Barbie is a fashion doll manufactured by the American (United States of America) toy-company Mattel, Inc. (Mattel) and launched in March 1959. American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002) is credited with the creation of the doll using a German (Germany) doll called Bild Lilli (Bild Lilli doll) as her inspiration.

Barbie is the figurehead of a brand of Mattel dolls and accessories, including other family members and collectible dolls. Barbie has been an important part of the toy fashion doll market for fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving parody of the doll and her lifestyle.