A database is a collection of organized data that can be easily accessed, managed, and updated. Data is organized into tables with rows and columns for efficient searching and retrieval. A database management system (DBMS) is software that stores, maintains, and utilizes the database. Databases reduce data redundancy, improve accuracy through validation rules, facilitate easy data updating and sharing, and ensure security and integrity. The relational data model organizes data into relations or tables with rows representing records and columns representing attributes.