Paris is the capital and largest city of France. Located on the river Seine in the center of the Île-de-France region, it serves as the largest metropolitan area and the fourth-most populous city in the European Union.
The city has an estimated population of 2.04 million within an area of 105.4 km2, while its metropolitan population is projected to reach 13.2 million by January 2026. Known as the "City of Light," Paris has functioned as a global center for finance, diplomacy, commerce, culture, fashion, and gastronomy since the 17th century.