Country | India |
Population | 12442373 |
Area | 603.4 km2 (233.0 sq mi) |
Time Zone | UTC+5:30 (IST) |
Coordinates | 19.07283, 72.88261 |
Highest elevation | 14 m (46 ft) |
City Gallery
City Description
Mumbai, India, is a bustling metropolis known for its diverse culture, rapid economic growth, and historical significance. As the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra, Mumbai is the financial heart of India and the most populous city in the country, with an estimated population of 12.5 million. It forms the core of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, which, with over 23 million residents, is the sixth-most populous metropolitan area in the world.
Situated on the west coast of India along the Konkan coast, Mumbai boasts a deep natural harbor. The city comprises seven islands, originally home to the Koli people who spoke Marathi. These islands were under various indigenous rulers before being ceded to the Portuguese Empire and later to the East India Company in 1661 as part of the dowry of Catherine of Braganza when she married Charles II of England.
The transformation of Mumbai began with the Hornby Vellard project in 1782, which involved the reclamation of land between the seven islands from the Arabian Sea. Completed in 1845, this project, along with the construction of major roads and railways, helped Mumbai emerge as a major seaport on the Arabian Sea.
Throughout the 19th century, Mumbai experienced significant economic and educational development. It became a stronghold for the Indian independence movement in the early 20th century. After India gained independence in 1947, Mumbai was incorporated into Bombay State. Following the Samyukta Maharashtra Movement, the state of Maharashtra was created in 1960, with Mumbai as its capital.
Today, Mumbai is often compared to New York due to its vibrant atmosphere and status as a global city. In 2008, it was named an alpha world city. It is home to the Bombay Stock Exchange, located on Dalal Street, and is one of the world’s top ten centers of commerce in terms of global financial flow. The city generates 6.16% of India’s GDP and accounts for 25% of the nation’s industrial output, 70% of maritime trade in India, and 70% of capital transactions in the Indian economy.
Mumbai’s economy is diverse, encompassing finance, commerce, entertainment, and industry. The city houses important financial institutions, corporate headquarters of Indian companies and multinational corporations, and premier scientific and nuclear institutes. Mumbai is also the hub of the Hindi and Marathi film industries, often referred to as Bollywood.
The city’s rapid growth and economic opportunities continue to attract migrants from across India, contributing to its rich cultural tapestry. Mumbai’s vibrant street life, historic landmarks like the Gateway of India and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, and its role as a cultural and economic powerhouse make it a fascinating city with a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
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