United Kingdom » London

London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom. An important settlement for nearly two millennia, London is an international leader in finance, and its involvement in politics, education, entertainment, fashion, media and the arts contribute to its status as a global city. London is also one of the largest and most populated cities of Europe. Its population is cosmopolitan, drawing from a diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, speaking over 300 different languages. Residents of London are referred to as Londoners.

The city is an international transport hub and a popular tourist destination, counting iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace amongst its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery.

Today, "London" usually refers to the London region of England, which is coterminous with Greater London. At the heart of the city is the small, ancient City of London which was historically the entirety of the city. Londoners generally refer to the City of London simply as "The City" or the "Square Mile". London's metropolitan area grew considerably during the Victorian era and again during the Interwar period with expansion halted in the 1940s by World War II and Green Belt legislation and has been largely static since.

Vast, vibrant and truly multicultural, London is one of the world’s great cities. Over the centuries, London has developed and expanded. The City business district lies to the east of the city centre. Choice shops, cinemas and theatres pack the 'West End', which encompasses Soho, Covent Garden and Mayfair. London's historic and diverse architecture is testimony to the city's piecemeal evolution from a Roman colony 2,000 years ago to the bustling, modern capital it is today.