The smallest prime number is 2. It is unique as the only even prime number, meaning it cannot be divided evenly by any other number besides 1 and itself. All other prime numbers are odd numbers because any even number greater than 2 can be divided by 2, making them non-prime. Prime numbers are significant in mathematics and have various applications, including cryptography. The study of prime numbers and their properties is a fundamental aspect of number theory, where mathematicians explore their distribution, patterns, and relationships with other numbers. The concept of primality is crucial in various mathematical theories.