The programming language primarily used for statistical computing is R. R is designed for data analysis, statistical modeling, and data visualization. Its extensive collection of packages allows users to perform complex statistical tests and generate graphs efficiently. R is favored in academia and research environments due to its robust capabilities and open-source nature. Additionally, it supports integration with other programming languages and tools, enhancing its versatility in data science and analytics projects. R's active community ensures continuous updates and resources for users, making it a powerful tool for statistics-driven tasks.