Overview
London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom and England, with a population of approximately 9 million in the city and around 14 million in the metropolitan area. It is located in southeastern England on the River Thames, about 80 kilometers from where the river meets the North Sea.
Geography and Physical Features
The city is built on the floodplain of the Thames, which flows west to east through its center. Greater London covers about 1,572 square kilometers and is divided into 32 boroughs plus the City of London, a small historic core. The Thames Barrier, downstream from central London, protects the city from tidal storm surges.
Significance
Founded by the Romans as Londinium around AD 47, London has been a major settlement for nearly two millennia. It was the capital of the British Empire, the largest empire in history, and played a central role in the Industrial Revolution. Today it is a leading global city in finance, government, fashion, and the arts.
Notable Facts
The London Underground, opened in 1863, is the oldest rapid transit system in the world. Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of the British monarch since 1837. The city contains four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. London Heathrow is one of the busiest international airports in the world.