In a monopoly, how many sellers control the market?

In a monopoly, only one seller controls the market. This singular seller is the only provider of a particular product or service, which gives them significant power over pricing and supply. Since there are no competitors within the market, the monopolist can set prices higher than in a competitive market, where multiple sellers would drive prices down due to competition. The lack of competition also stifles innovation and choice for consumers. This unique market structure differentiates monopolies from oligopolies, where a few firms dominate, and from perfect competition, where many sellers operate.