraclea Pontica
Amastris (reigned c. 300–284 BC)
Pontus
Laodice, co-ruler of Mithridates IV
Pythodorida (reigned 8 BC–38 AD)
Olba Kingdom
Queen Aba (reigned in the 1st century BC)
Prusias ad Mare
Orodaltis (reigned after 30 BC)
Saltukid dynasty
Melike Mama Hatun (reigned 1191–1200)
Trebizond
Theodora Megale Komnene (reigned 1284–1285)
Eirene Palaiologina (reigned 1340–1341)
Anna Megale Komnene (reigned 1341–1342)
Yemen
Sulayhid dynasty
Asma bint Shihab (reigned 1047–1087) – she was the co-ruler of Yemen in co-regency with her cousin and spouse, Ali al-Sulayhi, and later her son, Ahmad al-Mukkaram, and daughter-in-law, Arwa al-Sulayhi. Though there were many female monarchs in the Muslim world, Asma bint Shihab and Arwa al-Sulayhi were the only female monarchs in the Arab world to have had the khutba proclaimed in their name in the mosques as sovereigns.
Arwa al-Sulayhi (reigned 1067–1138) – she ruled Yemen firstly with her first two husbands and her mother-in-law and then as sole ruler. She was the greatest of the rulers of the Sulayhid Dynasty and was also the first woman to be accorded the prestigious title of hujja in Isma'ili branch of Shi'a Islam, signifying her as the closest living image of God's will in her lifetime.
Central Asia
Afghanistan
Queen of Greater Yuezhi, name unknown (reigned in the 2nd century BC) – after the king of the Greater Yuezhi was killed by the Xiongnu, his wife became the new monarch of Greater Yuezhi
Uzbekistan
Tomyris (reigned c. 570–520 BC) — queen of Massagetae
North Asia
Siberia
Botohui-Tarhun (reigned in the 13th century)
Europe
Central Europe
Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Czechia
Marcomanni
Fritigil (reigned mid-4th century)
Poland and Lithuania
Eastern Europe
Armenia
Erato (reigned 8 BC–1 AD and 6–12 AD) – she ruled with Tigranes IV and Tigranes V
Georgia
Dinar of Hereti (reigned in the 10th century) – she ruled with her son Ishkhanik
Tamar of Georgia (reigned 1184–1213)
Rusudan of Georgia (reigned 1223–1245)
Tamar of Kartli (reigned 1744–1746) – she ruled with her husband Teimuraz II
Russia
Sabir people
Queen Boa, also known as Boareks (reigned in the 520s)
Kingdom of the Cimmerian Bosporus
Kamasarye Philoteknos (reigned 180–150 BC) – she co-ruled with her husband Paerisades III
Dynamis (reigned in 47 BC, 44–17 BC, and 16–14 BC) – she co-ruled with her first husband Asander in 47 BC and from 44 BC until 17 BC; then she co-ruled with her second husband Polemon I from 16 BC until her death
Gepaepyris (reigned 37/38–39 AD)
Blue Horde
Tulun Beg Khanum
Khanate of Qasim
Fatima Soltan (reigned 1679–1681)
Northern Europe
Denmark, Norway and Sweden
Agder
Åsa (reigned in the 9th century)
Western Europe
Luxembourg and Belgium
Burgundian Netherlands
Mary of Burgundy (reigned 1477–1482) – according to E. William Monter's book, Mary of Burgundy and Isabella Clara Eugenia are included in the list of thirty women sovereigns over European states between 1300 and 1800
Spanish Netherlands
Isabella Clara Eugenia (reigned as independent sovereign 1598–1621) – during her and Albert's co-reign period, the Spanish Netherlands temporarily had formal independence from Spain
Austrian Netherlands
Maria Theresa (reigned 1740–1780) – she was also the sovereign of many other states as ruler of the Habsburg monarchy
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
Marie-Adélaïde (reigned 1912–1919)
Charlotte (reigned 1919–1964)
Netherlands
Monaco
Claudine (reigned 1457–1458)
Louise Hippolyte (reigned 1731)
United Kingdom and Ireland
Cartimandua (reigned c. 43 AD – c. 69 AD) — queen of the Brigantes, a Celtic people in what is now Northern England; she came to power around the time of the Roman conquest of Britain, and formed a large tribal agglomeration that became loyal to Rome; she is known exclusively from the work of a single Roman historian, Tacitus, though she appears to have been widely influential in early Roman Britain
Boudica (reigned c. 60 AD – c. 61 AD) — queen of the Brythonic Celtic Iceni, people of Norfolk, in Eastern Britain; in 61 AD, she led a major uprising of the tribes against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire
Seaxburh of Wessex (reigned c. 672–674) – she reigned jointly with her husband Cenwalh and, according to tradition, ruled Wessex as Queen for a year following Cenwalh's death in c. 672
Southern Europe
Albania
Caeria, queen of Illyria (reigned ?–344/343 BC)
Bosnia
Jelena Gruba (reigned 1395–1398)
Bulgaria
Odrysian kingdom
Antonia Tryphaena (reigned 18–38) – she ruled with her son Rhoemetalces II
Pythodoris II (reigned 38–46) – she ruled with Rhoemetalces III
Cyprus
Kingdom of Cyprus
Charlotte (reigned 1458–1464)
Catherine Cornaro (reigned 1474–1489)
British Cyprus
Victoria (reigned 1878–1901)
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–1960)
Greece
Aeacid dynasty
Deidamia II (reigned c. 233 BC)
Byzantine Empire
Irene of Athens (reigned 797–802) – she normally referred to herself as basilissa (empress), although there are three instances of the title basileus (emperor) being used by her. From 792 she was a co-ruler.
Theodora the Armenian (reigned 842–856, disputed) - after the death of her husband she became the co-ruler of her son but in fact she ruled the empire alone; some historians regard her as an empress regnant rather than just a regent
Thekla (reigned 842–856, disputed), co-ruler of Theodora the Armenian
Zoë Porphyrogenita (reigned 1028–1041 and 1042–1050) – she ruled with her consorts Romanos III and Michael IV between 1028 and 1041; she ruled with her sister Theodora and her third husband Constantine IX from 1042 to 1050
Theodora Porphyrogenita (reigned 1042–1056) – she ruled from 1042 jointly with her sister Zoe and Zoe's third husband Constantine IX; she ruled from 1055 until her own death as sole monarch.
Eudokia Makrembolitissa (reigned 1067, disputed) - after the death of her husband she became a ruler; some historians regard her as an empress regnant rather than just a regent
Epirus
Maria Angelina Doukaina Palaiologina (reigned 1384–1385)
Frankokratia Latin Empire was disestablished in 1261, but Latin states in Greece, also known as Frankokratia, continued to recognize Latin emperors in exile as their overlords until 1383.
Catherine I (reigned 1283–1307)
Catherine II (reigned 1307–1346)
Polis
Cratesipolis (reigned c. 314 BC – c. 306 BC) — ruler of Sicyon and Corinth
Nicaea, ruler of Corinth
Italy
Ostrogothic Kingdom
Amalasuintha (reigned 534–535) – she ruled first as regent for her son and thereafter as queen regnant in her own right
Sardinian medieval kingdoms
Elena of Gallura (reigned 1203–1218)
Benedetta of Cagliari (reigned 1214–1233)
Adelasia of Torres (reigned 1236–1259)
Joanna of Gallura (reigned 1298–1308)
Eleanor of Arborea (reigned 1383–1404)
Kingdom of Sicily
Constance I (reigned 1194–1198) – she co-ruled with her husband Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor until 1197
Constance II (reigned 1282–1285) – she co-ruled with her husband Peter III of Aragon
Maria (reigned 1377–1401) – she co-ruled with her husband Martin I the Younger from 1392
Joan the Mad (reigned 1516–1555) – she was also Queen of Castile and Aragon
Kingdom of Naples
Joan I (reigned 1343–1382)
Joan II (reigned 1414–1435)
Joan III the Mad (reigned 1516–1555) – she was also Queen of Castile and Aragon
Italian states from the Congress of Vienna to the unification of Italy The Italian duchies restored by the Congress of Vienna became fully sovereign because the Kingdom of Italy was not restored.
Marie Louise, Duchess of Parma (reigned 1814–1847)
Maria Luisa, Duchess of Lucca (reigned 1815–1824)
Maria Beatrice d'Este, Duchess of Massa (reigned 1815–1829)
Portugal
Spain and Andorra
Toda (reigned c. 958) — queen of Deio and Lizarrara
Andregoto Galíndez (reigned c. 971) — queen of Lumbier
Malta
Oceania
Australasia
Australia
Victoria (reigned 1901)
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–2022)
New Zealand
Elizabeth II (reigned 1952–2022)
Rarotonga
Makea Takau Ariki, Queen/Supreme High Chiefess of the Cook Islands (reigned 1871–1911) – was the last monarch and only queen regnant of the Kingdom of Rarotonga established in 1858, she ceased to be sovereign after 1888
Melanesia
Fiji
Elizabeth II (reigned 1970–1987)
Papua New Guinea
Elizabeth II (reigned 1975–2022)
Solomon Islands
Elizabeth II (reigned 1978–2022)
Polynesia
American Samoa
Tuimanufili (reigned as 20th Tui Manu'a)
Siliave (reigned as 23rd Tui Manu'a)
Seuea (reigned as 27th Tui Manu'a)
Matelita (reigned 1891–1895, as 39th Tui Manu'a)
French Polynesia
Bora Bora
Teriimaevarua II (reigned 1860–1873)
Teriimaevarua III (reigned 1873–1895)
Huahine
Teha'apapa I (reigned 1760–1790)
Teri'itaria II (reigned 1815–1852)
Teha'apapa II (reigned 1868–1893)
Teuhe (reigned 1888–1890) – she reigned under a rebellion government against her mother Queen Tehaapapa II
Teha'apapa III (reigned 1893–1895)
Raiatea
Tehauroarii (reigned 1881–1884)
Tuarii (reigned till 1897) – she reigned under a rebellion government against the French with the support of Teraupo'o after Tamatoa VI abdicated.
Rapa Iti
Daughter of Parima (reigned 1886–1887)
Rimatara
Tamaeva IV (reigned 1876–1892)
Tamaeva V (reigned 1892–1901)
Tahiti
Purea (reigned in the 18th century), queen of the Teva clan on the southern part of the island before unification
Pōmare IV (reigned 1827–1877)
Hawaii
Ancient Hawaii
Kalanikauleleiaiwi (reigned 1695–1725) — co-ruler of Hawaiʻi Island along with her brother Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku
Ululani, Chiefess of Hilo
Kapau-a-Nuʻakea, 3rd Chiefess of Molokai
Kamauliwahine, 4th Chiefess of Molokai
Hualani, 5th Chiefess of Molokai
Kanealai, Chiefess of Molokai
Kūkaniloko, 11th Moʻi of Oʻahu
Kalaimanuia, 12th Moʻi of Oʻahu (reigned 1600–1665)
Kaikilani, 17th Moʻi of Hawaiʻi Island (reigned 1575–1605)
Keakamahana, 19th Moʻi of Hawaiʻi Island (reigned 1635–1665)
Keakealaniwahine, 20th Moʻi of Hawaiʻi Island (reigned 1665–1695)
Kamakahelei, 22nd Moʻi of Kauaʻi (reigned 1770–1794)
Kingdom of Hawaii
Liliʻuokalani (reigned 1891–1893 and claimed status as queen until her death in 1917) – the only queen regnant of the Kingdom of Hawaii established by Kamehameha I
Tonga
Tupoumahe'ofo (reigned 1777–1781, as Tu'i Kanokupolu)
Salote Tupou III (reigned 1918–1965)
Tuvalu
Elizabeth II (reigned 1978–2022)
Wallis and Futuna
Uvea
Toifale (reigned 1825)
Falakika Seilala (reigned 1858–1869)
Amelia Tokagahahau Aliki (reigned 1869–1895)
Aloisia Brial (reigned 1953–1958)
Legendary and mythological monarchs
Chile
Gaboimilla
China
Nüwa, the only female among Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors
Queen Mother of the West
Congo
Kuba Kingdom
Women written in italics in the list of Kuba Kingdom rulers:
Lobamba
Gokare
Sanga Motunu
Pelama Pena
Boeke
Sanga Lenga
Bosh Akama
Kele Kama
Bolueme
Czechia
Libuše, female ruler of Bohemia
Valasca
Easter Island
Vakai, queen of Kingdom of Rapa Nui
Ecuador
Paccha Duchicela, queen of the Kingdom of Quito
Egypt
Nitocris of the Sixth Dynasty – Nitocris is mentioned within Herodotus' book Histories as being the last Pharaoh of the Sixth Dynasty of Egypt.
Charoba – A queen mentioned in a history of Egypt written by 12th-century Arab writer Murtada ibn al-'Afif.
Daluka of the Soleyman Dynasty – An Antediluvian monarch from medieval Coptic and Arabic texts who supposedly built a wall around Egypt to protect the country from invasion and also was said to have built a pyramid and a nilometer at Memphis. Sometimes claimed to be a cousin of Charoba and her immediate successor.
Borsa of the Soleyman Dynasty – Mentioned in medieval Coptic and Arabic texts as a ruler of Egypt in the Antediluvian era. Sometimes described as a "priestess".
Ethiopia
The following names all come from a regnal list written in 1922, which is partially based on native traditions and older regnal lists, but also contains additional names of Coptic and Nubian origin, the latter due to its association with the word "Aethiopia" in ancient and Biblical texts. Claimed dates follow the Ethiopian calendar.
Borsa (reigned 4321–4254 BC) – Originated from Coptic tradition.
Eylouka (reigned 3776–3731 BC) – Originated from Coptic tradition.
Nehasset Nais (reigned 2434–2404 BC)
Kasiyope (reigned 1890–1871 BC) – Originated from Greek mythology.
Mumazes reigned (1675–1671 BC) – Daughter of king Bonu I.
Aruas (reigned 1671 BC) – Daughter of Mumazes.
Helena (reigned 1358–1347 BC)
Makeda (reigned 1013–982 BC) – The Biblical queen of Sheba in Ethiopian tradition and mother of Menelik I. She succeeded to the throne after the death of her father king Kawnasya.
Nicauta Kandake I (reigned 740–730 BC)
Hadina (reigned 372–362 BC) – Most regnal lists of Ethiopia claim this monarch reigned for 9 years.
Nikawla Kandake II (reigned 342–332 BC) – An alternate name for the Queen of Sheba
Akawsis Kandake III (reigned 325–315 BC)
Nikosis Kandake IV (reigned 242–232 BC)
Awsena (reigned 99–88 BC) – Most regnal lists of Ethiopia claim this monarch reigned for 1 year.
Nicotnis Kandake V (reigned 35–25 BC)
Garsemot Kandake VI (reigned 40–50 AD) – Supposedly the Kandake from the Biblical story of the Ethiopian Eunuch.
Wakana (reigned 230 AD) – Reigned for 2 days.
Ahywa Sofya (reigned 299–332 AD) – Likely based on Sofya of Axum, mother of Ezana.
Adhana I (reigned 369–374 AD) – Some regnal lists of Ethiopia claim this monarch reigned for 14 years.
Adhana II (reigned 412–418 AD) – Some regnal lists claim this monarch co-ruled with king Abreha III.
Kingdom of Simien
Gudit (reigned c. 960 – c. 1000)
Sidama people
Furra
French Polynesia
Queen Mamea
Greece
Omphale of Lydia, wife of Heracles
Gerana, queen of Pygmy
Amazons
Otrera, the daughter of Eurus (the east wind)
Hippolyta, the Amazonian queen who possessed a magical girdle
Penthesilea, the daughter of Ares and Otrera and the sister of Hippolyta, Antiope and Melanippe
Antianara, the daughter of Ares and Otrera and the sister of Hippolyta, Antiope and Melanippe
Eurypyle
Lampedo
Marpesia
India
Yashovati, ruler of Kashmir – she was described in Rajatarangini
Indonesia
Mahisa Suramardini Warmandewi, queen of Salakanagara (reigned 276–289 AD)
Sphatikarnawa Warmandewi, queen of Salakanagara (reigned 340–348 AD)
Iran
Humay Chehrzad
Iraq
Kubaba of Kish, the only queen on the Sumerian King List (reigned in the 25th century BC)
Semiramis, the legendary queen of king Ninus, succeeding him to the throne of Assyria
Nitocris of Babylon, the ruling queen of Babylon described by Herodotus in his Histories
Ireland
Macha, (reigned 661–654 BC)
Medb, Queen of Connacht
Japan
Empress Jingū (reigned 201–269)
Iitoyo
Korea
Lady Saso, honorary queen regnant of Silla
Queen of Jeoknyeo-guk – Talhae's mother was the princess of Jeoknyeo-guk (Korean: 적녀국; Hanja: 積女國), an island country where only women lived
Libya
Cyrene, queen of the city Cyrene
Lamia, queen of Libya
Malaysia
Che Siti Wan Kembang of Kelantan
Mexico
Aztec Empire
Atotoztli II (possibly reigned 1466–1472, disputed)
Myanmar
Panhtwar
Norway
Lagertha
Pakistan
Nur Bakht Khatun of Trakhan Dynasty
the Dareli queen of Trakhan Dynasty
Poland
Wanda
Russia
Narchat
Somaliland
Arawelo, queen of Habr Je'lo
Kola, queen of Abasa
South Africa
Majaji (reigned c. 350 AD)
Sri Lanka
Kuveni, queen of Yakkha people of Sri Lanka before the founding of Kingdom of Tambapanni
Sudan
Pelekh Candace of Meroë (reigned c. 345 – c. 332 BC)
Tunisia
Dido (reigned 814–c. 760 BC) – also known as Alyssa. Founder of Carthage, according to tradition
Turkey
Onomaris, Queen of the Galatians
Queen of Kanesh
Turkmenistan
Zarinaea, legendary Sacae woman ruler of the Dahae
United Kingdom
Queen Gwendolen (reigned in the 11th century BC)
Queen Cordelia (reigned in the 8th century BC)
Queen Marcia (reigned in the 4th century BC)
Vatican City
Pope Joan, legendary monarch of the Papal States
Vietnam
Lady Po Nagar of Champa, According to Cham legend, was the founder of the Cham nation
Yemen
Bilkis in Yemen, claimed to be Queen of Sheba
Constituent and self-proclaimed monarchs
Botswana
Mosadi Muriel Seboko (reigned 2002–present), the kgosikgolo of the Balete people
China
Chen Shuozhen (reigned 653) – She led a peasant uprising in 653. During the rebellion, she declared herself huangdi. Jian Bozan recognized her as a female huangdi.
Easter Island
Koreto, reigning queen of Easter Island (reigned ?–1876) – Dutrou-Bornier married Koreto and appointed her as Queen
Caroline, reigning queen of Easter Island (reigned 1877) – after the death of Dutrou-Bornier, his widow Koreto briefly installed their daughter Caroline as Queen
Haiti
Ti Memenne of La Gonâve (reigned c. 1920s) – she was the tribal ruler of La Gonâve
India
Rani Gaidinliu, leader of the Naga people
Jamaica
Queen Nanny, leader of the Jamaican Maroons
New Zealand
Te Atairangikaahu, Māori queen (reigned 1966–2006)
Nigeria
Ahebi Ugbabe
Panama
Rufina Santana, queen of Naso people (reigned 1982–1988)
United States Virgin Islands
The leaders of the 1878 St. Croix labor riot were:
"Queen Mary" Thomas
"Queen Agnes" Salomon
"Queen Mathilda" McBean
Chieftainesses
Argentina
Juana Koslay (princess)
Botswana
Kgosi Rebecca Banika
Burundi
Nandabunga
Chile
María la Grande
Cameroon
Marie-Thérèse Assiga Ahanda
Colombia
Gaitana
Dominican Republic
Higuanamá, also spelled Hiquanama, Cacica of Higüey, one of the Chiefdoms of Hispaniola (reigned ?–1502) – she was described by Las Casas in his A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies; Juan de Esquivel hanged Higuanamá in 1502
doña María de Higüey, Cacica of Higüey (reigned c. 1514)
Isabel de Iguanama, Cacica of Higüey (reigned c. 1514)
Fiji
Lala Mara, the Roko Tui Dreketi of Rewa (reigned 1957–2004)
Teimumu Kepa, the Roko Tui Dreketi of Rewa (reigned 2004–present)
Ghana
Nana Kofi Abuna V
Peggielene Bartels
Guinea
Niara Bely
Haiti
Anacaona, Cacica of Jaragua, one of the Chiefdoms of Hispaniola
Ireland
Grace O'Malley, also known as "the Pirate Queen", chieftainess of the Ó Máille clan in Umaill
Israel
Deborah, the only female judge of Israelite tribes in Biblical judges
Kenya
Wangu wa Makeri
Kyrgyzstan
Kurmanjan Datka, also known as "The Tsaritsa of Alai", tribal leader of Alay (reigned 1862–1876)
Liberia
Suah Koko
Malawi
Theresa Kachindamoto
New Zealand
Māori people
Hine-i-paketia
Hinematioro
Rarotonga
Makea Te Vaerua Ariki, High Chiefess of Te Au O Tonga (reigned 1845–1857)
Pa Upoko Takau Ariki, High Chiefess of Takitumu (reigned 1855–1890)
Tinomana Mereana Ariki, High Chiefess of Puaikura (reigned 1881–1908)
Niger
Sarraounia
Nigeria
Agbani Darego, honorary chieftaincy of Lagos
Alaba Lawson
Efunsetan Aniwura
Efunroye Tinubu, Iyalode of the Egbas
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Palau
Gloria Salii
Pakistan
Sada Kaur
Peru
Capillana, Capullana
Puerto Rico
Luisa, also known as Yuisa, Cacica of Loíza (reigned ?–1513)
Sierra Leone
Nyarroh
South Africa
Xhosa
Nosizwe Tyali, Chief of Imingcangathelo
Nosiseko Gaika, Chief of Amambombo (Ngqika)
Nomasilakhe Komani, Chief of Imingqalasi
South Sudan
Mathiang Yak Anek
United States of America
Appomattoc
Opossunoquonuske
Crow tribe
Pine Leaf (reigned 1830s)
Giluts'aaw
Victoria Young
Hoocąk
Glory of the Morning
Pamunkey
Cockacoeske (reigned 1656–1686)
Queen Betty (reigned 1686–1708?)
Queen Ann (reigned 1708?–1723?)
Pocasset Wampanoag
Weetamoo
Sakonnet
Awashonks
Seneca tribe
Queen Alliquippa (reigned 1754)
Vanuatu
Motarilavoa Hilda Lin̄i
Venezuela
Apacuana
Isabel (cacica)
Orocomay
Urimare (cacica)
Ana Soto (cacica)
Yemen
Sharifa Fatima
Semi-independent feudal rulers
Albania
Duchy of Durazzo
Joanna (reigned 1348–1368)
Principality of Albania
Helena Thopia (reigned 1402–1403)
Principality of Valona
Komnina Balšić (reigned 1385–1396)
Ruđina Balšić (reigned 1414–1417)
Bangladesh
Rani Bhabani, zamindar of Rajshahi Raj family
Saratsundari Devi, zamindar of Puthia Raj family
Hemanta Kumari Devi, zamindar of Puthia Raj family
India
Rani Bhawani, zamindar of Midnapore Raj
Rani Shiromani, zamindar of Midnapore Raj
Rani Rashmoni, zamindar of Janbazar
Indonesia
Gusti Raden Ayu Tirtonegoro R. Rasmana, ruler of the Duchy of Sumenep (reigned 1750–1762)
Romania
Catherine of Brandenburg, ruler of the Principality of Transylvania (reigned 1629–1630)
Crown landholders
Estonia
Swedish Estonia
Christina (reigned 6 November 1632 – 6 June 1654)
Ulrika Eleonora (reigned 5 December 1718 – 29 February 1720)
Russian Estonia
Catherine I (reigned 8 February 1725 – 17 May 1727)
Anna (reigned 13 February 1730 – 28 October 1740)
Elizabeth (reigned 6 December 1741 – 5 January 1762)
Catherine II (reigned 9 July 1762 – 6 November 1796)
Finland
Swedish Finland
Margaret I of Denmark (reigned 1389–1412)
Christina (reigned 1632–1654)
Ulrika Eleonora (reigned 1719–1720)
Iceland
Norwegian Iceland
Margaret I (reigned 1388 – 28 October 1412)
Notes
References
Bibliography
L. Pierotti Cei, Madonna Costanza, Regina di Sicilia e d'Aragona, Mondadori, Milan 1995.
S. Runciman, I Vespri siciliani, Rizzoli, Milan 1975.
External links
Contemporary reigning queens (Zárate's Political Collections)