A head of state (ראש המדינה in Hebrew, Chef de l'État in French, Staatschef in German, Jefe de Estado in Spanish) is the public persona who officially embodies a state in its unity and legitimacy. The head of state may be a ceremonial figurehead or concurrently the head of government. In a parliamentary republic, the head of state is usually a distinct position from the head of government, with the latter being the prime minister. In contrast, in a presidential system, the head of state is usually the same person as the head of government. The specific role and powers of a head of state vary depending on the country's form of government and political culture. For instance, in a constitutional monarchy like the United Kingdom, the head of state is the monarch, who serves as a symbolic figure with limited political power. In contrast, in a presidential republic like the United States, the head of state is the president, who holds significant executive authority.
Public persona of a sovereign state
A head of state is the public persona of a sovereign state. The name given to the office of head of state depends on the country's form of government and any separation of powers; the powers of the office in each country range from being also the head of government to being little more than a ceremonial figurehead.