Bitcoin is a type of digital currency (also called cryptocurrency) that works without any central authority like a bank or government. It was invented in 2009 by an unknown person (or group) using the name Satoshi Nakamoto.

Here’s how it works in simple terms:

Decentralized: No single person or company controls it. It runs on a technology called blockchain, which is like a public ledger of all transactions.

Digital: You can’t hold it physically like cash. It’s stored in digital wallets.

Limited Supply: There will only ever be 21 million bitcoins, which makes it scarce and sometimes more valuable.

Mining: New bitcoins are created through a process called mining, where powerful computers solve complex problems.

People use bitcoin to buy things online, send money across borders, or invest, hoping its price will go up.