A brief introduction to London London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom.The city covers 1,580 sq km and has a population of 6,378,600(1991).Settled by the Romans as an important shipping point for crops and minerals,it gradually developed into the wealthy capital of a thriving industrial and agricultural nation.The expansion in the 19th century of the British Empire increased London's influence still further.Since World War ll the city's prominence on the international stage has diminished,but it remains a flourishing financial center and home to one of the world's most important stock exchanges.• London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom. The city covers 1,580 sq km and has a population of 6,378,600 (1991). Settled by the Romans as an important shipping point for crops and minerals, it gradually developed into the wealthy capital of a thriving industrial and agricultural nation. The expansion in the 19th century of the British Empire increased London’s influence still further. Since World War II the city’s prominence on the international stage has diminished, but it remains a flourishing financial center and home to one of the world’s most important stock exchanges