List of female monarchs

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

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Tin Hinan		4th century AD	Unknown

Kingdom of the Aurès

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Dihya		c. 668–703 AD	c. 35 years

Canary Islands

The Canary Islands are Spanish territories of North Africa.

Peraza family

Monarch	Portrait	Title	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Inés Peraza	–	Queen	1452–1477	25 years	[1]

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.

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Isabella I of Castile		4 September 1479–26 November 1504	25 years, 2 months, 22 days
Joanna of Castile		26 November 1504–12 April 1555	51 years, 7 months, 14 days
Isabella II of Spain		29 September 1833–30 September 1868	35 years, 1 day

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.^[2]

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Sobekneferu		Mid-18th century BC	3 years, 10 months and 24 days	[3]
Hatshepsut		c. 1479–1458 BC	c. 21 years	[4]
Neferneferuaten		c. 1334–1332 BC	c. 3 years
Twosret		1191–1189 BC	2 years

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.

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Co-ruler(s)	Ref.
Arsinoe II		273/272–270/268 BC	2 to 5 years	Ptolemy II	[5]
Berenice II		246–222 BC	23 years	Ptolemy III	[6]
Arsinoe III		220–204 BC	16 years	Ptolemy IV	[7]
Cleopatra I		193–176 BC	17 years	Ptolemy V Ptolemy VI	[8]
Cleopatra II		c. 175–164 BC 163–127 BC 124–115 BC	c. 54 years	Ptolemy VI Ptolemy VIII Cleopatra III Ptolemy IX	[9]
Cleopatra III		c. 141–130 BC c. 127–101 BC	c. 37 years	Ptolemy VIII Cleopatra II Ptolemy IX Cleopatra IV Ptolemy X	[10]
Cleopatra IV	–	116–115 BC	1 year	Cleopatra III Ptolemy IX	[11]
Berenice III		101–88 BC 81–80 BC	14 years	Ptolemy X Ptolemy XI	[12]
Cleopatra V		79–69 BC	10 years	Ptolemy XII	[13]
Cleopatra VI	–	58–57 BC	1 year	Berenice IV	[14]
Berenice IV	–	58–55 BC	3 years	Cleopatra VI	[15]
Cleopatra VII		52–30 BC	22 years	Ptolemy XII Ptolemy XIII Ptolemy XIV Ptolemy XV	[16]
Arsinoe IV		October 48–January 47 BC	3 months	Ptolemy XIII	[17]

Roman Egypt
Zenobia took Roman Egypt by Palmyrene invasion and was declared Queen of Egypt.

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Zenobia		October 270–June 272	1 year and 9 months	[18]

Bahri Mamluk dynasty

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Shajar al-Durr		2 May–30 July 1250	90 days

Libya

Cyrenaica

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Berenice II		258–246 BC	12 years
Cleopatra Selene II		34–30 BC	4 years

Sudan

Egyptian Empire

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Hatshepsut		c. 1479–1458 BC	c. 21 years
Neferneferuaten		c. 1334–1332 BC	c. 2 years
Twosret		1191–1189 BC	2 years

Kingdom of Kush

Kandake was a title for queens, queen mothers, and queens consort in Nubia, but ruling kandakes included:

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Ref.
Nahirqo		Mid-2nd century BC	[19]
Unknown kandake	–	End of 2nd–first half of 1st century BC	[20]
Amanirenas		End of 1st century BC–Beginning of 1st century AD
Amanishakheto		Early 1st century AD
Shanakdakhete	–	First half of the 1st century AD
Nawidemak
Amanitore		Mid-1st century AD
Amanikhatashan		Mid-2nd century AD	[21]
Amanikhalika		Second half of the 2nd century AD	[22]
Patrapeamani [de]	–	First half of the 4th century AD	[21]
Amanipilade		Mid-4th century AD

Dotawo

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Gaua	–	c. 1520–1526	c. 6 years	[23]

West Africa

Benin

Hogbonu

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Hude	–	1746–1752	6 years

The Gambia

• Elizabeth II, Queen of the Gambia (reigned 1965–1970)

Ghana

• Elizabeth II, Queen of Ghana (reigned 1957–1960)

Akan state of Denkyira

• Amoako Atta Yiadom (reigned 1770–1793), Denkyirahene

Akan state of Dwaben

• Ama Serwah (reigned 1838–1846), Dwabenhene
• Unknown Dwabenhene (reigned 1846-18??)
• Nana Juaben Serwah II (reigned 1959–19??), Dwabenhene

Akan state of Akyem Abuakwa

• Nana Afia Dokuaa (reigned 1817–1835)

Gã

• Dode Akaabi (reigned 1610–1635)

Guinea-Bissau

Orango

• Aurelia Correia (reigned 1830–1874/1879)^[24]
• Okinka Pampa Kanyimpa (reigned c. 1910–1930) – Succeeded her father Bankajapa.

Roxa

• Juliana of Canhabaque^[25] (reigned in the early 1900s)^[24]
• Idiana Ibop^[26] (reigned until the 1920s)^[24]

Côte d'Ivoire

Baoule

• Pokou (reigned c. 1750 – c. 1760)^[27] – Queen and founder of the Baoule tribe.
• Akwa Boni (reigned c. 1760 – c. 1790)^[27] – Pokou's niece who succeeded her to the throne.

Liberia

• Famata Bendu, queen of the Vai people (reigned ?–1892)^[28]

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.^[29] These queens reigned from c. 700 to c. 1000.^[30]

• 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.

Igala Kingdom

• Ebulejonu, also known as Ebule (reigned in the 16th century)^[31]

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)^[32]

Kpa Mende

• Madam Yoko (reigned 1878–1906)

Central Africa

Angola

Jaga

• Mussasa (reigned in the 17th century)
• Tembandumba

Matamba

• Mwongo Matamba [sv] (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 (reigned 1767–1810)

Kingdom of kongo

There were two female monarchs during Kongo Civil War.

• Ana Afonso de Leão, queen of Kinlaza
• Suzana de Nóbrega [pt], 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
• Salima Machamba bint Saidi Hamadi Makadara (reigned 1888–1909)

Ethiopia

• 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).^[33]

• 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:^[34]

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)^[33]

Somaliland

Sultanate of Ifat

• Māti Layla Abūd (reigned in the 14th century)

South Sudan

Shilluk Kingdom

• Abudok [fr], the eighth ruler (and only queen) of the Shilluk.^[35]

Tanzania

• Elizabeth II, Queen of Tanganyika (reigned 1961–1962)
• Therese Ntare VI of Heru^[36]

Names taken from Female Rule in the Indian Ocean World (1300–1900).^[33]

• Mwana Aziz
• Mwana Miveni
• Mwana Aisha
• Mwana Fatuma binti Darhash
• Mwana Hadiya
• Mwana Mize binti Muaba
• Mwana Mwema, queen of Unguja^[37] (reigned ?–1653)^[38]
• 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)^[39]

Songora people

The female monarchs of Songora were:^[40]

• 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)^[41]

Ongandjera

• Nakashwa (reigned 1862)^[42]

Oukwanyama

• Martha Nelumbu (reign 2005–)

Shambyu

• Maria Mwengere (reigned 1947–1987)^[42]
• Angelina Matumbo Ribebe (reigned 1989–2015)^[43]
• Sofia Mundjembwe Kanyetu (reign 2023–)^[44]

Uukwangali

• Mate I (reigned c. 1750)^[42]
• Nankali (reigned c. 1775)^[42]
• Simbara (reigned 1785–1800)^[42]
• Mate II (reigned 1800–1818)^[42]
• Mpande (reigned 1880–1886)^[42]
• Kanuni (reigned 1926–1941 and 1958–1971)^[42]

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 [sv] (reigned c. 565 – c. 574)
• Lady Yopaat [sv] (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)

Mixtec

• Lady 9 Wind Stone Quexquemitl
• Lady 6 Monkey War Quexquemitl
• Lady 1 Death
• Lady 13 Flower Precious Bird
• Lady 2 Flower Rising Jewel
• Lady 11 Monkey Jade Spiderweb
• Lady 11 Alligator Quetzal Jewel
• Lady 2 Jaguar Jade Spiderweb
• Lady 5 Rabbit Jewel
• Lady 3 Jaguar Precious Butterfly Sun
• Lady 6 Water Quetzal Jewel of Flower War
• Lady 3 Rabbit Divine Flame
• Lady 12 Flower Broken Mountain Butterfly
• Lady 11 Rabbit Jewel of the Rising Sun
• Lady 8 Deer Quetzal Spiderweb
• Lady 1 Flower Jaguar Quexquemitl

Central America

Belize

• Elizabeth II (reigned 1981–2022)

Pusilha

• Lady Ich’aak K’inich^[45] (reigned c.710–731)

Guatemala

El Perú

• Lady K'abel (reigned 672–692)

La Florida

• Lady Chaak (reigned c. 731)^[46]

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^[47]

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 [zh]
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.^[48] Several queens regnant of there were recorded in Chinese history books.

• Supi Mojie (Chinese: 蘇毗末羯)^[49]
• Dajiawa (Chinese: 达甲瓦)^[50]
• Qibangsun (Chinese: 弃邦孙)^[50]
• Tangpangshi (Chinese: 湯滂氏)^[51]
• Lianbi (Chinese: 斂臂)^[51]
• Eyaner (Chinese: 俄琰兒)^[51]
• Zhaoyefu (Chinese: 趙曳夫)^[51]

Wuman

• Acha (Cuanman) [zh] (Chinese: 阿姹) – her son Cuan Shouyu [zh] submitted to Geluofeng [zh] of Nanzhao, and instead she declared herself Wáng of the Wuman tribe (烏蠻部落王)^[52]

Japan

Monarch	Portrait	Reign dates	Length	Ref.
Queen Himiko of Yamatai	–	c. 180–247/248 AD	c. 68 years	[53]
Queen Toyo of Yamatai	–	c. 248–unknown	Unknown	[54]
Empress Suiko		593–628	35 years	[55]
Empress Kōgyoku		642–645	3 years	[56]
Empress Saimei		655–661	6 years
Empress Jitō		686–697	9 years	[57]
Empress Genmei		707–715	8 years	[58]
Empress Genshō		715–724	9 years	[59]
Empress Kōken		749–758	9 years
Empress Shōtoku		764–770	6 years
Empress Meishō		1629–1643	14 years	[60]
Empress Go-Sakuramachi		1762–1771	9 years	[61]

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 kingdom

• Ali Raja Bibi Harrabichi Kadavube (reigned 1728–1732)
• Ali Raja Bibi Junumabe I (reigned 1732–1745)
• Ali Raja Bibi Junumabe II (reigned 1777–1819)

Bastar State

• Prafulla Kumari Devi (reigned 1922–1936)

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)^[62]

Indore State

• 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 Kingdom

• Keladi Chennamma (reigned 1672–1697)
• Virammaji (reigned 1757–1763)

Mamluk dynasty

• Razia Sultana (reigned 1236–1240)

Oiniwar dynasty

• Viswavasa Devi (reigned 1431–1443)^[63]

Sambalpur State

• Rani Mohan Kumari (reigned 1827–1833)^[64]

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)

Assacani

• Cleophis (reigned 326 BC–?)

Gilgit

• Dadi Jawari (reigned 1642—1667 and 1689—1705) — also known as Malika Jawahir Khatun
• Malika Sahibnuma, also spelled as Sahebnuma^[65] (reigned 1825–1828)^[66]

Soomra dynasty

• Hamoon (reigned 1107) – she occupied the throne after her husband Sanghar's death, but was soon crushed by the nobles^[67]

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^[68]

Kingdom of Klungkung [id]

• Dewa Agung Istri Kanya [id] (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 [id]

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–?)^[69]
• Bulawambona^[69] (reigned in the 14th century)^[70]

Bintan Island

• Wan Sri Benian,^[71] 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)^[72]
• Youngest Sister of Hkun Hkawt (reigned 1866–1868)^[73]

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)^[74]

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)^[75]
• Raja Mas Kelantan (reigned 1670–1698)^[75]
• Raja Mas Chayam (reigned 1698–1702 and 1716–1718)^[75]
• Raja Dewi (reigned 1702–1711)^[75]

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.^[76]

Liquiçá

• Dona Ursula da Costa (reigned c. 1818)^[77]
• Dona Gracia da Costa Rodrigues Pereira (reigned c. 1881 – c. 1883)^[77]
• Dona Engracia da Costa Delgado (reigned c. 1890 – c. 1892)^[77]

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 [vi], 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")^[78]
• 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.^[79]

• 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^[80]
• Baslu, queen of the city Ihilum – Esarhaddon conquered eight kings and queens of the land Bāzu^[80]

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.^[79]

• 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^[81][82]

Uzbekistan

• Tomyris (reigned c. 570–520 BC) — queen of Massagetae

North Asia

Siberia

• Botohui-Tarhun (reigned in the 13th century) — queen of Tumed

Europe

Central Europe

Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and Czechia

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Mary		Queen	Hungary	10 September 1382 (1st reign) 24 February 1386 (2nd reign)	December 1385 (1st reign) 17 May 1395 (2nd reign)
			Croatia
Maria Theresa		Archduchess	Austria	20 October 1740	29 November 1780	40 years, 40 days
		Queen	Hungary
			Croatia
			Bohemia		19 December 1741	1 year, 60 days
				12 May 1743	29 November 1780	37 years, 201 days

Marcomanni

• Fritigil (reigned mid-4th century)

Poland and Lithuania

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Jadwiga		Queen	Poland	16 October 1384	17 July 1399	14 years, 274 days
Anna		Queen	Poland	15 December 1575	19 August 1587	11 years, 247 days
		Grand Duchess	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

Monarch	Portrait	Title	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Irina Godunova		Tsaritsa (Disputed)	26 January 1598	3 March 1598	36 days
Catherine I		Empress	8 February 1725	17 May 1727	2 years, 98 days
Anna		Empress	26 February 1730	28 October 1740	10 years, 245 days
Elizabeth		Empress	6 December 1741	5 January 1762	20 years, 30 days
Catherine II		Empress	9 July 1762	17 November 1796	34 years, 131 days

Sabir people

• Queen Boa,^[83] 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 (reigned 1370–1371)

Khanate of Qasim

• Fatima Soltan (reigned 1679–1681)

Northern Europe

Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length of reign	Ref.
Margaret I		Queen	Denmark	10 August 1387	28 October 1412	25 years, 79 days
			Norway	2 February 1388		24 years, 269 days
			Sweden	24 February 1389		23 years, 247 days
Christina		Queen	Sweden	16 November 1632	16 June 1654	21 years, 212 days
Ulrika Eleonora		Queen	Sweden	5 December 1718	29 February 1720	1 year, 86 days
Margrethe II		Queen	Denmark	14 January 1972	14 January 2024	52 years, 0 days

Agder

• Åsa (reigned in the 9th century)^[84]

Western Europe

Luxembourg and Belgium

Burgundian Netherlands

• Mary of Burgundy (reigned 1477–1482) – according to E. William Monter [de]'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^[85]

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

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length of reign	Ref.
Wilhelmina		Queen	Netherlands	23 November 1890	4 September 1948	57 years, 286 days
Juliana		Queen	Netherlands	4 September 1948	30 April 1980	31 years, 239 days
Beatrix		Queen	Netherlands	30 April 1980	30 April 2013	33 years, 0 days

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

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Æthelflæd		Lady	Mercia	911	918	c. 7 years
Ælfwynn	–	Lady	Mercia	12 June 918	4 December 918	175 days
Matilda		Lady (Disputed)	England	8 April 1141	1148	c. 7 years	[86]
Margaret		Queen (Disputed)	Scotland	19 March 1286	September 1290	4 years, 6 months
Mary I of Scotland		Queen	Scotland	14 December 1542	24 July 1567	24 years, 222 days
Jane		Queen (Disputed)	England	10 July 1553	19 July 1553	9 days	[87]
			Ireland
Mary I of England		Queen	England	24 July 1553	17 November 1558	5 years, 116 days
			Ireland
Elizabeth I		Queen	England	17 November 1558	24 March 1603	44 years, 127 days
			Ireland
Mary II		Queen	England	13 February 1689	28 December 1694	5 years, 318 days
			Ireland
			Scotland	11 April 1689		5 years, 261 days
Anne		Queen	England	8 March 1702	1 May 1707	5 years, 54 days
			Scotland
			Ireland		1 August 1714	12 years, 146 days
			Great Britain	1 May 1707		7 years, 92 days
Victoria		Queen	United Kingdom	20 June 1837	22 January 1901	63 years, 216 days
Elizabeth II		Queen	United Kingdom	6 February 1952	8 September 2022	70 years, 214 days

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 [it]
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

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Theresa		Queen	Portugal (disputed)	1116	24 June 1128
Beatrice		Queen	Portugal (disputed)	1383	1385
Maria I		Queen	Portugal	24 February 1777	20 March 1816	39 years, 25 days
Maria II		Queen	Portugal	2 May 1826	23 June 1828	2 years, 52 days
				26 May 1834	15 November 1853	19 years, 173 days

Spain and Andorra

• Toda (reigned c. 958) — queen of Deio and Lizarrara^[88]
• Andregoto Galíndez (reigned c. 971) — queen of Lumbier

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Urraca the Reckless		Empress	Spain	30 June 1109	8 March 1126	16 years, 251 days
		Queen	León
		Queen	Castile
		Queen	Galicia		1111
Petronilla		Queen	Aragon	13 November 1137	18 July 1164	26 years, 248 days
Urraca the Asturian	–	Queen	Kingdom of Artajona [eu]	1144	1153
Berengaria		Queen	Castile	6 June 1217	31 August 1217	86 days
		Queen	Toledo
Sancha	–	Queen	León	24 September 1230	11 December 1230	78 days
Dulce	–	Queen	León	24 September 1230	11 December 1230	78 days
Joan I		Queen	Navarre	22 July 1284	2 April 1305	20 years, 254 days
Joan II		Queen	Navarre	1 April 1328	6 October 1349	21 years, 188 days
Isabella of Foix-Castelbon	–	Co-Princess	Andorra	1398	1412
Blanche I		Queen	Navarre	8 September 1425	1 April 1441	15 years, 205 days
Blanche II	–	Queen	Navarre	23 September 1461	2 December 1464	3 years, 70 days
Isabella I		Queen	Castile	11 December 1474	26 November 1504	29 years, 351 days
		Queen	León
Eleanor	–	Queen	Navarre	28 January 1479	12 February 1479	15 days
Catherine		Queen	Navarre	7 January 1483	12 February 1517	34 years, 36 days
		Co-Princess	Andorra
Joanna[nb 1]		Queen	Castile	26 November 1504	12 April 1555	50 years, 137 days
		Queen	Aragon	23 January 1516		39 years, 79 days
		Queen	Upper Navarre
Jeanne[nb 2]		Queen	Lower Navarre	25 May 1555	9 June 1572	17 years, 15 days
		Co-Princess	Andorra
Isabella II[nb 3]		Queen	Spain	29 September 1833	30 September 1868	35 years, 1 day
		Queen	Upper Navarre		30 November 1833	62 days

Malta

Monarch	Portrait	Title	State	Start of reign	End of reign	Length	Ref.
Elizabeth II		Queen	Malta	21 September 1964	13 December 1974	10 years, 83 days

Montenegro

Duklja

• Neda (reigned 1043–1046)

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)

Nuku Hiva

• Vaekehu – her husband died in 1863, but Vaekehu continued to reign on her own as Queen

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
• Queen of the Aini people (爱尼人), a branch of the Hani people^[89]

Congo

Kuba Kingdom

Women written in italics in the list of Kuba Kingdom rulers:^[90]

• 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.^[91]
• 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.^[91]
• Borsa of the Soleyman Dynasty – Mentioned in medieval Coptic and Arabic texts as a ruler of Egypt in the Antediluvian era.^[92] Sometimes described as a "priestess".^[91]

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.^[93]

• Borsa (reigned 4321–4254 BC) – Originated from Coptic tradition.^[92]
• Eylouka (reigned 3776–3731 BC) – Originated from Coptic tradition.^[92]
• 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.^[94]
• Aruas (reigned 1671 BC) – Daughter of Mumazes.^[93]
• 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.^[95]
• Nicauta Kandake I (reigned 740–730 BC)
• Hadina (reigned 372–362 BC) – Most regnal lists of Ethiopia claim this monarch reigned for 9 years.^[96]
• Nikawla Kandake II (reigned 342–332 BC) – An alternate name for the Queen of Sheba^[97]
• 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.^[96]
• 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.^[93]
• Wakana (reigned 230 AD) – Reigned for 2 days.^[93]
• 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.^[98]
• Adhana II (reigned 412–418 AD) – Some regnal lists claim this monarch co-ruled with king Abreha III.^[98]

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
• Aegea
• Myrina
• Orithyia
• Antiope
• Thalestris

India

• Yashovati [sv], ruler of Kashmir – she was described in Rajatarangini
• Pandaie

Indonesia

• Mahisa Suramardini Warmandewi, queen of Salakanagara (reigned 276–289 AD)^[99]
• Sphatikarnawa Warmandewi, queen of Salakanagara (reigned 340–348 AD)^[99]

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
• Taburatsuhime [jp], ruler of Yamato-gun
• Sanai Isoba [jp], ruler of Yonaguni

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^[100]

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^[101]

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^[102]

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.^[103]
• Mǐlǔ (Chinese: 米魯), also known as "Invincible Tian Wang (無敵天王)" – female rebel leader to assume the title of Tian Wang (天王)^[104]

Easter Island

• Koreto, reigning queen of Easter Island (reigned ?–1876)^[105] – Dutrou-Bornier married Koreto and appointed her as Queen
• Caroline, reigning queen of Easter Island (reigned 1877)^[105] – 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) [es]

Botswana

• Kgosi Rebecca Banika

Burundi

• Nandabunga

Chile

• María la Grande

China

• Bǐtóngqián [zh] (Chinese: 比铜钳)
• Maliya Suo [zh]

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;^[106] Juan de Esquivel hanged Higuanamá in 1502^[107]
• doña María de Higüey, Cacica of Higüey (reigned c. 1514)^[108]
• Isabel de Iguanama, Cacica of Higüey (reigned c. 1514)^[108]

Ecuador

• Juana Guare

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 [es]
• Tomasa Tito Condemayta

Puerto Rico

• Luisa, also known as Yuisa, Cacica of Loíza (reigned ?–1513)^[109]

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) [es]
• Orocomay [es]
• Urimare (cacica) [es]
• Ana Soto (cacica) [es]

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 [bn], 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 [id] (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)