This category is for child monarchs from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa who began their rule on or before the year 550. The Middle East includes the Iranian plateau, but nothing further east. North Africa is bounded by the Sahara and the historical limits of ancient Egypt. Rulers from other regions should not be placed here, but in the appropriate geographical category (see Category:Child monarchs for appropriate categories).

"Child ruler" generally means one occupying an office of supreme temporal authority who has not yet attained the age of majority, which until modern times seems to have been around 15 or 16, so monarchs listed became monarchs before their 16th birthday. It will almost always mean that actual rule is exercised by others. See Category:Child monarchs for further definition and discussion.