Country | United Kingdom |
Population | 141 |
Area | 68 sq mi (175 km2) |
Time Zone | UTC±0 (Greenwich Mean Time) |
Coordinates | 55.86515, -4.25763 |
Highest elevation | None |
City Gallery
City Description
Glasgow, the most populous city in Scotland and the third most populous in the United Kingdom, has an estimated population of 632,350 as of 2022. The larger urban settlement of Glasgow anchors around 1,028,220 people. Historically part of Lanarkshire, Glasgow became a county in 1893 and now forms the Glasgow City Council area, one of the 32 council areas of Scotland.
As a member of the Core Cities Group, Glasgow has the largest economy in Scotland and the third-highest GDP per capita in the UK. The city is renowned for its rich cultural institutions, including The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ballet, and Scottish Opera. In 1990, Glasgow was designated the European Capital of Culture, and it continues to be celebrated for its architecture, vibrant cultural scene, media, music, sports clubs, and transport connections. The city is the fifth most visited in the UK and hosted the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) at the SEC Centre.
Glasgow is well-known in the sports world, especially for its football culture, including the famous Old Firm rivalry. The city hosted the 2014 Commonwealth Games, the inaugural European Championships in 2018, and UEFA Euro 2020, and is set to host UEFA Euro 2028.
The city’s history traces back to a small rural settlement near Glasgow Cathedral and the River Clyde. It grew into Scotland’s largest seaport and the tenth largest by tonnage in Britain. Initially a medieval bishopric and episcopal burgh, Glasgow became a royal burgh, with the University of Glasgow’s establishment in the 15th century marking it as a major center of the Scottish Enlightenment.
From the 18th century, Glasgow became pivotal in Britain’s oceanic trade with North America, the West Indies, the Orient, India, and China. The Industrial Revolution spurred rapid population and economic growth, establishing Glasgow as a global center for chemicals, textiles, and engineering, particularly shipbuilding and marine engineering. This era earned it the moniker “Second City of the British Empire” during the Victorian and Edwardian periods.
Glasgow’s population peaked at 1,127,825 in 1938 but declined due to urban renewal projects in the 1960s and boundary changes. Today, over 1,000,000 people reside in the Greater Glasgow contiguous urban area, while the wider Glasgow City Region is home to over 1,800,000 people, representing about 33% of Scotland’s population. Glasgow has one of the highest population densities in Scotland at 4,023 people per square kilometer.
The city’s geography features the River Clyde running through its center, with Glasgow being situated primarily on the right bank of the river. The city’s diverse topography includes various hills, such as Garnethill, and is known for its green spaces, including Glasgow Green and Kelvingrove Park.
Glasgow’s culture is a vibrant mix of historical and contemporary influences. The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The Glasgow International Comedy Festival, Glasgow Film Festival, and Celtic Connections music festival are just a few events that highlight the city’s dynamic cultural scene.
Economically, Glasgow is a powerhouse with a robust financial sector, extensive retail opportunities, and a thriving service industry. It hosts major corporations and is a significant center for higher education and research, with the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University contributing to its reputation as an educational hub.
Glasgow’s human resources are diverse, with a highly skilled workforce and a strong emphasis on education and innovation. The city continues to grow and develop, maintaining its status as a key economic and cultural center in Scotland and beyond.
Leave a Reply