An unsigned integer is a type of whole number that can only represent non-negative values, meaning it cannot be negative. This is in contrast to signed integers, which can represent both positive and negative numbers. Unsigned integers are commonly used in computer programming and digital systems where negative values are not needed, such as counting items or representing memory addresses. In most programming languages, unsigned integers can store a larger range of positive values compared to signed integers of the same size. For example, a 32-bit unsigned integer can represent values from 0 to 4,294,967,295, while a 32-bit signed integer can represent values from -2,147,483,648 to 2,147,483,647. This makes unsigned integers particularly useful in scenarios where only positive values are required.