London is the capital city of England and of the United Kingdom, and is the most populous city in the European Union.Office for National Statistics, "Largest EU City" www.statistics.gov.uk

An important settlement for nearly two millennia, London is an international leader in finance,The Competitive Position of London as a Global Financial Centre (November 2005) cityoflondon.gov.uk and its involvement in politics, education, entertainment, fashion, media and the arts contribute to its status as a major global city.

London has an estimated population of 7.5 million (as of 2005) and a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million. Its population is very cosmopolitan, drawing from a diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, speaking over 300 different languages. Residents of London are referred to as Londoners.