The capital of France and the country´s largest city, Paris is located in northern France on the river Seine. With an estimated city population of 2,167,994 as of 2006, a metropolitan area population of eleven million makes it the most populated metropolitan areas in Europe. One of the world leaders in terms of business and cultural centers, Paris has a tremendous influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, science, fashion and the arts making it quite a global city. The urban area of Paris is Europe´s biggest economy and the world´s fifth in the list of cities by GDP. Thirty eight of the Fortune Global 500 companies are in Paris located in La Defense, the largest purpose-built districts for business in Europe. Paris hosts many international organizations such as the Organization for Economic, Co-operation and Development, UNESCO, the informal Paris Club and the International Chamber of Commerce.

It is one of the most popular destinations for tourists around the world with forty-five million tourists each year in the Paris region of whom 60% are visitors. World famous institutions and popular parks and numerous iconic landmarks are among its many attractions.