Greater London

Greater London administrative area in England

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London-counties

London-boroughs

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Coat of Arms of London County Council

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Arms of the Council of Greater London

Greater London is a ceremonial county and administrative division of England that encompasses the London metropolitan area. It is organized into 33 local government districts: the 32 London boroughs and the City of London. Greater London covers an area of approximately 1,572 square kilometers (607 square miles), making it the largest city area in the United Kingdom by size. The region has a diverse population that exceeds 8 million people, making it one of the most populous areas in the United Kingdom.

History

The concept of "Greater London" emerged in the early 20th century, with the London County Council formed in 1889 covering the London metropolitan area within the County of London. However, as London expanded, the need for a larger administrative area became apparent. The Greater London administrative area was officially created on 1 April 1965 by the London Government Act 1963, which merged the County of London with parts of Essex, Kent, Surrey, and Middlesex.

Geography

Greater London is bounded by the Home Counties of Essex to the northeast, Hertfordshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the northwest, Berkshire to the west, Surrey to the southwest, and Kent to the southeast. The boundary has been modified slightly over time, but its major geographical features include the River Thames, which runs through the heart of the region, providing a central reference point for the city's geography.

Government

The governance of Greater London is shared between the Mayor of London and the London Assembly, which are responsible for city-wide administrative functions, and the local authorities of the 32 boroughs and the City of London. The Mayor of London has responsibilities over transport, policing, economic development, and the environment, while the boroughs are responsible for local services such as education, housing, and waste management.

Economy

Greater London has one of the largest and most dynamic economies in the world. It is a leading global city in the arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, finance, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism, and transport. The City of London, known as the "Square Mile," is the financial district and the historic core of London, housing the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange, and the headquarters of numerous banks and financial institutions.

Culture

The region is home to many cultural institutions, museums, theaters, and galleries, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and the West End theatre district. Greater London is also known for its diverse range of cultural festivals, cuisines, and architectural landmarks, such as the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Buckingham Palace.

Transport

Greater London is served by an extensive public transport network, including the London Underground (commonly known as the Tube), buses, trams, and river services. The region is also a major international transport hub, with several airports including Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic.

Demographics

The population of Greater London is highly diverse, with a significant proportion of residents born outside the United Kingdom. The region has a wide range of ethnic communities and is known for its multicultural identity.

See Also

• London
• City of London
• London boroughs
• Mayor of London
• London Assembly