London is the capital of England and the United Kingdom and most populous city as well. Standing on the River Thames in the south-east of the island of Great Britain, London has been a major settlement for two millennia. London is a major global centre of research and higher education teaching. It has the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe. The presence of hospitals, universities, accounting /legal and other professional services, together with key installations of the U.K. make it favorite destination for scientific meetings. London's universities form the largest concentration of higher education institutes in Europe, and a 2014 report placed it first in the world University rankings. London is the world's leading investment destination, hosting more international retailers and ultra-high-net-worth individuals than any other city. London has a diverse range of cultures and people. It’s estimated mid-2015 municipal population was 8,673,713, the largest of any city in the European Union, and accounting for 12.5 per cent of the UK population. According to 2011 census, London's urban area is the second most populous in the EU. London is home to many galleries, museums which are major tourist attractions.