Douglas (Doolish in Manx) is the capital of the Isle of Man, so the island's government assembly, the House of Keys, is located there.
Douglas is also the main centre of commerce on the island and home to around a quarter of the island's population.
It is the Island's hub for business, finance, shipping, transport, shopping and entertainment. It is also home of the Isle of Man Government.
Douglas is situated on the east of the island near the confluence point of two rivers, the Dhoo and the Glass.
At Douglas, the rivers flow through the quay and into Douglas Bay. A gently sloping valley runs inland. Hills lie to the north-west and south-east.
The town is surrounded by several other smaller towns and villages, most notably Onchan to the north (which forms a conurbation with Douglas) and Union Mills to the west.
A horse drawntram, one of only two left in the world, runs the Douglas promenade's length, from the ferry terminal to the Manx Electric Railway's southern terminal. There is also a bus service in town. Douglas is easily walkable.
During World War I and World War II, Douglas and other parts of the Isle of Man were home to internment camps for 'enemy aliens'.
A section of the Promenade was cordoned off and many guest houses were used for this purpose. In 2011 Douglas is scheduled to host the Commonwealth Youth Games.