London

London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 9.1 million people in 2024. Standing on the River Thames in southeast England, London has been an important settlement for nearly 2,000 years. The ancient core, known as the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium. Nearby, the City of Westminster has housed the national government and parliament for centuries.

As a major global city, London influences art, culture, fashion, finance, and more. It is home to many universities and is the most-visited city in Europe. Famous landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square attract millions of visitors each year. London has also hosted the Summer Olympic Games three times, most recently in 2012.

Etymology

Main article: Etymology of London

The name London has been used since the first century AD, originally as Londinium in Latin. Over time, it appeared in different forms such as Lunden in Old English and Llundein in Welsh. These variations came from a common Brythonic language root, likely *Londonjon.

For a long time, "London" only referred to the City of London, but since 1889, it has also been used for the County of London and Greater London.

History

Main article: History of London

For a chronological guide, see Timeline of London.

London has been an important place for nearly 2,000 years. Evidence of early bridges and large structures has been found along the River Thames. The Romans founded the first major settlement there around AD 47, calling it Londinium. This settlement grew and became a key city in the Roman province of Britannia.

After the Romans left, London continued to grow. It became a major port and a center for trade and government. In the Middle Ages, London became England’s largest city. Important buildings like Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London were built during this time.

In more recent history, London faced many challenges, including fires, diseases, and wars. Despite these difficulties, London grew into the world’s largest city in the 19th century. The city developed its famous underground train system and became a hub for international trade and culture. Today, London is one of the world’s most influential global cities.

Administration

Main articles: Local government in London, History of local government in London, and List of heads of London government

London's administration has two levels. The first is the Greater London Authority (GLA), which includes the mayor of London and the London Assembly. The mayor makes decisions, while the Assembly checks these decisions. The GLA manages transport through Transport for London, and oversees police and fire services.

The second level includes 32 local councils called London boroughs and the City of London Corporation. These councils handle local services like schools, libraries, and social services. The London Fire Brigade provides fire services, and the National Health Service runs ambulance services. Policing is mainly done by the Metropolitan Police.

Geography

Main article: Geography of London

London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It is located on the River Thames in southeast England. The city has been an important place for nearly 2,000 years.

Greater London is divided into different areas. The City of London is its historic core, while the city has grown into many surrounding suburbs. London is split into Inner and Outer London, and by the River Thames into North and South. Central London is the busy heart of the city.

London has many different types of buildings, from old churches to modern skyscrapers. Some famous landmarks include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square. The city also has beautiful parks and green spaces, with many animals such as birds, foxes, and even deer living there.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of London

London is a huge city with lots of people. In 2025, about 15.1 million people lived in the bigger area around London. The city itself had over 9 million people. Many people from other countries live in London, making it a very mixied place. In 2021, almost 41% of people in London were born outside the UK.

Main article: Ethnic groups in London

People in London come from many different backgrounds. In 2021, about 54% of Londoners identified as White, 21% as Asian, and 14% as Black. London is home to many languages and cultures, with over 300 languages spoken in the city. The most common languages besides English are Romanian, Spanish, Polish, Bengali, and Portuguese.

Main article: Religion in London

See also: List of churches in London

London has people who follow many different religions. The largest group is Christians, making up about 41% of the population. Other large groups include people with no religion (21%), Muslims (15%), and Hindus (5%). There are also communities of Jews, Sikhs, and Buddhists. London has many important religious buildings, including St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, and Westminster Cathedral.

There are also many different accents in London. Cockney is an accent from East London, while Estuary English is a mix between Cockney and standard British English. Multicultural London English is spoken by young people from different backgrounds, mixing elements of Cockney and other languages.

Economy

Main article: Economy of London

London is a very important city for work and money. In 2019, its economy was worth £503 billion, which is about a quarter of the whole United Kingdom's economy. The city has five big areas where many businesses operate: the City, Westminster, Canary Wharf, Camden & Islington, and Lambeth & Southwark. London also has some of the most expensive places to buy or rent property in the world.

London is especially famous for its finance industry, centered around the City of London and Canary Wharf. After the Dutch Republic faced problems in 1795, many bankers moved to London, helping it become a major financial hub. Today, London is one of the top financial cities globally. It is home to the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange, and Lloyd's of London insurance market. Many big companies, including over half of the UK's top 100 companies, have their main offices in London.

Main article: Media in London

London is also a key place for media and technology. Big media companies like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, and Sky have their main offices there. Many national newspapers are edited in London, and the area known as Fleet Street is famous for its press. The city is also a major technology hub, especially in East London Tech City, known as Silicon Roundabout. London is the third largest game development center in the world.

Main article: Tourism in London

London is one of the world's top tourist destinations. It attracts millions of visitors each year, who spend a lot of money and help the city's economy. In 2024, nine of the ten most-visited attractions in the UK were in London, with the British Museum being the most popular. The city has many hotels and is expected to have even more in the future.

Transport

Main article: Transport in London

Transport is one of the main areas managed by the Mayor of London. The mayor oversees the London Underground, trams, and buses, with help from Transport for London. The London Overground network was added in 2007.

London has many ways to travel. The London Underground, opened in 1863, is the oldest metro system in the world. It serves many stations and has over 4 million trips each day. There are also many railways with 368 stations, and busy stations like Waterloo. The Elizabeth line opened in 2022, connecting different parts of the city.

Buses are very popular in London, with many red double-decker buses on the streets. There are also trams in South London. Cars are common in the suburbs, but the city has ways to manage traffic, like a congestion charge. Other ways to get around include the London Cable Car, which crosses the River Thames, and many people enjoy cycling in the city.

Education

Main article: Education in London

London is a major center for learning and research, with many top universities and schools. Some of the most famous include Imperial College London, ranked among the best in the world, and University College London, also highly ranked. The city is also home to the London School of Economics, a leading school for studying economics and social sciences.

London has many schools for younger students, both public and private, and it is also a hub for important scientific groups. The Royal Society in London is one of the oldest science groups in the world.

Culture

Main article: Culture of London

London is a vibrant hub of culture and entertainment. It is one of the world's fashion capitals and a major center for film, theatre, and live comedy. The West End is famous for its theatres, especially around Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The area is also home to London's Chinatown and has hosted the world's longest-running play, The Mousetrap, since 1952.

London offers many shopping experiences, from the busy Oxford Street to specialty food areas like Brick Lane for Bangladeshi cuisine and Chinatown for Chinese food. The city also enjoys many annual events, such as the New Year's Day Parade and the colorful Notting Hill Carnival.

London has been a setting for many famous books and films. Writers like William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf lived and wrote in London. Film fans can visit studios and cinemas, including the large BFI IMAX on the South Bank.

The city is also rich in music, from classical performances at places like the Royal Albert Hall to modern concerts at venues such as the O₂ Arena. London has been home to many music genres, including punk music and drum and bass.

Recreation

Main articles: Parks and open spaces in London and Royal Parks of London

See also: List of Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Greater London and List of local nature reserves in Greater London

London is known for its many parks and green spaces. With over 3,000 parks and around 8 million trees, it is one of the greenest cities in Europe. Some of the most famous parks include Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, and Regent's Park. Regent's Park is home to the London Zoo, the world's oldest scientific zoo. Other popular spots include Kew Gardens, which has the largest collection of living plants, and Richmond Park, the largest Royal Park.

London also offers many great places for walking. Trails such as the Thames Path and Epping Forest provide beautiful routes for exploring the city's natural areas. Whether you prefer a quiet stroll or a longer hike, London has plenty of options for outdoor adventures.

Sport

Main article: Sport in London

See also: Football in London and Rugby union in London

London is a very important city for sports. It has hosted the Summer Olympics three times, more than any other city. Many people in London enjoy watching and playing football, with several top teams based there. The city also loves rugby, tennis, and cricket. The famous Wimbledon Tennis Championships happen every year in a suburb called Wimbledon. London has many places to watch sports, like Wembley Stadium, which can hold tens of thousands of fans. Other popular events in London include the London Marathon and the University Boat Race.

Notable people

Main article: Lists of people from London

London has been home to many famous people throughout history. The city has produced writers, actors, scientists, and leaders who have influenced the world in many ways. Because of its long history and large population, London continues to be an important place for people to live, work, and create.