Pretoria, the administrative capital of South Africa, is situated in the northern part of Gauteng Province. It is among the country’s three capital cities and serves as the executive (administrative) capital. It is considered the country's academic hub, being home to the largest residential university in the country, the University of Pretoria, and other institutions of higher learning. The city is famous for its jacaranda trees that bloom purple in spring and its significant historic landmarks. Some of the notable places that make it popular include the Union Buildings, Voortrekker Monument, Freedom Park and the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.

According to the last census conducted in South Africa in 2011, Pretoria had a population of 2,433,643. The population of Pretoria includes a diverse range of ethnicities and languages. According to the census, 47.6% of the population identifies as Black African, 37.2% as White, 2.5% as Coloured, and 1.4% as Indian or Asian. English is the most widely spoken language in Pretoria, followed by Afrikaans and Northern Sotho. Pretoria is also known for its diplomatic diversity, hosting numerous embassies and consulates. The Union Buildings, which houses the office of the South African president, is a significant landmark and tourist attraction in the city. Pretoria is also known for its abundance of Jacaranda trees, which when in bloom, cover the city in a vibrant purple hue.

Pretoria is administratively governed as part of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality. The municipality is divided into 105 wards, each represented by an elected councillor. The mayor, who is also elected, is the executive and political leader of the municipality. The municipality is responsible for providing local services such as water, sanitation, electricity, and public transport. Additionally, Pretoria is the seat of the national government, housing the Union Buildings, and numerous government departments and foreign diplomatic missions.

Pretoria's economy is diverse with sectors ranging from manufacturing, retail, education, healthcare, and government services. The city is a significant commercial centre, with many businesses in the financial sector operating in the city. Pretoria is also an industrial hub, with industries such as iron and steel works, copper casting, and the manufacture of automobiles and railway carriages. Furthermore, it is an academic city with the University of Pretoria and other higher education institutions contributing significantly to its economy.

Pretoria boasts a well-developed infrastructure with a comprehensive road network, rail lines, and public transportation systems. The city is served by the Gautrain, a state-of-the-art rapid rail service connecting Pretoria with Johannesburg and the O.R Tambo International Airport. The city has an extensive public bus system, operated by the Tshwane Bus Service, and numerous taxi services. The infrastructure development in the city is overseen by the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, which ensures the provision of utilities such as water, electricity, and sanitation.