London.

     London is the capital of Great Britain, its political, economic and commercial center. It is one of the largest cities in the world and the largest city in Europe. Its population is about 8 million.
     London is situated on the river Thames. The city has more than 20 centuries of history. Traditionally London is divided into several parts: the City, Westminster, the West End and the East End. They are very different from each other.
     The city is the oldest part of London, its financial and business center. Numerous banks, offices and firms are concentrated here, including the Bank of England, the Stock Exchange, and the Old Bailey. Few people live in the City but over a million come to work here. Two wonderful buildings are situated within the City: St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London.
     Westminster is the center of administration. It includes Buckingham Palace where the Queen lives and the Houses of Parliament. The Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is famous for its big hour bell, known as “Big Ben”. Westminster Abbey is the place where coronation of nearly all kings and queens has taken place. Many of them are buried here as well as some other famous people of the country (Newton, Ch.Dickens, R.Keepling, etc.)
     The West End is the richest and most beautiful part of London. It is the symbol of wealth and luxury. The best hotels, restaurants, shops, clubs, bars and houses are situated there.
     Trafalgar Square is the geographical center of London. Nelson Column, which stands in the middle of the square, was built in honor of admiral Nelson. Opposite the Nelson monument is the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery. They contain the finest art collections in the world. Not far from the National Gallery is the British Museum famous for its rich library (about 7 million books).
     Westminster and the West End are the main tourist attractions in London.
     The East End is an industrial district of London. There are many factories and the Port of London there. The region is densely populated by working class families. The residents of the East End are called cockneys which means true Londoners, hereditary inhabitants of the area.
     The suburbs of London cover a vast area. A lot of people live there and travel to the center every day to work.
     London is a cosmopolitan city. People of several races and many nationalities live there.

Numerous - многочисленный;
Stock Exchange - Фондовая биржа;
Old Bailey - Центральный уголовный суд;
Few - немногие;
Houses of Parliament - палаты Парламента;
Hour bell - башенные часы;
Are buried - похоронены;
Symbol of wealth and luxury - символ богатства и роскоши;
In honor - в честь;
Densely - густо, плотно;
Residents - коренные жители;
Hereditary inhabitants - потомственные обитатели;
Suburbs - пригороды.