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NARRATOR: London has been
the centerpiece of empire,
and for 100 years until 1925,
the world's largest city.
Spread out over
600 square miles,
the city is home to 8.7 million
people speaking 300 languages.
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After 2,000 years,
it remains one
of the wealthiest
and most culturally
diverse capitals on the planet.
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London is the world's leading
financial center, surpassing
both New York and Hong Kong.
It generates $600 billion
every year, roughly 30%
of the entire British economy.
And most of that business takes
place in this famous quarter.
Known as the City
or the Square Mile,
it contains London's
historic center
and primary business district.
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The Square Mile
trades more US dollars
every year than New York.
The foreign exchange
market alone
has a daily global turnover
of nearly $3 trillion.
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Some of its most
distinctive features
are the skyscrapers that rise
from its historic streets,
most of which have been
nicknamed by Londoners.
The Leadenhall Building, a.k.a.
"The Cheese Grater."
20 Fenchurch Street, otherwise
known as "The Walkie-Talkie."
And 30 St. Mary
Axe, The "Gherkin."
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Designed by the renowned British
architect Lord Norman Foster,
The Gherkin was constructed
using 22 miles of steel
and 260,000 square
feet of external glass.
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Even at a mere 591 feet, the
tower attracted controversy
during its construction, with
local businesses concerned
at the shadow it would cast.
Completed in 2003,
it was London's
second tallest building.
Today, it's the 10th tallest.
But in the hearts
of many Londoners,
it will always be number one.
