A monarch is a sovereign head of state, often a king or queen, who typically inherits their position. Monarchs have played significant roles in shaping nations and cultures throughout history, often symbolizing unity and continuity within their realms. In modern times, many monarchs serve as ceremonial figures with limited political power, while others retain significant influence. The concept of monarchy varies widely across different countries, with some nations having constitutional monarchies, where the monarch's powers are regulated by a constitution, and others having absolute monarchies, where the monarch holds supreme authority.