Dive into the heart of England and discover London, a city brimming with life, history, and global influence. This bustling metropolis, the capital of the United Kingdom, sits proudly on the River Thames. With over 13 million people calling it home, London is the most populous city in the UK. Its roots stretch back millennia, dating back to its founding by the Romans, who named it Londinium.
The ancient core of London, known as the City of London, retains its mediaeval boundaries, covering just 2.9 square kilometers. In 2011, it had a population of only 7,375, making it the smallest city in England. However, this small area is the heart of the sprawling metropolis that has developed around it.
A Global Powerhouse
London stands tall as a global leader, a city renowned for its excellence in arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism, and transportation. It’s a financial powerhouse, ranking among the world’s top financial centers, and its metropolitan area boasts the fifth or sixth largest GDP globally, depending on how you measure it.
London is a beacon of culture, attracting visitors from around the world. It’s the most visited city in the world, with a massive airport system handling the highest passenger traffic. London’s impressive 43 universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutions in Europe. In 2012, London achieved the distinction of becoming the first city to host the modern Summer Olympic Games three times.
Diversity and Growth
London embraces diversity with open arms, welcoming people from all walks of life. Over 300 languages are spoken in the city, reflecting its multicultural tapestry. The region had a population of 8,416,535 in 2013, making it the largest municipality in the European Union. This impressive figure accounts for 12.5% of the UK’s total population. London’s urban area is the second most populous in the EU, only surpassed by Paris.
London’s metropolitan area, with its 13,614,409 inhabitants, is the third most populous in Europe, trailing behind Moscow and Istanbul. The Greater London Authority estimates the London metropolitan region’s population at a staggering 21 million! London was the world’s most populous city from 1831 to 1925, a testament to its enduring importance.
Iconic Landmarks and Cultural Treasures
London is a treasure trove of iconic landmarks and cultural institutions. Four World Heritage Sites reside within the city: the Tower of London, Kew Gardens, the complex encompassing the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, and St Margaret’s Church, and the historic Greenwich settlement. Greenwich is home to the Royal Observatory, which marks the Prime Meridian (0° longitude) and GMT.
London’s skyline is punctuated by famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and The Shard. The city is also home to a wealth of museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events, and other cultural institutions, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, British Library, and 40 West End theatres. The London Underground, the world’s oldest underground railway network, is a testament to London’s innovative spirit.
