Los Angeles is the largest city in California and the second largest in the United States. It is located on the western coast of the United States, with the Pacific Ocean as its southern and western boundaries. It is one of the world's most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities and the country's economic, transportation, and cultural center. Influencing other cities globally since its foundation, Los Angeles is noted for its remarkable modern architecture, stunning beaches, and Hollywood, the center of the American film and television industry.

The United States conducts a census every 10 years, with the last one held in 2020. As of the 2020 census, Los Angeles had a population of 3,898,747. Compared to other cities in the US, Los Angeles is considered one of the most diverse. According to the 2020 census, 28.8% of the population is White, 48.6% is Hispanic or Latino, 8.9% is African American, and 11.4% is Asian. Los Angeles is also known for its religious diversity with residents identifying as Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, and others. According to the data collected during the 2020 census, 65% of people in Los Angeles identified themselves as Christian, 1% as Jewish, 1% as Muslim, 1% Buddhist, 2% Other religions, and 27% unaffiliated or did not specify. As one of the most diverse cities in the world, Los Angeles houses over 4 million residents, who collectively speak over 200 languages, including Spanish, Korean, Filipino, Chinese, and English.

Los Angeles is governed by a Mayor and a 15-member City Council. The Mayor is elected for a four-year term and the council members represent 15 different districts within the city. The Mayor is responsible for the overall administration of the city while the City Council is the governing body of the City of Los Angeles, empowered by the city charter to enact ordinances, approve budgets, and make other policy decisions. Each council member is elected for a four-year term and is responsible for representing their district's constituents.

Los Angeles has always been a commercial city and today enjoys the status of having one of the largest city economies in the United States. The city thrives in trade and commerce and has a vibrant culture steeped in commerce. It has a GDP of over $1 trillion, which is about 5 percent of the US's total GDP. The size of its economy is larger than that of several countries around the world. The Port of Los Angeles handles 9.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units every year.

The city of Los Angeles has an extensive public transportation network and numerous freeways that cater to the car-centric culture. The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and other agencies operate an extensive system of bus lines, as well as subway and light rail lines across Los Angeles County. The city's subway system is the ninth busiest in the United States and its light rail system is the country's third busiest. The city and its immediate surrounding area are served by five commercial airports. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power supplies water and electricity to the city.