The number 71 is classified as a prime number, meaning it is greater than 1 and has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself. This makes it unique among numbers, as it cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers. In the sequence of natural numbers, 71 follows 70 and precedes 72. It is the 20th prime number in the list of primes, which includes numbers like 2, 3, 5, and 7. Additionally, 71 is an odd number, as all prime numbers greater than 2 are odd.