Paris, France

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"). Paris has an estimated population of 2,153,600 within its administrative limits. The Paris unité urbaine (or urban area) is an area of unbroken urban growth that extends well beyond the administrative city limits, with a population of 9.93 million. Paris' commuter belt area, or couronne périurbaine, when joined with Paris and its unité urbaine, completes the Paris aire urbaine (or metropolitan area) that, with its population of 12 million, is one of the most heavily populated areas in Europe.

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.