Airport
London City Airport, airport code: LCY. The airport is located 10km (6 miles) east of the City of London. Travelling to and from London City Airport is quick and easy
London Gatwick Airport, airport code: LGW. The airport is located 45km (28 miles) south of London. It has 2 terminals
London Heathrow Airport, airport code: LHR. The airport is located 24km (15 miles) west of London. A new Terminal 5 has opened in March 2008.
London Luton Airport, airport code: LTN. The airport is located 51km (32 miles) northeast of London. A low-cost airlines favourite
London Stansted Airport, airport code: STN. The airport is located 48km (30 miles) northeast of London.

Visas
EU citizens may live and work free of any immigration controls. Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand are generally allowed to stay six months without a visa

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Currency
Pound (£) = 100 pence. Notes are in denominations of £50, 20, 10 and 5. Additional bank notes issued by Scottish banks are legal tender in all parts of the UK. Coins are in denominations of £2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 pence.

Credit Cards
MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are all widely accepted.

Tipping
Tipping in the United Kingdom is discretionary. Taxi drivers and service personnel such as doormen and porters will happily accept a ten percent gratuity. Service charges are included in some restaurants. This is clearly stated on menus. In most restaurants a gratuity of between 10 and 15 percent would be appreciated.

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Useful Numbers
International country code: 44
London Area Code: 20
Emergency: 999
Operator service: 100

Electricity
240V, 50Hz

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Health Risks
Living and traveling in the United Kingdom poses no serious health risks; the only problematic illnesses are common flu, sinus problems, and rheumatism caused by the cold, damp weather. Food laws are extremely strict so food is safe, as is the tap water, although it will take some time to adjust to its chemical content.

Time Zone
GMT (GMT + 1 between Apr-Oct)

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Business Hours
Banks 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Mon-Fri (some open Sat morning)
Offices 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri
Shops 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon-Sat (some open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sun)

Holidays
2008
01 Jan New Year's Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
24 Mar Easter Monday (except Scotland).
05 May Early May Bank Holiday.
26 May Spring Bank Holiday.
25 Aug Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

2009
01 Jan New Year's Day.
10 Apr Good Friday.
13 Apr Easter Monday (except Scotland).
04 May Early May Bank Holiday.
25 May Spring Bank Holiday.
31 Aug Summer Bank Holiday (except Scotland).
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

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Climate
London has a temperate climate, with regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year. Summer temperatures rarely rise much above 33 °C (91.5 °F), though higher temperatures have become more common recently. The highest temperature ever recorded in London was 38.1 °C (100.6 °F), measured at Kew Gardens during the European Heat Wave of 2003. Heavy snowfalls are almost unknown. In recent winters, snow has generally only settled once or twice and it is rarely more than an inch (2.6 cm) or so. London, as a temperate city, will generally receive less precipitation on an annual basis than a sub-tropical city such as Sydney or Rome. This is despite the fact that sub-tropical regions usually receive fewer rainy or overcast days. London's large built-up area creates a microclimate (an "urban heat island"), with heat stored by the city's buildings. Sometimes temperatures are 5 °C (9 °F) warmer in the city than in the surrounding areas.

Clothing
For business meetings, both men and women wear suits. Socially, the British tend to have an informal yet presentable dress code. It is, however, advisable for men to bring a jacket and tie for dining out at exclusive restaurants where more formal dress may be required.
Waterproofing throughout the year. Warm clothing is advisable at all times, and is essential for any visits to upland areas.

GDP Growth Rate
Real growth rate: 2.2%

Inflation
1.8%

Imports
manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

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Exports
manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco

Trading Partners
Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland & USA

Industries
Agriculture and forestry, manufacturing, tourism

Teledensity
58.8 Main telephone lines per 100 inhabitants

Government
Parliamentary Democracy

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Geography
London is the largest urban area and capital city of the United Kingdom. Greater London covers an area of 609 square miles (1,579 square km). London is a port on the Thames, a navigable river. The river has had a major influence on the development of the city. London began on the Thames' north bank and for many centuries London Bridge was the only bridge in or close to the city. Because of this the main focus of the city was on the north side of the Thames. When more bridges were built in the 18th century, the city expanded in all directions as the mostly flat or gently rolling countryside presented no obstacle to growth.

Population
UK: 60,776,238
England: 50.4 million
London: 7.5 million

Ethnic Groups
white (of which English 83.6%, Scottish 8.6%, Welsh 4.9%, Northern Irish 2.9%) 92.1%, black 2%, Indian 1.8%, Pakistani 1.3%, mixed 1.2%, other 1.6% (2001 census)

Languages
English

Literacy
99%

Religion
Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or none 23.1% (2001 census)