Saint Petersburg is known for its impressive historical heritage and vibrant culture. Located in the western part of Russia, the city possesses a unique blend of Russian and European influences. This cosmopolitan city is the country's cultural heart, with an array of historic sites and burgeoning arts scene. Its famous landmarks include the Hermitage Museum, Nevsky Prospect, Peter and Paul Fortress, and the historic Palace Square. The city's architectural ensemble, blending different styles and epochs, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The population of Saint Petersburg is over 5 million according to the 2019 census. It is the second-largest city in Russia, after Moscow, and among the top ten largest cities in Europe. The city is known for its diverse population, with people from different backgrounds and cultures. According to the 2019 census, the majority of the population is ethnic Russian, followed by Ukrainians and Belarusians. The city is home to various religious beliefs, with the majority of the population identifying as Russian Orthodox. There's also a significant number of people who identify as atheists or non-religious. Besides Russian, many other languages are spoken in the city due to its multicultural nature. The city is also home to one of the largest art museums in the world, the Hermitage Museum, which houses over 3 million works of art.

Saint Petersburg is governed by the city government which consists of the Governor of Saint Petersburg and the Legislative Assembly. The Governor is the executive head, responsible for the day-to-day administration of the city, while the Legislative Assembly is the representative body that makes the laws for the city. The city is divided into several districts, each managed by a district administration. The city government is responsible for overseeing services such as public transportation, social services, urban planning, and waste management.

Saint Petersburg has a diverse economy with strong sectors in manufacturing, services, and tourism. The city's GDP is over 3.3 trillion rubles, making it one of the largest economies in Russia. It's a major trade gateway, financial and industrial center. Manufacturing includes shipbuilding, aerospace industry, radio and electronics, software and computers; machine building, heavy machinery and transport, including tanks and other military equipment, mining, instrument manufacture, ferrous and nonferrous metallurgy. Saint Petersburg is also home to the Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange, one of the largest stock exchanges in Russia.

Saint Petersburg's infrastructure is robust and well-developed, with a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and a metro system. The city also has a well-developed road network and several sea and river ports. The city's strategic location on the Baltic Sea makes it a crucial transport hub, and it is home to several large transport and logistic companies. The city is constantly working on infrastructure development projects, including the construction of new metro lines and highways, to support its growing population and economy.