Greater London

Greater London is the top level administrative subdivision covering London, England. It is one of the nine regions of England. The administrative area of Greater London covers the large conurbation which comprises the City of London, the City of Westminster and 31 other London boroughs, and encompasses what is commonly known simply as London, capital of England and the United Kingdom. It covers 1579 km² (609 sq. mi) and had a population of 7,172,036 at the April 2001 census. The results of the census were proved to be underestimated, and after careful research the UK Office for National Statistics published a 2001 midyear estimate of 7,322,400 which is more credible than the census itself.

Related Topics:
London - England - Regions of England - Conurbation - City of London - City of Westminster - London boroughs - United Kingdom - 2001 - Office for National Statistics

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Since 2000 the Greater London region has been administered by the Greater London Authority (the "GLA"), and has a directly-elected Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, who is scrutinised by an elected London Assembly. The headquarters of the GLA is at City Hall in Southwark.

Related Topics:
2000 - Greater London Authority - Mayor of London - Ken Livingstone - London Assembly - City Hall - Southwark

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The status of Greater London is somewhat unusual. It is officially classified as a Ceremonial county (excluding the City of London, which is a Ceremonial county itself) and as one of the nine official Regions of England - in this context properly called London. It is the only English region with wide ranging devolved powers, an elected regional assembly or a directly elected leader position. It contains 32 London boroughs (including the City of Westminster), which are effectively unitary authorities and the City of London, which has a unique government dating back to the 12th Century.

Related Topics:
Ceremonial county - Regions of England - Unitary authorities - 12th Century

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The term "London" is usually used in reference to Greater London or to the urban conurbation, not to the tiny City of London at its centre (which is usually styled as "the City" or "the Square Mile"). In strict legal terms however Greater London is not a city and does not have official city status (though one London borough, Westminster, is officially a city, as well as the City of London itself). However in practical terms Greater London is effectively a single city, and is commonly thought of as such.

Related Topics:
City of London - City - City status

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The highest point of the region is Botley Hill in the North Downs, at 267 metres.

Related Topics:
Botley Hill - North Downs

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