London IFC Recruitment site.

Is London right for you?

London is the capital and largest urban area of England and the United Kingdom. An important settlement for two millennia, London's history goes back to its founding by the Romans. Since its settlement, London has been the centre of many important movements and phenomena throughout history such as the English Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution, and the Gothic Revival. In light of this, the city has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which has increased over the years due to the city's economic growth. London boasts three World Heritage Sites; these include Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, and the historic settlement of Greenwich. It is one of the world's leading business, financial, and cultural centres, and its influence in politics, education, entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global city.

Population
Greater London has a population of approximately 7,512,400.

Political Structure
The administration of London takes place in two tiers—a city-wide, strategic tier and a local tier. City-wide administration is coordinated by the Greater London Authority (GLA), while local administration is carried out by 33 smaller authorities. The GLA consists of two elected parts; the Mayor of London, who has executive powers, and the London Assembly, who scrutinise the Mayor's decisions and can accept or reject his budget proposals each year.

Infrastructure and Economy
London is a major centre for international business and commerce and is one of three "command centres" for the world economy (along with New York City and Tokyo). London is the world's second largest financial centre after New York and has the 6th largest city economy in the world after Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Paris. As the world's largest international banking centre with a 50% share of all European activity and Europe's second largest city economy, year-by-year London generates approximately 20% of the UK's GDP (or $446 billion in 2005); while the economy of the London metropolitan area (the largest in Europe) generates approximately 30% of UK's GDP (or an estimated $669 billion in 2005.)

London shifted to a mostly service-based economy earlier than other European cities, particularly following World War II. London's success is as a service industry and business centre.

Language
The official and spoken language is English.

Currency
Pound Sterling(£).

Exchange Control
None.

Law
Common Law.