The Square-Kilometer Array (SKA) is an integral part of the next-generation observatories that will survey the Universe across the electromagnetic spectrum, and beyond, revolutionizing our view of Fundamental Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology. In the present talk I will describe the SKA project, its timeline and main scientific scopes, as well as the preparatory work which is leading to the so-called SKA Phase 1. I will then focus on the role that radio-continuum SKA surveys can play in the SKA era, with particular emphasis on galaxy evolution and cosmological studies.