Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity and readability, created by Guido van Rossum and released in 1991. It supports multiple programming paradigms, including procedural, object-oriented, and functional programming. Python's clear syntax and significant indentation promote code readability and efficiency. Its extensive standard library and active community provide robust support and a vast range of modules and packages. Python's design philosophy emphasizes code clarity and simplicity, making it a versatile and widely-used language for various development tasks.