Bloomington, Indiana, was founded in 1818 by a group of settlers from Kentucky, Tennessee, the Carolinas, and Virginia who were so impressed by the abundance of blooms in the area that they named it after "a haven of blooms".

The city's geography is characterized by rolling hills and hardwood forests, typical of the karst topography in south-central Indiana, which features numerous caves, sinkholes, and underground streams.

Bloomington's population in 2020 was approximately 80,487, making it the seventh-largest city in Indiana, significantly impacted by the presence of Indiana University and a steady influx of students.

Indiana University, established in Bloomington in 1820, serves as the city's largest employer and a significant driver of the local economy, contributing heavily to the arts, sciences, and educational sectors.

The economy of Bloomington is diversified, including healthcare, technology, manufacturing (particularly limestone), and retail, in addition to the prominent role of Indiana University.

Limestone quarrying and processing has been a historical cornerstone of Bloomington's economy, providing high-quality building stone used in iconic structures like the Pentagon and the Empire State Building.

Bloomington is renowned for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, home to the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, one of the largest and most comprehensive music schools globally.

The city hosts the annual Lotus World Music and Arts Festival, an internationally recognized event that brings diverse musical traditions and artists from around the world to Bloomington.

The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center (TMBCC), located in Bloomington, is a prominent center for Tibetan Buddhism in the United States, founded by Thubten Jigme Norbu, the elder brother of the 14th Dalai Lama.

Switchyard Park, a 65-acre park built on the site of a former railroad switchyard, is a central community gathering place featuring a performance stage, spray pad, skate park, and numerous recreational amenities.

The Monroe County Courthouse Square is a historic landmark and a focal point of downtown Bloomington, hosting community events, farmers' markets, and political rallies.

Bloomington's progressive political leanings differentiate it from much of the surrounding conservative rural areas of Indiana, reflecting the influence of the university and its diverse population.

Although not a UNESCO World Heritage Site itself, Bloomington is located within reasonable driving distance of several significant natural areas that could potentially qualify for future designation due to their unique geological and biological features.

The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction, located at Indiana University, is a world-renowned research center dedicated to the study of human sexuality and gender.

In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Bloomington was a significant center for counterculture movements, contributing to its reputation for liberalism and artistic expression.