Birmingham is a city located in the north central region of Alabama, United States, and serves as the county seat of Jefferson County. With an estimated population of 196,357 as of 2024, it is the third-most populous city in the state. The Birmingham metropolitan area extends beyond the city proper, encompassing over 1.19 million residents and ranking as the largest metropolitan area in Alabama and the 47th-most populous in the United States.
The city functions as a major regional hub for the Deep South, Piedmont, and Appalachian regions, with particular prominence in economic, medical, and educational sectors. This position reflects Birmingham's historical significance as an industrial and commercial center, though the city's economy and character have evolved considerably over time.