Standing on the River Thames in the south-east of England, at the head of its 50-mile (80 km) estuary leading to the North Sea, London has been a major settlement for two millennia. London was founded by the Romans as Londinium in 47 AD. The City of London, the ancient core of the city, largely retains its square-mile medieval boundaries. Since at least the 12th century, London has been one of Europe's major centres of finance and commerce, specifically international trade. In the late 19th century, London became the world's first industrialised "global city", and its influence on commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research and innovation made it a leading global city. This position has been reinforced by the creation of the London Stock Exchange, the world's largest stock exchange by market capitalisation, and the growth of the city's financial services sector. In 2012, London was the most visited city in the world, with over 17 million international visitors.
London is a leading global city, with strengths in business, finance, media, art, fashion, research and innovation. It is a major centre for tourism and higher education. London is home to many world-famous landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey. The city is also home to a number of world-renowned museums, such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern.
London is a diverse and multicultural city. It is home to people from all over the world, and there are many different cultures and religions represented in the city. London is a vibrant and exciting city, with something to offer everyone.
