Benin City is a metropolitan city in Nigeria serving as the capital of Edo State in the South-South geopolitical zone. The city was previously the capital of the Mid-Western region (1963 to 1976) and Bendel State (1976 to 1991). The city is the home of the Edo people who had a powerful monarchy headed by the Oba of Benin before the punitive expedition that led to the British conquest of the Kingdom of Benin. The city is the ancestral home of indigenous people called Bini or Edo people. 

Benin City has at its core an important traditional institution revolving around the Oba of Benin, the custodian of the Benin custom, culture and tradition. The beauty of the Benin culture is a sight to behold during Benin cultural display, homages, coronation of chiefs and the annual Igue festival.

The National Museum of Benin is encircled by the Ring Road at the center of the city and the palace of the Oba of Benin is located at the Junction between Airport Road and Plymouth Road.

Remnants of the Benin Moat, a defensive earthworks surrounding the Kingdom of Benin, are found in different parts of the city. Sections of the Moat are visible in Ogbe Quarters (behind Oba Palace), Sapele Road, Airport Road, behind Edo College and by Third East Circular Road Junction.

During the era of the Kingdom of Benin, the Bini people were great craft-men famous for bronze and brass casting. The center of the city is decorated by statues of the kings (Obas) and heroes of the ancient Benin Kingdom such as the statue of Oba Ovonramwen at the King Square, Oba Akenzua at Airport Road and General Asoro.

Igun Street is famous amongst tourists and collectors interested in Benin arts and craft. Bronze and brass casters reside here and their works are displayed in shops near the entrance gate erected at Sokponba Road.

Rapid expansion of the city into rural areas has changed the major occupation of the people from farming to trading. Most of the forests, plantations and arable lands in places like Obazuwa, Igo, Obaretin, Ugbikhoko, Ogba and Oghede have been transformed into suburbs. Many palm tree plantations and farmlands have been sold to land developers for the construction of residential buildings, hotels, churches, schools, shopping malls, etc.

Very large population of Edo people are in the diaspora contributing large percentage of the remittance inflow to Nigeria. The economy of Benin City is boosted by this large influx of money from abroad, as there are many banks, supermarkets, hotels and fast food restaurants operating in the City.