Birmingham is the county seat of Jefferson County and is located in the US state of Alabama. It is also the largest city in that state and as of 2008 has an estimated population of 242,000. The city is also the largest city in the area known as Greater Birmingham, which is composed of Birmingham, Hoover and Cullman combined. Nicknames for the city include 'The Magic City' and 'Pittsburgh of the South'.

Founded a short while after the Civil War in the US in 1871, Birmingham has served as an industrial enterprise and was named after the UK city of the same name. During the mid-20th century, Birmingham experienced immense growth and was one of the primary industrial centers of the South. This rate of growth earned it the nicknames 'Magic City' and the 'Pittsburgh of the South'. The city has since then diversified its economy and has incorporated new industries including banking, medicine, biotechnology and finance. Today, the city remains as one of the most important business centers in the south and throughout the US.

Aside from being a center of business, the city is also known for its festivals. One of the most notable festivals in the city is 'City Stages', which is a world renowned music festival that's held every Father's Day weekend at Linn Park. Another music festival held in the city is the Taste of 4th Avenue Jazz Festival, which is held annually in September.

Birmingham's sister cities include Hitachi (Japan), Pomigliano d'Arco (Italy) and Anshan (China).