Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language. It was created by Guido van Rossum and first released in 1991. It is used for a wide variety of applications, including web development, data analysis, and artificial intelligence. Python is known for its simplicity, readability, and flexibility, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced programmers alike. It is also highly extensible, allowing users to import libraries and modules written in Python or other languages.