London

London (pop. 6,904,000), capital of Great Britain. Divided into 33 boroughs, Greater London covers over 650 sq mi (1,684 sq km) along both banks of the Thames River in southeast England. The national center of government, trade, commerce, shipping, finance, and industry, it is also one of the cultural centers of the world.

The Port of London handles over 33% of British trade. London is also an important industrial region in its own right, with various manufacturing industries. Many of the most important financial and business institutions, such as the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange, and Lloyd's of London, as well as many banking and shipping concerns, are concentrated in the single square mile (2.6 km) known as the City. The ancient nucleus of London, the City has its own Lord Mayor. To the west of the City are the Law Courts, the Inns of Court, and the governmental area in Westminster centered on the House of Commons and House of Lords.London is a historic city with many beautiful buildings; the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace are major tourist attractions. Home of universities, colleges, and some of the world's greatest museums and libraries, it also has a flourishing night life. London's art galleries, concert halls, theaters, and opera houses are world-famous. Distant areas of London are linked by the complex and highly efficient subway system known as the Underground.

See also: United Kingdom.