Fortaleza is the capital city of the state of Ceará, located in the northeastern region of Brazil. The city is one of the oldest in the country and is highly cosmopolitan. It serves as the state's economic, transportation, and cultural centre. Since the colonial period, Fortaleza has been influential in shaping the region’s history and culture. It is famous for its stunning beaches, lively nightlife, impressive colonial buildings, and modern structures. Some of the places that make it famous include Praia de Futuro, Theatro José de Alencar, Catedral Metropolitana, and the Dragão do Mar Center of Art and Culture.

The Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) conducts a national census every ten years. The last census was conducted in 2010, and the next one is scheduled for 2020. According to the 2010 census, Fortaleza had a population of approximately 2.5 million. When it comes to religious beliefs, the majority of the population is Christian, with a significant number of people practicing Spiritism and Afro-Brazilian religions as well. The city is also home to several indigenous groups, and it has a significant immigrant population from various parts of the world. The official language is Portuguese, but English and Spanish are also spoken due to the high number of tourists. Fortaleza is also known for the Iracema Statue, a monument that pays tribute to a character from a famous Brazilian novel. Furthermore, the city is the birthplace of several renowned Brazilian personalities, such as the humorist Chico Anysio and the singer-songwriter Fagner.

Local government in Fortaleza consists of two tiers: the municipal and the local tier. The municipal administration is coordinated by the Mayor and the City Council, while local administration is carried out by prefectures. The Mayor, who has executive powers, and the City Council members are elected every four years. The municipal government is responsible for strategic planning, public security, education, health, transportation, and economic development. On the other hand, the local authorities are responsible for local services not overseen by the municipal government, such as local planning, social services, local roads, and refuse collection.

Fortaleza has a vibrant economy and is considered the economic engine of the state of Ceará. The city thrives in trade and commerce and has a vibrant culture steeped in commerce. It has a GDP of over R$ 63 billion, which is about 0.9 percent of Brazil's total GDP. The city's economy is larger than that of several Brazilian states. The Port of Pecém, located near Fortaleza, handles millions of tons of cargo every year.

The city of Fortaleza has been investing in its infrastructure. The city has been planning for growth with the publication of several infrastructure plans. These plans identify a range of infrastructure priorities for the city, from new energy, water, and sewerage infrastructure, to enhanced digital connectivity and new transportation schemes. Some of the investment is provided by the private sector. Business is particularly concerned with the lack of capacity in digital infrastructure. The take-up of high-speed broadband by business is low compared to other Brazilian cities, and the local government sees these as priority areas for action.