A hierarchical database is a type of database that organizes data in a tree-like structure, where each record has a single parent and can have multiple children. This model resembles a family tree, with the top-level record known as the root, and each subsequent level representing a more specific subset of data. This structure allows for efficient data retrieval and is particularly useful for applications with a clear hierarchy, such as organizational charts or file systems. In a hierarchical database, relationships between data elements are defined by their position in the hierarchy. For example, in a company database, a department might contain multiple employees, but each employee belongs to only one department. This model can simplify data management but may become complex when dealing with many-to-many relationships, which are not easily represented in a strict hierarchy.