Milan - Italy

**Milan: The Economic Capital of Italy** Located in northern Italy, Milan is a city that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. As the regional capital of Lombardy and the second-most-populous city proper in Italy after Rome, Milan boasts a population of approximately 1.4 million within its city limits, while its metropolitan area is home to an impressive 3.22 million residents. Milan's status as one of the economic capitals of Europe and a global financial center is well-deserved. The city hosts Italy's stock exchange (Borsa Italiana) and serves as the headquarters for numerous national and international banks and companies. In terms of GDP, Milan is the wealthiest city in Italy, with an economy that ranks among the largest within the European Union. This alpha global city has a broad range of strengths, including art, chemicals, commerce, design, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, services, research, and tourism. Visitors can explore world-class museums and art galleries featuring iconic works by Leonardo da Vinci, or experience the city's renowned fashion scene firsthand during Milan Fashion Week. As a major international tourist destination, Milan attracts millions of visitors each year, ranking as one of the most visited cities in Europe and the sixteenth in the world. The city is also a hub for education, with numerous institutions, academies, and universities that attract students from across Italy and beyond – 11% of the country's total enrolled students call Milan home. Milan's rich history dates back to around 400 BC when it was founded as Medhelanon by a Celtic tribe. Over time, the city has played a significant role in major historical events, including serving as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and later becoming one of the largest European cities during the Renaissance period. Today, Milan continues to thrive, hosting high-profile international events like the Universal Exposition (which it hosted in 1906 and again in 2015) and welcoming visitors with its world-class luxury hotels. The city is also a sports enthusiast's paradise, home to two of Europe's most successful football teams – AC Milan and Inter Milan – as well as one of Europe's main basketball teams, Olimpia Milano. As the host city for the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2026 (together with Cortina d'Ampezzo), Milan is preparing to showcase its world-class infrastructure and welcoming spirit to an international audience. With a score of A+ in amenities, commute, health, culture, childcare & education, and total, Milan solidifies its position as one of the top cities in Italy and Europe. While some areas for improvement have been noted, including noise levels (D-) and NIMBYism (C), overall Milan shines as an attractive destination for both tourists and residents alike.

Milan

Country: Italy

Population: 1354196

Metropolitan Population: 4,336,121

Elevation: 120.0 metre

Area: 181.67 square kilometre

Web: https://www.comune.milano.it/

Time Zone: CET+1

Time Zone DST: CEST+2

Area code: 0039 02