Jane Onyanga-Omara

USA TODAY

The United Kingdom’s Queen Elizabeth II became the world’s longest reigning monarch on Thursday, following the death of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. He had been on the throne for 70 years.

The 90-year-old British royal, who has been Queen for 64 years and eight months, became the United Kingdom’s longest-serving monarch ever last year, when she surpassed Queen Victoria, her great-great-grandmother.

Here are the other longest-reigning monarchs:

Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, 49 years

The 70-year-old has ruled the tiny southeast Asian nation as the absolute monarch for 49 years, since Oct.4, 1967.

Bolkiah, who had an estimated wealth of $20 billion in 2011, is also prime minister of the oil- and gas-rich country.

The Sultan of Oman, Qaboos bin Said al-Said, 46 years

The 75-year-old is the longest-serving monarch in the Arab world, having ruled since July 23, 1970, when he overthrew his father in a palace coup. The sultan, who has no children or brothers, has left a sealed envelope to be opened if an agreement on his successor cannot be reached within three days of his death, according to the Middle East Eye, an online news site.

Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini, 45 years

This monarch, 68, has been king of the Zulu nation in South Africa for almost 45 years, rising to the throne in December 1971.

There are an estimated 11 million Zulu people living in South Africa, making up about 22% of the population. His role is largely ceremonial, although he has great influence and receives government funding.

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark, 44 years

Known in her country as "Daisy," Margrethe Alexandrine Þorhildur Ingrid, 76, became monarch Jan. 14,1972. A succession law passed in 1953 that enabled females to ascend to the throne if they did not have a brother made her the heir at age 13. Her motto is "God’s help, the love of The People, Denmark’s strength."

Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi of Sharjah, 44 years

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed bin Saqr bin Khalid bin Sultan bin Saqr bin Rashid Al Qasimi, 77, became ruler of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on Jan. 25, 1972. Having studied in England, Sharjah, Kuwait and Egypt, he taught English and math at a school in Sharjah in the '60s and later became the UAE's education minister.

King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden, 43 years

The Duke of Jämtland became the ceremonial king of Sweden in September 1973 at the age of 27, succeeding his grandfather after the deaths of his parents. Every year on Dec. 10, the king presents medals to Nobel Prize winners at the award ceremony in Stockholm.