It lies on the River Wye, approximately 16 miles (26 km) east of the border with Wales, 24 miles (39 km) south-west of Worcester and 23 miles (37 km) north-west of Gloucester. 

With a population of 53,112 in 2021, it is the largest settlement in Herefordshire. 

 An early town charter from 1189, granted by Richard I of England, describes it as "Hereford in Wales". 

Hereford has been recognised as a city since time immemorial, with the status being reconfirmed as recently as October 2000. 

Hereford has been a civil parish since 2000. It is now known chiefly as a trading centre for a wider agricultural and rural area. Products from Hereford include cider, beer, potatoes, leather goods, nickel alloys, poultry, chemicals and sausage rolls, as well as the famous Hereford breed of cattle.