Milan is a city in Italy and the capital of the region of Lombardy and of the province of Milan. The city proper has a population of about 1,310,000, while the urban area is the first in Italy and the fifth largest in the European Union with a population of 4,345,000 over.

An international and cosmopolitan city, Milan is one of Europe's main transportation and industrial hubs, and the EU's 10th most important centre for business and finance with its being the world's 26th richest by purchasing power.

Milan is recognised as a world fashion and design capital, with a major global influence in commerce, industry, music, sport, literature, art and media.The city has a rich cultural heritage and legacy, a vibrant nightlife, and has a unique cuisine. Milan is also well-known for containing several important museums, universities, academies, palaces, churches and libraries (such as the Academy of Brera and the Castello Sforzesco).