List of current heads of state and government facts for kids
This page lists the most important leaders of countries around the world. These leaders are often called the head of state or the head of government.
Sometimes, one person holds both jobs, like a President in a presidential system. This means they are both the main representative of the country and the one who leads the government's daily work.
In other countries, like those with a parliamentary system, there are two different leaders. One is the head of state, who is often a King or Queen (a monarch) or a President with a more ceremonial role. The other is the head of government, usually called a Prime Minister or Chancellor, who is in charge of running the country's government.
In a few special cases, like Afghanistan, Andorra, Iran, and Vatican City, a religious leader also acts as the head of state. For example, the Pope is the head of state for Vatican City.
This list includes leaders who recently started their roles. It also mentions leaders of governments that are recognized by other countries, even if they are not currently in their home country.
Contents
Leaders of Countries in the United Nations
Many countries around the world are part of the United Nations, an organization that helps countries work together. This list shows the main leaders for each of these countries.
| What the Colors Mean |
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- Note: Names in small letters usually mean the leader is acting, temporary, or a representative. You can find more details in the notes section.
Other States and Governments
Some states have special relationships with UN member states, or their recognition is limited. This section lists their leaders.
States in Free Association
These states have a special agreement with a UN member state, meaning they are independent but also have a close partnership.
| State | Associated with | Head of State | Head of Government |
|---|---|---|---|
 Cook Islands |
 New Zealand |
King – Charles III King's Representative – Sir Tom Marsters |
Prime Minister – Mark Brown |
 Niue |
 New Zealand |
King – Charles III King's Representative – Dame Cindy Kiro |
Prime Minister – Dalton Tagelagi |
States with Limited Recognition
These states control their own land and are recognized by at least one UN member state, but not by all.
| State | Also claimed by | Head of State | Head of Government |
|---|---|---|---|
 Abkhazia |
 Georgia |
President – Badra Gunba | |
 Republic of China (Taiwan) |
 People's Republic of China |
President – Lai Ching-te | Premier – Cho Jung-tai |
 Kosovo |
 Serbia |
President – Vjosa Osmani | Prime Minister – Albin Kurti |
 Northern Cyprus |
 Cyprus |
President – Tufan Erhürman | Prime Minister – Ünal Üstel |
 Sahrawi Republic |
 Morocco |
General Secretary of the Polisario Front – Brahim Ghali | |
| President – Brahim Ghali | Prime Minister – Bouchraya Hammoudi Bayoun | ||
 South Ossetia |
 Georgia |
President – Alan Gagloyev | Prime Minister – Konstantin Dzhussoyev |
States Not Recognized by UN Members
These states control their own land but are not recognized by any UN member states.
| State | Also claimed by | Head of State | Head of Government |
|---|---|---|---|
 Somaliland |
 Somalia |
President – Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi | |
 Transnistria |
 Moldova |
President – Vadim Krasnoselsky | Prime Minister – Aleksander Rozenberg |
Alternative Governments
Sometimes, there are different groups claiming to be the government of a country. Here are some examples.
Recognized Alternative Governments
This alternative government controls part of its territory and is recognized as legitimate by at least one UN member state.
| Government | State | Head of State | Head of Government |
|---|---|---|---|
 Supreme Political Council |
 Yemen |
Leader of the Houthis – Abdul-Malik al-Houthi | |
| Chairman – Mahdi al-Mashat | Acting Prime Minister – Abdulaziz bin Habtour | ||
Unrecognized Alternative Governments
These alternative governments control part of their territory, but are not recognized as legitimate by any UN member states.
| Government | State | Head of State | Head of Government |
|---|---|---|---|
 Government of National Stability |
 Libya |
Supreme Commander of the Libyan National Army – Khalifa Haftar | |
| Chairman of the Presidential Council – Mohamed al-Menfi | Acting Prime Minister – Osama Hammad | ||
 National Unity Government |
 Myanmar |
Acting President – Duwa Lashi La | Prime Minister – Mahn Winn Khaing Thann |
 Hamas government in Gaza |
 Palestine |
Leader of Hamas in Gaza – Izz al-Din al-Haddad | |
| President – Mahmoud Abbas | Head of Government – Community Support Committee | ||
 Coordination Council |
 Belarus |
President and Head of the Cabinet – Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya | |
Unique Entities
These are special organizations or groups that have their own leaders, like the European Union.
| Entity | Head of Entity | Head of Government |
|---|---|---|
 European Union |
President of the European Council – Charles Michel | President of the European Commission – Ursula von der Leyen |
 Sovereign Military Order of Malta |
Prince and Grand Master – John T. Dunlap | Grand Chancellor – Riccardo Paternò di Montecupo |
More About Leaders
In Spanish: Anexo:Jefes de Estado y de Gobierno actuales para niños
- President of the Republic
- List of countries by system of government
- List of current state leaders by date of assumption of office
- List of current monarchs of sovereign states
- List of current vice presidents and designated acting presidents
- List of current interior ministers
- List of current foreign ministers
- List of current finance ministers
- List of current defence ministers
- List of current legislatures
- List of current presidents of legislatures
- List of elected and appointed female heads of state and government
- List of leaders of dependent territories
- List of oldest living state leaders
- List of national governments
- Lists of state leaders
- Lists of state leaders by century
- List of state leaders in the 21st century
- List of state leaders in 2026
