Order of precedence

For the notion of order of precedence in mathematics and computer science, see order of operations.

An order of precedence is a sequential hierarchy of nominal importance of items. Most often it is used in the context of people by many organizations and governments. It can also be used in context of decorations, medals and awards.

One'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. Additionally, it may serve as the order of succession to determine who replaces the head of state in the event he or she is removed from office or incapacitated, although the two terms are not interchangeable in most cases.

What follow are general orders of precedence. They may be regarded as default rules upon which almost all more specific orders of precedence, for particular occasions or in particular institutions, are based. Universities and the professions often have their own rules of precedence applied 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).

Lists (people)

• Argentine order of precedence
• Australian order of precedence
• Barbadian order of precedence
• Brazilian order of precedence
• Canadian order of precedence
• Chinese order of precedence
  • Hong Kong order of precedence
  • Macau order of precedence
• Catholic Church order of precedence
• Danish order of precedence
• French order of precedence
• German order of precedence
• Indian order of precedence
• Order of precedence in the Isle of Man
• Israeli order of precedence
• Italian order of precedence
• Jamaican order of precedence
• New Zealand order of precedence
• Norwegian order of precedence
• Warrant of Precedence for Pakistan
• Polish order of precedence
• Order of precedence in Romania
• Spanish order of precedence
• Sri Lankan order of precedence
• Swedish order of precedence
• Swiss order of precedence
• Turkish order of precedence
• United Kingdom order of precedence
  • Order of precedence in England and Wales
  • Order of precedence in Scotland
  • Order of precedence in Northern Ireland
• United States order of precedence

Lists (decorations and medals)

• Australian Honours Order of Precedence
• Canadian order of precedence (decorations and medals)
• Polish order of precedence (decorations and medals)
• Political position ranking of the People's Republic of China

See also

• List of heads of state by diplomatic precedence
• Order of succession
• Protocol
• Style