Order of precedence

An order of precedence is a sequential hierarchy of importance applied to individuals,^[1] groups, or organizations. For individuals, it is most often used for diplomats in attendance at very formal occasions. It can also be used in the context of medals, decorations, and awards. Historically, the order of precedence had a more widespread use, especially in court and aristocratic life.

This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (November 2024)

A person's position in an order of precedence is not necessarily an indication of functional importance, but rather an indication of ceremonial or historical relevance; for instance, it may dictate where dignitaries are seated at formal dinners. The term is occasionally used to mean the order of succession—to determine who replaces the head of state in the event they are removed from office or incapacitated—as this order often correlates with importance.

Universities and the professions often have their own rules of precedence applying locally, based (for example) on university or professional rank, each rank then being ordered within itself on the basis of seniority (i.e. date of attaining that rank). Within an institution, the officials of that institution are likely to rank much higher in the order than in a general order of precedence—the chancellor or president of a university may well precede anyone except a head of state, for example. The same might be true for a mayor in their own city.

What follows are the general orders of precedence for different countries for state purposes, such as diplomatic dinners. These are made under the assumption that such functions are held in the capital; when they are held in another city or region, local officials such as governors would be much higher up the order. There may also be more specific and local orders of precedence, for particular occasions or within particular institutions.

• List of heads of state by diplomatic precedence
• Order of succession
• Precedence of Livery Companies in the City of London (UK)
• Protocol
• Style
• Precedence among European monarchies
• Kamiza – in the case of Japan