Indianapolis is the capital city of the State of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. According to the 2000 Census, its population is listed as 791,926, making it Indiana's most populous city and the 12th largest city in the U.S.. Indianapolis is the third largest city in the Midwest after Chicago and Detroit. Greater Indianapolis consists of Marion County and several contiguous counties. By one broad definition the Combined Statistical Area (CSA) of Indianapolis had a population of about 2 million people in 2005, ranking 23rd in the United States and 7th in the midwest. As a unified labor and media market, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) had a 2005 population of 1.64 million persons, ranking 34th in the United States. Indianapolis is the 8th largest MSA in the Midwest, following Chicago, Detroit, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus.

A fairly "American" city that has managed to escape a Rust Belt reputation, Indianapolis is well known as a city with a strong sports reputation, having hosted major events such as the 1987 Pan American Games and is perhaps most known for its annual race, the Indianapolis 500. Common nicknames for Indianapolis include Indy, the Crossroads of America, and the Circle City.