Veles is a town in the central part of the Republic of Macedonia, on the Vardar river. Veles is seat of Veles municipality.

According to the 2002 census, Veles had a population of around 43,716.

Veles is situated in the Povardarie region, at an altitude of 160 meters above the sea level. The E-75 road is passing by, and connects Veles with Veles (50 km) on the north-west, with Gevgelija (106 km) on the south-east and nearby Stip (40 km) on the east.

During the historical timeline Veles was known as Vilazora, V’les, Köprülü. After second World War Veles was known as Titov Veles after Yugoslavian president Josip Broz Tito, but the Titov was removed when Macedonia proclaimed independence. Veles has rich cultural tradition. In honor of the founder of modern Macedonian literature, Kosta Solev Racin, the Racin Meetings, in which writers from all the Balkan countries take part, are held here. Veles is a significant industrial, trade and transport center of Macedonia. Today Veles is predominantly industrial. There is a smelter for lead and zinc, a porcelain factory and a silk factory, as well as leather and metal industries. Agriculture, viticulture and market-gardening are fairly well-developed.