modern and interesting sights of London

2.  London is a major
centre for international
business and commerce
and is one of three
"command centres" for
the world economy,
with New York City and
Tokyo. London has
over 480 overseas
banks, more than any
other city in the world.

3.  London generates approximately
20% of the UK's GDP (or $446 billion
in 2005); while the economy of the
London metropolitan area—the
second largest in Europe. London is
one of the pre-eminent financial
centres of the world. London's
largest industry is finance, and its
financial exports make it a large
contributor to the UK's balance of
payments. Around 325,000 people
were employed in financial services
in London until mid-2007. Due to its
prominent global role, London's
economy has been affected by the
global financial crisis of 2008–2009.
The City of London estimates that
70,000 jobs in finance will be cut
within a year.

4.  More than half of the UK's top 100
listed companies and over 100 of
Europe's 500 largest companies
are headquartered in central
London.
 The City of London is home to the
Bank of England, London Stock
Exchange, and Lloyds of London
insurance market
 The BBC is a significant employer,
while other broadcasters also have
headquarters around the city.
 Tourism is one of London's prime
industries
 London attracts 27 million
overnight-stay visitors every year

5. The administration of
London is formed of two
tiers—a city-wide, strategic
tier and a local tier. City-
wide administration is
coordinated by the Greater
London Authority, while
local administration is
carried out by 33 smaller
authorities. The Greater
London Authority (GLA)
consists of two elected parts;
the Mayor of London, who
has executive powers, and
the London Assembly

6.  English being the native language and the dominant
international language of business
 its former position as the capital of the British Empire
 its close relationship with the US and various
countries in Asia
 its location in a central time zone that allows it to act
as a bridge between US and Asian markets
 English law being the most important and most used
contract law in international business
 relatively low taxes, particularly for foreigners - non-
UK domiciled residents do not get taxed on their
foreign earnings
 a business friendly environment (e.g. in the City of
London the local government is not elected by the
resident population but instead by business - the City
of London is a business democracy)
 good transport infrastructure particularly its aviation
industry
 a deregulated economy with little intervention by the
government

9.  London is one of three
"command centres" for the
world economy, with New
York City and Tokyo.

10.  The London Underground, oldest and
largest metro system in the world,
known as the The Tube, because of
the shape of the tunnels

11.  London has five major business
districts: the City, Westminster,
Canary Wharf, Camden & Islington
and Lambeth & Southwark

12.  The London Eye or Millennium Wheel of the city is
the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe

13.  There are five international airports in London, with
the Heathrow airport being the busiest airport in the
world.