Overview

This really can't be said better than by the language's creator, Guido van Rossum:

Python is an easy to learn, powerful programming language. It has efficient high-level data structures and a simple but effective approach to object-oriented programming. Python's elegant syntax and dynamic typing, together with its interpreted nature, make it an ideal language for scripting and rapid application development in many areas on most platforms.

A few important points:

• Python is Open Source software and has a development process similar to the Linux kernel (Guido having final say as to what is included).
• Indentation is used to create block structures. Together with Python's limited use of hieroglyphics, Python becomes one of the most readable languages around.
• Python comes with a huge collection of modules that make common tasks easier.
• It is a relatively simple task to embed and/or extend the Python interpreter.
• The supporting documentation by Guido is excellent.