Chongqing is one of the four directly-administered municipalities of China. It’s situated in the upper reaches of the Yangtze river. Chongqing is among the most significant cities in China and boasts a rich history and diverse culture. It is the country’s economic, transportation, and industrial centre. Since ancient times, Chongqing has been a hub of activity, renowned for its contribution to China's growth and development. It is famous for its unique mountainous topography, hotpot cuisine, and a mix of ancient and modern architectural styles. Some of the places that make it famous include the Hongya Cave, Jiefangbei Square, Chongqing Zoo, and the Three Gorges Museum.

Census in China is conducted every 10 years and 2010 was the last time that it was conducted. The next census took place in 2020. According to the 2010 census, Chongqing had a population of 28,846,170. Chongqing is considered to be more homogeneous compared to other cities in China, with the Han Chinese making up the majority of the population. When it comes to religious beliefs, traditional Chinese religions like Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism are predominant. The official language is Mandarin. Chongqing is also known for its unique 'stilted buildings' or Diaojiaolou, which are wooden houses built on stilts on the steep hillsides of the city. Chongqing cuisine is known for its spiciness and is one of the ‘Eight Great Cuisines’ of Chinese gastronomy.

Chongqing, being a directly-administered municipality, reports directly to the central government of the People's Republic of China. The local government consists of the Chongqing Municipal People's Government, headed by the Mayor. The government is responsible for the city's urban planning, education, public infrastructure, environment, and transportation among other aspects. The government also promotes the city's economic development and maintains social order.

Chongqing has one of the largest economies among Chinese cities. The city is a major manufacturing and transportation hub, with a GDP of over CNY 2.36 trillion in 2019, which is about 2.3 percent of China's total GDP. The city's economy is larger than that of several countries. The Port of Chongqing, located on the Yangtze River, is one of the busiest inland ports in the world, handling millions of tons of cargo every year.

The Chongqing government has put forth numerous infrastructure projects to accommodate the city's rapid growth. These include the Three Gorges Dam project, the expansion of the Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, and the development of the Chongqing Metro. The city also boasts of extensive road and railway networks. The government encourages the private sector's involvement in infrastructure development, especially in areas such as digital connectivity.