Statically typed languages require that variable types be defined at compile time, meaning the type of a variable is known before the program runs. This helps catch type-related errors early in the development process, making the code more predictable and easier to debug. Examples of statically typed languages include Java, C++, and Go. In contrast to dynamically typed languages, where types are determined at runtime, statically typed languages enforce type constraints, which can lead to better performance and optimization. Developers must explicitly declare variable types, promoting clarity and reducing the likelihood of type mismatches during execution.