Written and Fact-checked by Whereig.com Web Team | Updated On: June 18, 2026, 01:45 PM ET
London is the capital city of the United Kingdom, located in England in the southeastern part of the country. Situated at approximately 51.5074° N latitude and 0.1278° W longitude, the city covers about 1,572 sq km (607 sq mi) and has an estimated population of around 9 million people.
Location Map of London, UK
About Map: The map showing location map of London in the United Kingdom.
London is the capital and largest city of England and the United Kingdom. It is the largest metropolitan area of United Kingdom and also largest urban region in the entire European Union. Furthermore, London is a global city that leads in terms including finance, arts, commerce, education, entertainment, fashion, healthcare, media, professional services, research and development, tourism.
As per the report, London is the city that receives the most international visitors of any city in the world. Heathrow Airport situated in London is the world's busiest airport in terms of number of international passengers. Besides, London with 43 universities considered as the largest concentration of higher education institutions in Europe.
Surprisingly, London has a wide range of people, religions, and cultures. More than 300 languages are spoken in London.
Moreover, the most popular tourist's destination in London are the Tower of London; Kew Gardens; the site comprising the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and St. Margaret's Church (these four are enlisted as World Heritage Sites in London). Besides, other places of interests are the historic settlement of Greenwich (in which the Royal Observatory marks the Greenwich Meridian, Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, 30 St Mary Axe ("The Gherkin"), St Paul's Cathedral, Piccadilly Circus, Tower Bridge and Trafalgar Square. Apart from this, London is home to numerous museums, libraries, galleries, sporting events.
London, England Quick Facts
Fact
Details
City
London
County/Region
Greater London
Country
United Kingdom
National Capital
London
Region
Southeast England
Latitude
51.5074° N
Longitude
0.1278° W
Elevation
36 ft (11 m)
Land Area
607 sq mi
Water Area
Includes the River Thames and reservoirs
Total Area
607 sq mi
Population (Latest Estimate)
Approximately 8.9 million
Population Density
Approximately 14,700 per sq mi
Postal Codes
EC, WC, N, NW, SE, SW, E, W
Area Code
+44 20
Time Zone Standard
Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0)
Time Zone Daylight
British Summer Time (UTC+1)
Currency
Pound Sterling (GBP)
Administrative Code
Greater London Authority
National Representation
UK Parliament Constituencies
Nearby Cities to London, United Kingdom
Croydon, England - 10 mi South
Watford, England - 17 mi Northwest
Slough, England - 22 mi West
Romford, England - 15 mi East
Dartford, England - 18 mi East
St Albans, England - 24 mi Northwest
Reading, England - 40 mi West
Luton, England - 35 mi Northwest
Guildford, England - 32 mi Southwest
Cambridge, England - 64 mi North
London, United Kingdom Climate and Weather Overview
Month
Avg High (°F)
Avg Low (°F)
Avg Rainfall (in)
January
47
37
2.2
April
58
42
1.7
July
74
57
1.8
October
61
48
2.8
Annual
60
46
24.0
Climate Attribute
Details
Climate Classification (Köppen)
Cfb - Oceanic Climate
Annual Rainfall
Approximately 24 inches
Annual Sunshine Days
Approximately 1,650 sunshine hours
Hurricane/Tornado Risk
Very Low
Snowfall
Light and Infrequent
Driving Distances from London, United Kingdom
City
Region
Distance (mi)
Approx. Drive Time
Croydon
Greater London
10
25 min
Romford
Greater London
15
30 min
Watford
Hertfordshire
17
30 min
Dartford
Kent
18
35 min
Slough
Berkshire
22
40 min
St Albans
Hertfordshire
24
40 min
Guildford
Surrey
32
55 min
Luton
Bedfordshire
35
55 min
Reading
Berkshire
40
1 hr
Cambridge
Cambridgeshire
64
1 hr 30 min
Transportation and Connectivity in London, United Kingdom
Airport Name
Heathrow Airport
IATA Code
LHR
Port
Port of London
Major Highways
M1, M4, M11, M25, A1
Train Service
National Rail, Eurostar, Elizabeth Line and Thameslink
Local Transit Service
London Underground, Buses, DLR, Overground and Trams
M1 Motorway - Connects London with the Midlands and northern England.
M4 Motorway - Main route linking London with western England and Wales.
M11 Motorway - Connects London with Cambridge and northeast England.
M25 Motorway - Orbital motorway surrounding Greater London.
London Underground - One of the world's oldest and largest metro systems.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in London, United Kingdom
Landmark Name
Type
Big Ben
Historic Landmark
Tower of London
Historic Fortress
Buckingham Palace
Royal Residence
British Museum
Museum
Tower Bridge
Bridge
London Eye
Observation Wheel
Westminster Abbey
Historic Church
Trafalgar Square
Public Square
St Paul's Cathedral
Cathedral
Hyde Park
Urban Park
Places to Visit in London, United Kingdom
Landmark Name
Type
Big Ben
Historic Landmark
Tower of London
Historic Fortress
Buckingham Palace
Royal Residence
British Museum
Museum
Tower Bridge
Bridge
London Eye
Observation Wheel
Westminster Abbey
Historic Church
Trafalgar Square
Public Square
St Paul's Cathedral
Cathedral
Hyde Park
Urban Park
Colleges and Universities in London, United Kingdom
Institution Name
Type
Level
Notable For
University College London
Public
University
Research excellence
Imperial College London
Public
University
Science and engineering
King's College London
Public
University
Medicine and law
London School of Economics
Public
University
Economics and social sciences
Queen Mary University of London
Public
University
Research and innovation
Waterbodies in London, United Kingdom
River Thames, River Lea, Serpentine Lake, Regent's Canal, Grand Union Canal, Thames Barrier Waters, Brent Reservoir, London Docklands, South Dock, King George V Reservoir
Golf Courses in London, United Kingdom
Wentworth Club, Sunningdale Golf Club, The Grove Golf Course, Richmond Park Golf Course, Wimbledon Park Golf Club, Royal Blackheath Golf Club, Hendon Golf Club, Chislehurst Golf Club, Beckenham Place Park Golf Course, Ealing Golf Club
London, United Kingdom - Key Historical Facts
London was founded by the Romans around AD 47 as the settlement of Londinium.
The city grew into one of Europe's most important commercial and political centers during the Middle Ages.
London became the capital of the British Empire and a major global financial hub.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 reshaped much of the historic city.
The city played a significant role during both World Wars and underwent extensive postwar redevelopment.
Today, London is one of the world's leading centers for finance, culture, education and tourism.
