Melbourne, one of the world’s most liveable cities, is the capital city of Victoria, Australia.
With a metropolitan area covering 8806sqkm, it is home to 3.2 million people from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
Melbourne's economic and political centre is located within the municipal boundaries of the City of Melbourne, an area of 36.5sqkm that includes the central business district, some of Melbourne's most historic suburbs and Southbank.
Most of Melbourne's famous sporting venues and major parks and gardens are also found here.
Melbourne is a city of energy, sophistication and innovation. It is also a city of history and cultural diversity.
Local government
The City of Melbourne is a council that oversees Melbourne’s city centre and several inner suburbs. As a capital-city council, it also speaks on behalf of all Melbourne in local, national and international forums.
The City of Melbourne works with other local councils, and the State Government, to ensure Melbourne is one of the safest, healthiest, and cleanest cities in the world. It supports Melbourne's position as Australia's pre-eminent centre for arts and culture, education, fine food and dining and shopping.
In Victoria, as in all Australian states, all residents over 18 years are politically represented at three levels of Westminster-style government - local, state and federal.
Melburnians enjoy an open society governed by rule of law (evolved from English common law), which attaches great importance to individual freedom and responsibility.
