Bangkok was founded in 1782 by the first monarch of the current Chakri dynasty. The city is now the spiritual, cultural, diplomatic, economic and educational center of the country. The city stretches over 1,500 km² and is home to around 10 million people or around 15% of Thailand's total population. In just a few decades, Thailand's capital, Bangkok, has transformed itself into a modern, exciting and sophisticated city. It offers the visitor the cosmopolitan amenities that he and she knows from other world cities, but also a unique treasure chest full of cultural sights.