Mumbai is the capital city of Maharashtra and is one of the most populous cities in the world. It is situated on the western coast of India, and its deep natural harbour adds to its strategic importance. Mumbai is among the oldest cities in India and is a melting pot of various cultures and communities. Mumbai is the country’s economic, transportation, and cultural centre, as well as an influential city globally. Known for its impressive colonial architecture and cutting-edge modern structures, Mumbai is home to a number of iconic landmarks including the Gateway of India, Marine Drive, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and the Haji Ali Dervish.

Census in India is conducted every 10 years, with the last one held in 2011. According to the 2011 census, Mumbai had a population of 12,478,447, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. Mumbai is recognized for its diversity, with residents coming from different parts of India and bringing their unique cultures and languages. Mumbai is also known for its religious diversity. As of 2011, 65.99% of the population identified themselves as Hindu, 20.65% as Muslim, 4.10% as Buddhist, 3.27% as Jain, 4.15% as Christian, 1.26% as Sikh, and 0.49% followed other religions or did not specify a religion. Mumbai is a multilingual city, with residents speaking languages such as Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati, Konkani, Urdu, and English.

Mumbai is administered by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which is the civic governing body. The BMC is headed by a Municipal Commissioner, an IAS officer who wields the executive power. The position of Mayor, who is more a ceremonial figure, is also there. The BMC is responsible for the civic and infrastructure needs of the metropolis. For legislative purposes, Mumbai is divided into six administrative subdivisions.

Mumbai is the commercial and financial capital of India and accounts for a significant portion of India's GDP. The city is a hub for businesses and industries, ranging from textiles to technology. The city's ports handle a significant portion of India's maritime trade. Mumbai is also home to Bollywood, the world's largest film industry by output.

Mumbai is known for its impressive infrastructure, which includes an extensive road network, Suburban railway system, the Mumbai Metro, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, one of the busiest airports in India. The city is constantly upgrading its infrastructure to cater to its growing population and economic needs.