Manila has historically been a global city due to its role for international trade. By the 15th and 16th centuries, Manila was a walled and fortified city and was the capital of the Kingdom of Luzon.

Metropolitan Manila experienced rapid growth in the late 20th century, which helped establish it as a major economic centre in the Pacific region. The expansion, however, also brought pollution, traffic congestion, and overcrowding. The government took numerous measures to alleviate the problems, but they persisted into the 21st century.

By the thirteenth century, the city consisted of a fortified settlement and trading quarter near the mouth of the Pasig River, which bisects the city into the north and south. Manila became the seat of the Spanish colonial government when Spain gained sovereignty over the Philippine Islands in 1565.

When Metro Manila was established, there were four cities, Manila, Quezon City, Caloocan, Pasay and the thirteen municipalities of Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, and Valenzuela.