The title “Vice President” exists in many countries, but not all nations have vice presidents—some have different roles like deputy prime ministers or crown princes.

Americas

In the Americas, the role of the Vice President is prominent in many presidential systems. In the United States, Kamala Harris serves as Vice President. She made history as the first woman, Black person, and South Asian to hold the office. In Brazil, Geraldo Alckmin is the Vice President and Minister of Industry and Trade. He works alongside President Lula da Silva. Argentina’s Vice President, Victoria Villarruel, took office with President Javier Milei. She has sparked debate due to her political views. In Colombia, Francia Márquez became the first Afro-Colombian Vice President. She plays a major role in social and environmental issues. Venezuela’s Vice President, Delcy Rodríguez, holds power in both domestic policy and international affairs.

Africa

In Africa, many countries have vice presidents with different levels of influence. Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is a former governor. He plays a supportive but key role under President Tinubu. In Tanzania, Philip Mpango, an economist, serves as Vice President under President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Kenya’s Deputy President is Rigathi Gachagua, who works closely with President William Ruto. South Sudan is unique with a power-sharing government that includes five Vice Presidents. Each VP represents a different political or ethnic group to maintain peace. In Zimbabwe, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is a former military commander. He helped remove long-time leader Robert Mugabe.

Asia

Asia features mixed systems, with some vice presidents holding major power, while others have symbolic roles. In India, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar presides over the upper house of Parliament. He is also second in line to the presidency. Indonesia’s Vice President, Ma’ruf Amin, is an Islamic scholar. He provides religious and moral guidance to the administration. Iran has several vice presidents, but Mohammad Mokhber is the First Vice President with key executive duties. Afghanistan, under Taliban rule since 2021, no longer has a formal vice presidency. In the Philippines, Sara Duterte is both Vice President and Education Secretary. She is the daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Europe

Vice presidents are rare in Europe due to most nations being parliamentary or constitutional monarchies. In Turkey, Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz supports President Erdoğan in administrative duties. Cyprus has a constitutional Vice President role for Turkish Cypriots, but it’s been vacant since 1963 due to division. Countries like France, Germany, and Italy have no vice presidents. Succession is handled by prime ministers or parliamentary leaders instead.

Oceania

In Oceania, small island nations like Micronesia and Palau have vice presidents. Aren Palik is Vice President of Micronesia, supporting its four states. Uduch Sengebau Senior is Vice President of Palau and also serves as Minister of Justice. Larger countries like Australia and New Zealand have no vice presidents. They use parliamentary systems led by a prime minister. In the Marshall Islands, the President is both head of state and government, making a VP unnecessary.

Conclusion

The Vice President’s role varies across countries. In presidential republics like the U.S., Brazil, and India, the VP is influential. In parliamentary democracies and monarchies, the role may not exist. Duties often go to deputy prime ministers or others. Despite differences, vice presidents remain key figures in governance, diplomacy, and stability.