Catania is the second-largest city in Sicily by area and population, after Palermo. Located on Sicily's east coast facing the Ionian Sea, it sits at the base of Mount Etna, an active volcano. Despite its secondary ranking in size, Catania is the centre of the most densely populated Sicilian conurbation, making it one of Italy's largest urban areas. The city proper has a population of 296,984, while its metropolitan area, known as the Metropolitan City of Catania, encompasses 58 municipalities and has a population of 1,067,550.
As a major transportation hub, Catania hosts Sicily's primary airport and important road and rail infrastructure networks. The Metropolitan City of Catania ranks as the seventh-largest metropolitan area in Italy. The city's location on the island's eastern coast and its proximity to Mount Etna are defining geographic features that have shaped its development and strategic importance within the region.