Columbia is the capital of and largest city in the U.S. state of South Carolina. According to the 2000 Census, it has a population of 116,278. According to the Central South Carolina Alliance, Columbia has an estimated 2005 population of 121,395. According to the 2005 estimates by the U.S. Census Bureau, Columbia's metropolitan area population is 689,878. Columbia is the county seat of Richland County, but a small portion of the city extends into Lexington County. The city's name is derived from a poetic name for America, based on the name of Christopher Columbus, the use of the moniker being first attributed to poet Phillis Wheatley according to popular legend (see Historical Columbia).

Located just 13 miles northwest of South Carolina's geographic center, Columbia is the primary city of the Midlands region of South Carolina, which comprises several counties in the central portion of the state. As such it is centrally located to the rest of the state. Founded in 1786 as the site of South Carolina's new capital city, it was one of the first planned cities in the United States. The area is often cited for its high quality of life offerings, with its many cultural amenities, parks, and recreational features. At the confluence of two major rivers, Columbia is one of the best destinations in the country for kayak and canoe enthusiasts. It is also known for its large number of independent theater groups. Columbia was recently one of 30 communities named "America's Most Livable Communities." The award was given by the Washington-based non-profit Partners for Livable Communities and honors communities that are developing themselves in the creative economy.

A resident of Columbia is known as a Columbian.