Located in the central part of Thailand on the north of the Gulf of Siam, Bangkok City is Thailand's largest urban city, covering a land area of approximately 1,500 square kilometres (or 600 square miles). The Chao Phraya River divides Bangkok city into two areas – Bangkok and Thon Buri. Bangkok (or "Krung Thep" in Thai – or City of Angels) is also the capital of Thailand, and is home to many foreigners.

Thailand has a population of some 62 million, of which almost 6 million, or around 10% live in the Bangkok region (as of 2005). As of 2000, the emigrant population in Bangkok is just under half a million. For some useful overall information on Bangkok, its population, infrastructure and communities, try UN-ESCAP's publication available for download at www.rrcap.unep.org (PDF file). For statistics on Thailand's labor force and other population data, try the National Statistical Office of Thailand website at www.web.nso.go.th

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (Hotline 1555; click here for website provides basic information about Bangkok's history, maps, and information for residents (on education and transportation) and people wishing to do business in Bangkok.

Hot, polluted, traffic jams, spicy foods – these words summarize the immediate impression Bangkok leaves on its residents. Indeed, Bangkok is all of these things, but the fact that this city continues to attract hordes to visit, live and work says something about the alluring charm of Bangkok.