With more than 90% of its population living in towns and cities the
United Kingdom is a highly urbanized country. The process of large-scale urbanization of the UK began in the 18th century, as the result of country's early industrial development. Today the kingdom is a highly centralized country with its capital -
London - reigning supreme over the British economy, culture and foreign politics (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are administrated locally). It is safe to say that the dominance of
Greater London, which has a population of 8.5 million, is felt in every corner of the island. However, Northern Ireland gravitates nowadays heavily towards Dublin, drawn by the ever stronger economy of the
Republic of Ireland. Apart from London other notable cities in the
United Kingdom are: Brigmingham (2.3 million inhabitants in its conurbation), Manchester (2.2 million) and Greater Glasgow with 1.2 million inhabitants. The most heavily urbanized parts of the
United Kingdom are southeastern, northern and central
England and southwestern
Scotland. Apart from Cardiff, most other urban settlements in Wales are small towns. With a notable exception of London, larger British cities do not attract large numbers of visitors. Their local economy is fueled by strong industrial sector rather than service industries. Very much unlike the provinces, the capital relies heavily on the service sector, especially finances and tourism. Apart from
London, the places that attract significant numbers of visitors are: Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Cambridge, Bristol, Bath, Brighton, York and Edinburgh.
