What is a blockchain and how does it relate to cryptocurrency?

A blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT), which is a decentralized, public digital ledger that records every transaction in a digital space. It can be used to track and store data related to cryptocurrency, such as the transfer of funds between users, as well as other activities associated with the digital currency. This data is stored in a tamper-proof, secure and public manner, allowing for greater transparency, accountability and security on the part of the users involved. Cryptocurrency such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin leverage the blockchain as a secure, immutable repository to store and transfer wealth, by constantly adding new “blocks” of data onto the chain, and validating these transactions in a decentralized way.