People & Government

As of 2003, the city had an estimated population of 1,053,035 and a population density of 6,255.78 persons per km2. The total area is 168.33 km2. As of January 1, 2005 Iwatsuki-ku had an estimated population of 111,974 in area of 49.16 km2

Saitama has 10 wards (ku):

• Chuo-ku
• Iwatsuki-ku
• Kita-ku
• Midori-ku
• Minami-ku
• Minuma-ku
• Nishi-ku
• Omiya-ku
• Sakura-ku
• Urawa-ku

Saitama is also home to two J. League football (soccer) teams: the popular Urawa Red Diamonds, owned by Mitsubishi and Omiya Ardija, owned by NTT. The new Saitama Stadium hosted many football games of the 2002 World Cup, including one of the semifinals.