A relational database is a type of database that organizes data into tables, which are made up of rows and columns. Each table represents a different entity, such as customers or orders, and the relationships between these tables help to connect related information. This structure makes it easy to retrieve and manage data using a language called SQL (Structured Query Language). In a relational database, each row in a table is unique and identified by a key, often called a primary key. This allows for efficient data retrieval and ensures that data remains consistent. By using relationships, such as foreign keys, databases can maintain connections between different tables, making it easier to analyze and manipulate data across various entities.