Manila is the capital city of the Philippines. Together with 17 other cities, they make up the area known as Metro Manila. The city is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and sits just west of the National Capital Region (NCR). Over 1.6 million people call Manila their home making it the second most populous city in the country after Quezon. Metro Manila is also the most populous metropolitan region in Southeast Asia. The Globalization and World Cities Study Group and Network classify it as a Gamma Global City.

Bisected by the Pasig River, the city of Manila sits on top of centuries' worth of alluvial deposits that have been built by the waters. The city was built during the Spanish occupation in the Philippines and was incorporated as a city in 1574. Within Manila sits Intramuros (within the walls) which is a walled city and was the original Manila. At present, Navotas, Caloocan, Quezon, San Juan, Mandaluyong, Makati, and Pasay border Manila.

The city's economy is a diverse one. The protected harbor provided by Manila Bay helps make the city into one of the nation's chief seaports. It is also the seat of the publishing, film, and movie industries in the Philippines. A wide range of manufacturing industries has their headquarters in manila. These include chemical, textile, clothing, and electronics. Other industries that thrive in Manila include iron and steel manufacturers, food and beverage, and tobacco.

Tourism is a thriving economy in Manila. It is one of the Philippines' gateway cities that lead local and international tourists to the resorts and cultural centers.