The+History+of+London

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= = = = = = = Facts about London =

London, the capital of England and the UK, is the world's ninth-largest city. Its history spans nearly 2,000 years, beginning with the arrival of the Romans soon after their invasion of Britain in AD43. London is situated on the banks of the river Thames, in southeast England. London is made up of two ancient cities which are now joined together. They are:
 * The City of London, known simply as '**the City**' which is the business and financial heart of the United Kingdom. It is also known as the **Square Mile**. It was the original settlement (ancient Londinium).


 * The City of Westminster, where Parliament and most of the government offices are located. Also Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the Queen and the Royal family are located there too.

Together they all make up a region known as Greater London.

Click here to find out more about The history of London

Many parts of London, such as Islington or Highgate, were once villages (small towns). Today, London is a growing city with a population of more than seven million. People have come from all parts of the world to live here. They have brought with them different ways of living and colourful festivals. London is a multicultural city, as it has been since the Roman times. Now about a quarter of the capital's inhabitants are members of the ethnic minorities.  Nowadays,


 * London is the biggest city in Britain and in Europe.
 * London occupies over **620 square miles**
 * London has a population of 7,172,036 (2001)
 * About 12 per cent of Britain’s overall population live in London
 * London has the highest population density in Britain, with 4,699 people per square kilometre,
 * London is the seat of central government in Britain.
 * The tallest building in London is the Canary Wharf Tower.
 * London was the **first city in the world to have an underground railway**, known as the tube'.
 * Some of the most important people from countries all over the world visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
 * There are over 100 theatres in London, including 50 in the West End. London theatre accounts for 45% of all UK theatre admissions and over 70% of box-office revenues. Source: GLA Economics

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