London

London is the capital city of the United Kingdom and of England. London produces 17% of the UK’s GDP, and is one of the world’s major business, political and cultural centres. London is a leader in international finance, politics, communications, entertainment, fashion and the arts and has considerable influence worldwide. London is one of the world’s major global cities (along with New York City, Tokyo and Paris).

Initially a Roman town known as Londinium, nowadays London is the most populous city in the European Union, with an estimated population on 1 January 2005 of 7.5 million and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million. London’s population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, making it one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and energetic cities on earth. A resident of London is referred to as a Londoner. Over 300 languages are spoken in London, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world. London is known by these names in other languages.

London is the home of many global organisations, institutions and companies, and as such retains its leading role in world affairs. A city where cutting-edge meets tradition, London is a major tourist destination and an international transportation hub. It has many important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries, airports, sports stadia and palaces.

London’s status as the Capital has never been granted or confirmed officially —by statute or in written form. Nonetheless, it remains the de facto capital and, through common law, part of the UK’s unwritten constitution.

Today, “London” usually refers to the conurbation known as Greater London, which is divided into thirty-two London Boroughs and the City of London and forms the London region of England. Historically, “London” referred to the square mile of the City of London at the conurbation’s heart, from which the city grew. Between 1889 and 1965 it referred to the former County of London which covered the area now known as Inner London. The metropolitan area the County of London was previously covered by the Metropolitan Board of Works.

There are other definitions of “London” which cover varying areas, such as the London postal districts; the area covered by the telephone area code 020; the area accessible by public transport using a Transport for London travelcard; the area delimited by the M25 orbital motorway; the Metropolitan Police District; and the London commuter belt.

The coordinates of the center of London (traditionally considered to be Charing Cross, near the junction of Trafalgar Square, the Strand, Whitehall and the Mall) are approximately 51°30′N 0°8′W. The Romans may have marked the center of Londinium with the London Stone in the City.