The Canary Wharf skyscrapers in the Isle of Dogs.

London shown within England Coordinates: 51°30'28?N 00°07'41?W? / ?51.50778, -0.12806 Sovereign state United Kingdom Constituent country England Region London Districts City and 32 boroughs Settled by Romans as Londinium c. AD 50 Government  - Regional authority Greater London Authority  - Regional assembly London Assembly  - Mayor Ken Livingstone  - HQ City Hall  - UK Parliament  - London Assembly  - European Parliament 74 constituencies 14 constituencies London constituency Area  - Greater London 609 sq mi (1,577.3 km²) Elevation [1] 79 ft (24 m) Population (2006 est.)[2], [3][4], [5]  - Greater London 7,512,400  - Density 12,331/sq mi (4,761/km²)  - Urban 8,278,251  - Metro 12-14 million  - Demonym Londoner  - Ethnicity (2005 Estimates[6]) 58.2% White British 12.9% South Asian 11.4% Other White 10.8% Black 3.4% Mixed Race 1.9% Other Ethnic Group 1.4% Chinese Time zone GMT (UTC0)  - Summer (DST) BST (UTC+1) Post code Various Website: www.london.gov.uk London (pronunciation (help·info); IPA /'l?nd?n/) is the capital and largest urban area of England and the United Kingdom. At its core, the ancient City of London, to which the name historically belongs, still retains its limited mediaeval boundaries; but since at least the 19th century the name "London" has also referred to the whole metropolis which has developed around it.[7] Today the bulk of this conurbation forms the London region of England[8] and the Greater London administrative area,[9] with its own elected mayor and assembly.[10] An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been the centre of many important movements and phenomena throughout history such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. In light of this, the city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which has increased over the years due to the city's economic growth.[11] London boasts three World Heritage Sites; these are Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, and the historic settlement of Greenwich. It is one of the world's leading business, financial, and cultural centres,[12] and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city.[13] London has an official population of 7,512,400 (as of mid-2006) within the boundaries of Greater London[2] and is the most populous municipality in the European Union. The urban area of London extends beyond the limits of Greater London and has a population of 8,278,251 (as of 2001).[3] The metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of between 12 and 14 million.[4][5] London's diverse population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, and over 300 different languages are spoken within the city.[14] It is an international transport hub, with five major international airports serving the area and a large port. It serves as the largest aviation hub in the world,[15] and the multi-terminal Heathrow Airport carries more international passengers than any other airport in the world.[16]