London is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. It is also the most populous city in the European Union. London produces 19.5% of the U.K.’s GDP, and is one of the world’s major business, political and cultural centres. London is a leader in international finance, politics, communications, entertainment, fashion and the arts and has considerable influence worldwide. Along with New York, Tokyo and Paris, it is widely regarded as one of the world’s major global cities

London has an estimated population as of 1 January 2005 of 7.5 million and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million. London’s population includes an extremely diverse range of peoples, cultures, and religions, making it one of the most cosmopolitan, vibrant and energetic cities in the world. Over 300 languages are spoken in London, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world. A city where cutting-edge meets tradition, London is a major tourist destination and an international transport hub. It has many important buildings and iconic landmarks, including world-famous museums, theatres, concert halls, galleries, airports, stadiums and palaces.

Unlike most capital cities, London’s status as the Capital of the UK has never been granted or confirmed officially - by statute or in written form. Its position as the Capital has formed through constitutional convention, making its position as de facto Capital a part of the UK’s unwritten constitution.

A resident of London is referred to as a Londoner. Over the centuries, London has developed and expanded, despite the many dangers that might have defeated a lesser place - the Great Plague, the Great Fire, the bitter English Civil War and even a plot to blow up the Houses of Parliament. But most recently and resiliently, London and its citizens survived the German Luftwaffe attempts to bomb the city to oblivion during the World War II ‘Blitz’.

Nowadays, the sheer scale of Greater London can be daunting at first, as it sprawls 1,500sq km (580 square miles) across a voluminous plain. However, it is a city that is surprisingly easy to get around, with the comprehensive and easily navigated London Underground or ‘Tube’. The twin axis on which London rests is the Houses of Parliament to the west and the City of London to the east. The seat of government (not far from the home of the royal family) is connected to the City (the financial engine room of London and the whole of the UK) by the River Thames.

In between lie most of the tourist attractions and the busiest, liveliest different entertainment areas, such as Knightsbridge and Soho. But London’s vivacity and charm stretches far beyond the Circle Line - the Underground route that rings the inner city. Residential areas outside the city center, such as leafy Richmond (southwest) or Hampstead (north), trendy Hoxton (east) or Notting Hill (west), each have their own beating heart.

And as the population of London pushes inexorably towards the ten million mark, the city continues to grow and thrive. Home to 37 distinct immigrant groups, each consisting of more than 10,000 people, this is a city where some 300 languages are spoken. This very real multiculturalism is evident on every street (and many restaurant plates) and is a key reason why people love the city.

Tourists come for London’s history or London’s royal pageantry but they return for all the charms of the modern London, not least the extraordinary breadth of London’s cultural life, with world-class art galleries and theaters, buzzing nightlife, film, music, culinary and fashion scenes. Overseeing the whole lot is Mayor Ken Livingstone, who was elected in 2000. Keen to make an impact on the city, various strategies have been developed and quickly implemented - for example, the controversial plan for congestion charging on the inner city roads, which is already a successful reality. But the city skyline is the place where the London’s rapid change and optimism is most visible - the Docklands and the City (with its now famous ‘Gherkin’ tower) have shot up over the last few years.

After an enthusiastic campaign endorsed by many sporting celebrities and fervently supported by the majority of residents, London has just won the bid to host the Olympic Games in 2012, which is bound to have a significant impact on the future of the city in terms of both tourism and investment.

During summer, London’s bountiful green spaces fill up with office workers and tourists enjoying the surprisingly balmy days as cafe tables sprout across a multitude of pavements. During winter, the grey skies and rain can be forgotten for a while in numerous cosy pubs. But spring or autumn are probably the best seasons to visit the city, when clear crisp sunny days often illuminate London and its landmarks, old and new.