Database API?

I'm designing an MMORPG and was wondering what would be the fatstest way to store stats and such in a database. I was thinking that you could store stats, items, and other things in an SQL database, but I have no clue about database programming. I'm using IRRnet and IRRlicht for the engine. The network connection is ok, its just the database that I need to decide on. I need something that can keep up with about 5 querys per second or faster. Like when the player picks up an item or gets money.Most of the real time part of the game will be done directly through networking. Hacking is only a concern for the database. Speed hacks and teleporting hacks are not that much of a deal for the game; they won't affect other player's stats or anything. Thanks ;D

5 queries per second is nothing. Every database can do it easily.

I recommend SOCI as an access library. It provides a pretty generic interface.
http://soci.sourceforge.net/

Then the backend is not that important anymore.

Alternatively, you could use an embedded engine like SQLite. It has the advantage of not requiring a separate server process, but it is a bit slower than other DBs.

Wow nice! That will probably a good start...;D