Situated in northwestern Turkey, and populated by 2.6 million people, the City of Bursa is the fourth most populous in Turkey. It is the capital of the Bursa Province and is bordered by the Sea of Marmara to the north.

Bursa is a metropolitan centre of historical, cultural and natural wealth. Founded 2,200 years ago, Bursa served as the first capital of the Ottoman Empire in the 14^th century. In addition to Bursa’s renowned natural features, which include hot springs, lakes and gardens, architectural attractions such as mosques, castles, churches, tombs and khans contribute to the city’s status as a bridge between Asian and European civilizations. Bursa is also a highly industrialized city with large automotive, textile and dairy industries.

The Bursa Municipality, which is the first Turkish city to become a member of the World Health Organization’s Healthy Cities Network, established and continues to develop the Turkish Healthy Cities Association. Bursa’s Healthy City project is a long-term development initiative aimed at improving the physical, psychological and environmental people living in the region.