Paris is the capital city of France. It is situated on the River Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region ("Région parisienne"). The City of Paris has an estimated population of 2,153,600 within its administrative limits.[2] The Paris unité urbaine (or urban area) is an area of unbroken urban growth that extends well beyond the administrative city limits and has a population of 9.93 million.[3] A commuter belt around the unité urbaine completes the Paris aire urbaine (or metropolitan area) that, with its population of 12 million,[4] is one of the most heavily populated areas in Europe.[5]

An important settlement for more than two millennia, Paris is today one of the world's leading business and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion, science and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the world's major global cities.[6][7][8] The Paris Region (Île-de-France) is France's foremost centre of economic activity. With €500.8 billion (US$628.9 billion), it produced more than a quarter of the gross domestic product (GDP) of France in 2006.[9] The Paris Region hosts 36 of the Fortune Global 500 companies[10] in several business districts, notably La Défense, the largest purpose-built business district in Europe.[11] Paris also hosts many international organizations such as UNESCO, the OECD, the ICC and the informal Paris Club.

Paris is the most popular tourist destination in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year.[12] There are numerous iconic landmarks among its many attractions, along with world famous institutions and popular parks.