The emergence of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic represent an unprecedented global health crisis. This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of the epidemiology of this disease, tracing its origins and the pathways through which it rapidly disseminated across the globe. We delve into the characteristics of coronaviruses, explore the likely zoonotic origin of SARS-CoV-2, and detail the mechanisms of its transmission. Furthermore, the chapter examines the pathogenesis of the virus, outlining its effects on the human body and the spectrum of clinical outcomes. Following this epidemiological overview and an analysis of the current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic, we analyze the profound global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, encompassing its devastating consequences for public health systems, economies, social structures, and international relations.