England Pictures

London (pronunciation (help·info); IPA: /ˈlʌndən/) is the largest urban area and capital of England and the United Kingdom. It is the most populous municipality in the European Union, with an official population of 7,512,400 (as of mid-2006) within the boundaries of Greater London,^[2] and 8,278,251 (as of 2001) in the surrounding urban area.^[3] The metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of between 12 and 14 million.^[4][5] London’s diverse population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and over 300 languages are spoken within the city.^[7] Its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts has contributed to its status as a major global city.^[8]

An important settlement for two millennia, London’s history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been the centre of many important movements and phenomena throughout history, such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. London boasts four World Heritage Sites: The Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church; the Tower of London; the historic settlement of Greenwich; and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. As a result, the city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its popularity has increased over the years due to economic growth.^[9]

The city’s core, the ancient City of London, still retains its limited mediaeval boundaries; but since at least the 19th century the name “London” has also referred to the whole metropolis which has developed around it.^[10] Today the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region of England^[11] and the Greater London administrative area,^[12] with its own elected mayor and assembly