Greater London spans an area of 607 square miles (approximately 1,572 square kilometers), making it one of the largest cities globally by land area.
Understanding Greater London's Geographic Footprint
This impressive figure refers to the area of Greater London, the administrative region that encompasses the central urban core and its surrounding metropolitan and suburban districts. It is the most commonly understood definition when referring to the overall size of the capital.
The key statistics defining London's physical and demographic scope include:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Area | 607 square miles (1,572 km²) |
| Population | Over 8.5 million (as of the reference) |
| Administration | Greater London Authority (GLA) |
| Governance | Mayor of London, London Assembly |
Administration and Scope
The vast area of Greater London is managed by the Greater London Authority (GLA), which is headquartered in City Hall. The GLA is responsible for strategic planning, economic development, policing, fire and rescue services, and transportation across the entire region. It is governed by the Mayor of London, who leads the executive functions, and the London Assembly, which holds the Mayor accountable and scrutinizes decisions. This administrative structure ensures that services and infrastructure are coordinated across the many boroughs that make up the capital.
- The GLA's comprehensive approach helps to manage the diverse urban landscape, from the bustling financial districts to the extensive green spaces and residential areas.
- This unified administration allows for coherent planning and development crucial for a city of London's scale and complexity.
Distinguishing Greater London from the City of London
It's important to distinguish Greater London (607 sq miles) from the City of London, often simply called "the City." The City of London is a much smaller, historic financial district covering just 1.12 square miles (2.9 sq km) within Greater London. While the City has its own unique governance, the larger administrative area and population figures refer to Greater London.
For more information on London's official data and demographics, you can visit the Greater London Authority website.
