Perth, established in 1829 by Captain James Stirling as the administrative center of the Swan River Colony, has evolved into a thriving metropolis with deep historical and cultural roots. The city is located on the traditional lands of the Whadjuk Noongar people, whose presence in the region spans over 45,000 years. Named after its Scottish counterpart, Perth was proclaimed a city by Queen Victoria in 1856. Today, the City of Perth governs only a portion of the greater metropolitan area.

The late 19th-century Western Australian gold rushes catalyzed substantial population growth, further accelerated after World War II by waves of immigration, particularly from the British Isles, Southern Europe, and, more recently, Asia. In the 20th and 21st centuries, mining booms across Western Australia established Perth as a key regional headquarters for major mining operations.

Recognized as one of the world's most liveable cities, Perth achieved Beta global city status in 2020, reflecting its increasing global significance. By 2021, the city encompassed 30 local government areas and over 350 suburbs, stretching 115 kilometers from Two Rocks in the north to Singleton in the south, and 45 kilometers inland to Sawyers Valley. While suburban centers like Fremantle, Joondalup, and Rockingham retain distinct identities, Mandurah, Western Australia's second-largest city, forms a coastal conurbation with Perth while remaining administratively independent.

Perth boasts significant public buildings and heritage sites, including Parliament House, Government House, and the Perth Mint. Its strategic location made it a crucial Allied naval base during World War II, with the Royal Australian Navy's Fleet Base West still active on Garden Island. The city is home to all five of Western Australia's universities and serves as a major cultural and economic hub through its airport and Fremantle Harbour.

Blending historical richness, natural beauty, and modern urbanity, Perth continues to thrive as a city of global importance.