Emperor not alone in abdicating, as examples in other countries show

Japan's Emperor Akihito will become on Tuesday the country's first monarch in more than 200 years to relinquish the throne, but around the world such abdications are not uncommon.Including Commonwealth nations, the world has over 40 countries with some form of monarchy, the structure of which varies widely. Unlike Japan, which only allows male imperial family members to ascend the throne, many recognize female succession and a number of monarchs have stepped down recently due mainly to old age.In the Vatican City State, which is governed as an absolute monarchy, Pope Benedict XVI shocked th…READ FULL ARTICLE