Katowice is a metropolis of about 400 thousand inhabitants. This industrial rather than touristic city is worth visiting as it is the capital of Upper Silesia and one of the biggest agglomerations in Europe. For tens of years, the growth and progression of Katowice was extremely dynamic due to advantageous natural conditions for development of mining and metallurgical industries, as well as to the development of transport routes. The political transformation of the state after 1989 resulted in deep restructuring processes in the economic life of the town.

Today, Katowice has become a vast area of investment (infrastructure, banks, research and development centers, shopping centers, modern office buildings etc.) attracting businesses from all over the world. The Katowice Special Economic Zone is a leader among Polish economic zones. Among the biggest investors are General Motors Opel, Japanese Isuzu Motors, Spanish Roca, FIAT Auto Poland etc.

Katowice is also known for its research academic and cultural life. There are numerous research institutes located here as well as various higher education institutions, among them the University of Silesia, Medical Academy of Silesia, Karol Szymanowski Academy of Music and the oldest economic university in the region Karol Adamiecki University of Economics.