Statistics is the branch of mathematics that involves the collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and organization of data. It provides tools and methods to summarize data, identify patterns, and draw meaningful conclusions, often under conditions of uncertainty. By using statistical techniques, researchers can make informed decisions, test hypotheses, and predict future trends. Statistics is broadly divided into two areas: descriptive statistics, which focuses on summarizing and visualizing data, and inferential statistics, which uses sample data to make generalizations or predictions about a larger population. It plays a critical role in various fields, including science, business, healthcare, and social sciences.