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London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom, with a population of 9.14 million people in 2025. Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Western Europe, with a population of 15.4 million. London stands on the River Thames in southeast England, at the head of a 50-mile (80 km) tidal estuary down to the North Sea, and has been a major settlement for nearly 2,000 years. Its ancient core and financial centre, the City of London, was founded by the Romans as Londinium and has retained its medieval boundaries. The City of Westminster, to the west of the City of London, has been the site of the national government and parliament for centuries. London grew rapidly in the 19th century, becoming the world's largest city at the time. Since the 19th century the name "London" has referred to the metropolis around the City of London, historically split among the counties of Middlesex, Essex, Surrey, Kent and Hertfordshire. Since 1965 it has largely comprised the administrative area of Greater London, governed by 33 local authorities and the Greater London Authority.

As one of the world's most visited cities, London has something to offer everyone. From iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums and galleries like the British Museum and the National Gallery, there is no shortage of things to see and do here.

But London is not just about its heritage and history. The city is also a hub of creativity and innovation, with a vibrant arts scene and a thriving fashion industry. You can explore the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Camden, or spend an afternoon browsing the designer boutiques of Bond Street and Oxford Street.