Makati is one of sixteen cities that comprise the National Capital Region.

Makati is noted for its highly cosmopolitan culture, being a major financial, commercial and cultural hub in Metro Manila. The city’s Central Business District (CBD) is home to many of the major local and foreign companies operating in the Philippines. The Makati skyline is one of the most impressive sights in Metro Manila.

Makati is also home to the influential Makati Business Club and the Philippine Stock Exchange. Ayala Avenue, running through the heart of the CBD, is often referred to as the Wall Street of the Philippines.

Makati is also home to two of the more popularly known commercial centers in the country, Ayala Center and Rockwell Center.

The area that is now Makati was first established in 1578 as San Pedro de Makati, a district of Santa Ana de Sapa, during the time of Miguel López de Legazpi, the founder of Manila and first Governor-General of the Philippines. It was incorporated as a separate town in 1670.

The city has retained some of its historic sites, such as two of the earliest churches built by Spanish friars in the Philippines, the Nuestra Señora de Gracia in Guadalupe and the Church of Saints Peter and Paul.

At the turn of the 20th century, the Americans established Fort McKinley.