A relational database is a type of database that stores data in tables, which are organized into 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. For example, a customer can have multiple orders, and this relationship is maintained through unique identifiers called primary keys. In a relational database, you can easily retrieve and manipulate data using a language called SQL (Structured Query Language). This allows users to perform tasks like adding new data, updating existing records, or querying specific information. The structured format makes it simple to maintain data integrity and ensure that related data is consistent across the database.