Recife is the capital city of the state of Pernambuco, located in the Northeast of Brazil. Recife is among Brazil's most important cultural and economic centers, hosting an array of historic buildings alongside modern structures, exemplifying the city's development and progress. It is famous for its historic sites like Olinda, Marco Zero Square, and Ricardo Brennand Institute, its vibrant carnival celebrations, and its beautiful beaches like Boa Viagem.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Recife had a population of 1,653,461 in 2020. Recife is considered to be a very diverse city, with influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, African, and Indigenous cultures. When it comes to religious beliefs, Recife is predominantly Christian, with the majority of the population identifying as Roman Catholic. However, there are also significant communities of Protestants, Spiritists, and followers of Afro-Brazilian religions. Recife is a city rich in culture, hosting one of the most famous Brazilian Carnivals, with traditional 'frevo' and 'maracatu' performances. The city is also known for its local gastronomy, including dishes like 'bolo de rolo', 'acarajé', and 'tapioca'.

The city administration of Recife is divided into two tiers: citywide and local. The citywide administration is coordinated by the Municipality of Recife, whose executive power is vested in the Mayor. The local administration is carried out by regional political bodies within the city. The Municipality of Recife is responsible for strategic planning, public security, transportation, and economic development. The local administrations are responsible for local services not overseen by the Municipality, such as local planning, schools, social services, local roads and refuse collection.

Recife is an economic hub in the Northeast of Brazil, featuring a diverse economy that encompasses sectors such as information technology, health, education, events, tourism, and logistics. The city is also known for its robust shopping and service sectors, with numerous shopping malls and a thriving hospitality industry. The Port of Suape, located in the metropolitan area of Recife, is one of the most important and busiest ports in Latin America, handling a vast amount of cargo every year.

Recife's infrastructure combines historical architecture with modern facilities. The city is served by the Recife/Guararapes–Gilberto Freyre International Airport, one of the busiest airports in Brazil. It also has an extensive road network and public transportation system, which includes buses and the Recife Metro. The city is also taking steps towards digital transformation, with the Porto Digital, a technology park located in the city center, being one of the main poles of information technology and communication in Brazil.