London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures with an official population of 7,556,900 within the boundaries of Greater London (2007).

London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its founding by the Romans. Today it is a leading global city and the world's largest financial centre alongside New York, has the largest city GDP in Europe and is home to the headquarters of more than 100 of Europe's 500 largest companies. London has a diverse range of peoples, cultures and religions, and more than 300 languages are spoken within its boundaries.

London also has the most international visitors of any city in the world. It contains four World Heritage Sites: the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; Westminster Abbey; and the historic settlement of Greenwich. Other famous landmarks include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, Piccadilly Circus, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square. London is home to numerous museums, galleries, libraries, sporting events and other cultural institutions. The London Underground network is the oldest underground railway network in the world.