Barcelona is a city in northeastern Spain and the capital of Catalonia. It is the second-most populous city in Spain, with a population of around 1.6 million within city limits and approximately 5.4 million in the metropolitan area. Located on the Mediterranean coast between the Llobregat and Besòs rivers, the city has a long history dating back to ancient Iberian and Roman settlements.

Barcelona has played a key role in Spanish history, serving as the capital of the County of Barcelona and later becoming an important centre in the Crown of Aragon. During the Spanish Civil War, it was a major Republican stronghold. In the late 20th century, the city underwent significant urban transformation, particularly for the 1992 Summer Olympics.

The city is a major economic, cultural, and tourist hub. It is known for its historical landmarks, including the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and the Gothic Quarter. Barcelona is also home to renowned universities and research centres. It has a strong sports culture, with FC Barcelona being one of the world’s top football clubs. The Port of Barcelona is among Europe's busiest, and the city has extensive transport networks, including a high-speed rail connection to France.

• Population Growth: As of January 1, 2024, Barcelona's population reached 1,702,814, the highest since 1991.
• Foreign Residents: The foreign-born population has increased 16-fold since 1997, totalling 432,556 individuals from 180 nationalities in 2024.
• Tourism Revenue: In 2024, Barcelona welcomed 15.5 million tourists, generating over €10 billion in economic impact, with an average expenditure of €99.71 per person per day.
• Housing Costs: Housing prices in Barcelona's metropolitan area have risen by up to 20% over the past year, with new apartments in nearby cities averaging €400,000.
• Crime Reduction: In 2024, overall crime in Barcelona decreased by 4.7%, with significant reductions in thefts and violent robberies. Authorities arrested 3,598 repeat offenders responsible for 9,114 crimes.
• Public Safety: The city recorded a 6.3% decrease in thefts, bringing annual incidents below 100,000 for the first time since 2015.
• Football Achievements: In the 2024–25 season, FC Barcelona scored 136 goals across all competitions, with Robert Lewandowski leading the team with 40 goals.
• Disciplinary Records: Despite receiving relatively few yellow cards, FC Barcelona experienced a record number of red cards in the 2024–25 season, with three expulsions in La Liga.
• La Liga Performance: During the 2023–24 La Liga season, FC Barcelona finished second with 85 points, achieving 26 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses.
• Champions League Stats: In the 2024–25 UEFA Champions League, FC Barcelona scored 28 goals in 8 matches, averaging 3.5 goals per match, and maintained a 58.5% possession rate.
• Top Scorer: In the 2023–24 La Liga season, Robert Lewandowski was FC Barcelona's top scorer with 19 goals.
• Attendance Records: The highest attendance for a Barcelona match in the 2023–24 La Liga season was 77,981 spectators during the away game against Real Madrid on April 21, 2024.
• Economic Contribution: Tourism contributes approximately 14% to Barcelona's GDP, highlighting its importance to the city's economy.
• Cultural Diversity: Residents born outside of Spain represent 33.6% of Barcelona's population, reflecting the city's multicultural environment.
• Housing Demand: The city requires 25,000 new housing units annually to meet demand, but currently, only 15,000 are being constructed each year.

Barcelona is the capital of Catalonia, an autonomous community of Spain, and is governed by the City Council of Barcelona (Ajuntament de Barcelona). The council is responsible for local administration, including urban planning, public transportation, education, and security.

The city is divided into 10 administrative districts, each with its own district council that manages local affairs. The Mayor of Barcelona is the head of the city council and is elected every four years. The current mayor is Jaume Collboni from the Socialist Party of Catalonia (PSC).

Barcelona also serves as the capital of the Province of Barcelona and the Barcelonès comarca (district). The city government operates under the Municipal Charter of Barcelona, granting it special administrative powers.

The Catalan Government (Generalitat de Catalunya) oversees regional matters such as healthcare, education, and transportation, while the Spanish Government manages national policies, defense, and foreign affairs.

Barcelona has its own municipal police force (Guardia Urbana de Barcelona), which works alongside the Mossos d'Esquadra, the regional police of Catalonia, for law enforcement and public safety.

The city council has a budget of €3.6 billion (2023), funding infrastructure projects, public services, and sustainability initiatives.

Barcelona is one of Spain’s largest economic hubs, contributing significantly to the national GDP. In 2022, Barcelona's GDP was approximately $290 billion USD, with a GDP per capita of around $33,800 USD. The Barcelona metropolitan region's GDP in 2021 was approximately $186 billion USD. The metropolitan area's GDP is among the highest in Europe.

The city has a well-developed service sector, with tourism, finance, technology, and trade playing key roles. In 2024, Barcelona attracted over 15.5 million visitors, generating over €10 billion in tourism revenue. The city is also a major centre for conventions and trade fairs, hosting Mobile World Congress and Smart City Expo.

Barcelona has a strong industrial base, including automobile manufacturing, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and chemical industries. The city hosts the headquarters of SEAT and a major Nissan manufacturing plant. The Port of Barcelona is the largest passenger port in Europe and a key trade gateway, handling millions of tonnes of cargo annually.

The technology and startup ecosystem is growing rapidly, supported by innovation hubs like 22@Barcelona. The city is home to more than 2,000 technology companies and numerous research centres.

Barcelona’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average, reflecting its strong economy. However, rising housing costs and income inequality remain challenges for long-term economic sustainability.

Barcelona has a well-developed infrastructure that supports its economy, tourism, and daily life. The city has a modern transport network, including an extensive metro system, buses, trams, and regional rail services. The Barcelona Metro has 12 lines and connects key districts. The Rodalies de Catalunya railway links Barcelona with other regions. High-speed trains (AVE) connect the city to Madrid and France.

Barcelona-El Prat Airport is the second busiest in Spain, handling over 50 million passengers annually. It connects the city to major international destinations. The Port of Barcelona is one of Europe's busiest, handling millions of tonnes of cargo and cruise passengers each year.

The road network includes ring roads, highways, and motorways, ensuring smooth transportation. The city promotes sustainable mobility with extensive cycling lanes and a public bike-sharing system (Bicing).

Barcelona has modern utilities, including renewable energy projects, smart grid systems, and advanced water management. The city has 66 museums, 69 parks, and 4.2 km of beaches, supporting its cultural and recreational infrastructure.

Healthcare services are among the best in Europe, with public and private hospitals, research centres, and medical facilities. Barcelona continues to invest in urban development, smart city technologies, and green spaces to improve infrastructure and quality of life.