Located in the southeast of Great Britain, the capital of the United Kingdom symbolises the quintessence of the British soul and continues to absorb the influence and culture of its immigrants, who are the city's veritable catalysts. With more than 9 million inhabitants and 50 foreign communities, London constitutes one of the most important financial and cultural centers in the world.
For a more in-depth analysis of the country, types of territories, regions and major cities, see the European Hospitality Report United Kingdom 2017.
This "World City” that leans toward the sea both culturally and physically also shelters the Thames, which has had a major influence on the city's development. London was originally founded on the north bank and for several centuries only had one bridge at its disposal: London Bridge. After the construction in the 18th century of a series of other bridges, the city then expanded in all directions.
Long the capital of the British Empire, London is now the seat of the Commonwealth of Nations and a major hub for commerce, education, art, entertainment, media, fashion, tourism and transport.
Founded nearly 2,000 years ago by the Romans as Londinium, London is the fifth largest city in the world in terms of gross urban product and the first in Europe ahead of Paris Intramuros. Greater London generates about one quarter of the UK's GDP ($600 billion in 2014) while the London metropolitan area generates about one third ($669 billion in 2005). However, growth in consumption, which had been driving growth in GDP for three years, slowed to +1.4%, due to rising consumer prices (+2.7%) in 2017.
The capital became a major financial centre shortly after 1795, when the Dutch Republic fell to Napoleon's armies. London's economy then shifted to services much earlier than other European cities. Highly service-sector oriented, the city is very specialized in finance. It is the world's leading financial centre and one of the major international business centres with financial exports that contribute significantly to the UK's balance of payments. It is also the world's leading investment destination. About 85% of the Greater London population (3.2 million people)...
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