Central Macedonia is basically lowland and, with many rivers, is highly developed, both in the primary and the secondary sectors.

The largest rivers are the Haliacmon, the Axios, the Loudias and the Gallikos (Echedoros), which all flow into the Thermaic Gulf, creating the Axios-Loudias-Aliakmonas National Park.

The coasts are continuous, smooth, sandy and suitable for swimming (except the estuaries and the shores of the urban complex of Thessaloniki).

In 2011, the GDP per capita of Central Macedonia was €14,400, marking a 9th place of the 13 regions of Greece, well below the national average of €18,500.

Pieria combines extensive plains, high mountains and sandy beaches and the region's beauty gives it a great potential for further tourist development.

Most climbs of Mount Olympus start from the town of Litochoro, which took the name City of Gods because of its location at the foot of the mountain.

In 336 BC Philip II was assassinated in Aigai's theatre and his son, Alexander the Great, was proclaimed king.

Pella, which replaced Aigai as the capital of Macedon in the fourth century BC, is also located in Central Macedonia, as well as Dion in Pieria and Amphipolis.