Ratlam is a city situated in the northwestern part of the Malwa region within the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Located at an elevation of 480 metres (1,570 ft) above sea level, the city sits approximately 294 kilometres west of Bhopal, which serves as the state capital.
The city functions as the administrative headquarters for the Ratlam district. This district was officially established in 1947 following India's independence.