England (pronounced IPA: /ˈɪŋglənd/) is the largest and most populous constituent country^[1][2] of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and is located to the north-west of mainland Europe. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total population of the United Kingdom,^[3] whilst the mainland territory of England occupies most of the southern two-thirds of the island of Great Britain and shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west. Elsewhere, it is bordered by the North Sea, Irish Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and English Channel.

England became a unified state during the 10th century and takes its name from the Angles, one of a number of Germanic tribes who settled in the territory during the 5th and 6th centuries. The capital city of England is London, which is the largest city in Great Britain, and the largest city in the European Union by most, but not all, measures.^[4]

England ranks amongst the world's most influential and far-reaching centres of cultural development.^[5][6] It is the place of origin of both the English language and the Church of England, and English law forms the basis of the legal systems of many countries: in addition, the nation was the historic centre of the British Empire, and was also the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution.^[7] England was the first country in the world to become industrialised. England is home to the Royal Society, which laid the foundations of modern experimental science. England was the world's first parliamentary democracy^[8] and consequently many constitutional, governmental and legal innovations that had their origin in England have been widely adopted by other nations.

The Kingdom of England was a separate state until 1 May 1707, when the Acts of Union resulted in a political union with the Kingdom of Scotland to create the Kingdom of Great Britain.^[9]

London (pronounced /ˈlʌndən/) is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom. The ancient City of London to which the name originally belonged still retains its tiny mediaeval boundaries; but the name "London" has long applied more generally to the whole metropolis which has grown up around it.

An important settlement for around two millennia, London is today one of the world's leading business, financial and cultural centres,^[6] and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as one of the major global cities.^{[7][8][9][10]}

London is the most populous city within city limits in the European Union with an official population of 7.5 million (as of mid-2006)^[1] and has a metropolitan area population of between 12 and 14 million people.^[3][4] Its diverse population draws from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions, speaking over 300 different languages.^[11]

It is an international transport hub, with five international airports and a large port. It serves as the largest aviation hub in the world,^[12] and its main airport, the multi terminal Heathrow, carries more international passengers than any other airport in the world.^[13] It also has Europe's largest underground railway system when measured by route length.

London is a major tourist destination, with four world heritage sites and numerous iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace and the London Eye among its many attractions, along with famous institutions such as the British Museum and the National Gallery. Its main geographical feature is the River Thames which runs through the city from the south-west to the east.

Source: www.wikipedia.org