It is centered on the Fukuchiyama Basin formed by the Yura River, and is surrounded by mountains to the south, west, and east.

[3] Per Japanese census data,[4] the population of Fukuchiyama has remained relatively stable over the past 60 years.

From various excavated items, people have been living along the Yura River since at least the Jōmon period and the area was a transportation hub since ancient times.

In the Heian period, the Fukuchiyama basin was developed into a number of shōen landed estates by the Five regent houses in Kyoto.

Fukuchiyama has a mayor-council form of government with a directly elected mayor and a unicameral city council of 24 members.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of the Kyoto 5th district of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

Traditionally, the local economy was noted for indigo dying, cotton and silk production; however, the city industrialized as a supplier of components for the military.