Parma is a city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy. It serves as the second most populous city in the region, following the capital, Bologna, with a population of 202,111 inhabitants as of 2025. The city's name originated from an Etruscan term that was later adapted by the Romans to describe a round shield.
The city is geographically divided into two parts by a stream also named Parma. The district situated on the west side of this waterway is known as Oltretorrente, which translates to "the other side of the stream." Parma is recognized for its architecture, music, art, and surrounding countryside, as well as its production of cheese and prosciutto.
Parma is also home to the University of Parma, which is noted as one of the oldest universities in the world. The city maintains a significant cultural and historical presence within northern Italy through these academic, artistic, and culinary associations.