Patna is the headquarters of Patna district, and the capital city of the state of Bihar.

The total geographical area of Patna is 3202 sq.kms. It is divided into six subdivisions and 23 community
Development Blocks. As per 1991 census the total population of Patna is 36,23,225.

The industries generating employment for the people of Patna are Aryan Engineering, Mahabir Steel Re-rolling Mill National Industry, Hindustan Concrete And Allied, Pramod Krishi
Yantraudyog, Pradeep and Dilip Company, Amrit Ink Manufacturing, Chandra Indus Corporation, Mahabir Engineering Works, and Karuna Engineering Works. Apart from industries agriculture
occupies a vital position in the economy. Rice is the main crop of the district including maize, pulses and wheat. Oil-seeds, vegetables, water-melons etc., are also grown in Diara belt. The vast
river bed of Ganges provide suitable fishing grounds.

The district of Patna is very well linked with the other parts of the country through road, rail, and air. National Highway No.31 passes through the district and it lies on the main line of the Eastern
Railway, thus making it easier to access other parts of the district and the country.

Popular tourist destinations of the district of Patna are:

 Agamkuan
 Botanical and Zoological Garden
 Gandhi Sangrahalaya
 Golghar
 Jalan Museum
 Kumhrar
 Mahavir Temple
 Martyr's Memorial
 Patna Museum
 Padri Ki Haveli
 Pather Ki Masjid
 Planetarium
 Sadakat Ashram
 Srikrishna Science Centre
 Sher Shah Suri Masjid
 Takht Harmandir

In the state of Bihar, Patna occupies a central place in the field of education. Some of the famous colleges of Patna are:

 Patna College
 Science College
 Bihar College of Engineering
 B.N. College
 Magadh Mahila College
 Patna Women's College
 Women's Training College
 Patna Medical College
 College of Commerce
 B.S. College
 J.D. Women's College
 Guru Govind Singh College
 R.P.S. Law College
 R.P.S. Mahila College
 Sidhartha Mahila College