The city lies at the heart of one of Europe’s largest metropolitan areas, Greater Manchester, with a population of 2.6 million. The city of Manchester has a population of 512.000 according to a census done in 2011. Manchester is located in England’s North-West region. The first recorded history of Manchester dates back to Roman times and the fort of Mamucium. Manchester is considered an important segment of the British economy and is renowned for its architecture, culture, scientific contribution, music scene, media links, social impact, and sporting connections. According to figures from 2012, almost 1 million international visitors came to Manchester. 

Manchester started to develop at an accelerated rate at the start of the 19^th century with the beginning stages of the industrial revolution. The cotton industry was the main economical stimulant for the city and the Cotton Exchange in Manchester was responsible for trading spun yarn and finished goods throughout the world. Warehouses and factory buildings from that period can still be seen in parts of the city. Manchester’s city center lies on the Eastern bank of the River Irwell and is the preferred place by people who want to go out and party. The center of the city is also the commercial center, with many important companies and brand names present here. Because of its economic growth, Manchester extended and incorporated neighboring townships and villages into its administrative territory as inner-city areas. The southern part of Manchester is preferred by students because most of the Universities are gathered in that area. Manchester is a very multicultural town with only 85 % of the population claiming to be born in the UK. Manchester’s Irish Festival, including a St Patrick’s Day parade, is one of Europe’s largest. Near the city center, there is also a Chinatown where people can try the food in one of the many Chinese restaurants. 

The Manchester City Council administrates the city since 1986 when the Greater Manchester County Council was dissolved. There are also a number of consulates, which means that visa and passport issues can be dealt with in Manchester and so students do not need to go to London for this purpose. 

Tourists who come to visit Manchester discover a very culturally rich area. Manchester has a very diverse architecture. Because the bases of modern Manchester were laid during the industrial revolution many of the buildings have characteristic features for that period. Redbrick is one such feature and it is used extensively all over the city. The Town Hall building is an absolute must for visitors. It is built in 1877 in the Gothic revival style and it is one of England’s most important buildings. The Manchester Art Gallery is another very important attraction of Manchester. Tourists must also add to their list of places to visit to following: the Victoria Baths, Manchester Museum, the Central Library, the Opera House, and the University’s Whitworth Hall. Besides the historic buildings, Manchester has numerous buildings with modern styles of architecture like: the Beetham Tower, the Daily Express, the Lowry theatre and gallery complex, and the Manchester Civil Justice Centre. Manchester has two very important football clubs and each of them has its own stadium and museums so they definitely qualify as a stopping point for tourists.

The climate in Manchester is temperate maritime. There is regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year, Manchester has a lower average of rainfall than the UK’s average. The airport in Manchester is the 3^rd busiest in the UK and services flights to every continent. Manchester transport inside the city relies on a tram system, buses, and coaches.

Did you know? ..... 10 Interesting Facts about Manchester

1. Despite the fact that it is known as a rainy city Manchester receives less rainfall than Plymouth, Cardiff, and even New York.
2. One of Manchester’s nicknames is Cottonopolis.
3. Manchester was the world’s first industrialized city.
4. Manchester became the first city in the UK to acquire a modern light rail tram system.
5. Manchester is the place where the first atom was split.
6. Manchester is where Rolls met Royce in 1904.
7. Manchester United is England’s most titled team.
8. In 1948 the first modern computer was built in Manchester.
9. More than 20 Nobel Prize winners have a connection with Manchester.
10. Manchester has its own music scene, characterized by a mix of alternative rock, psychedelic rock and dance music, called Madchester.