If you’re planning a trip to the United Kingdom, you may be wondering which city is bigger, Manchester or London. While both cities are popular tourist destinations, they have vastly different populations and sizes. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers to determine which city truly reigns supreme.
Population
When it comes to population, there’s no contest – London is by far the larger of the two cities. According to the Office for National Statistics, as of mid-2020, London had an estimated population of 9.3 million people. In contrast, Manchester’s population was estimated to be just over 547,000 people.
Land Area
While London is more populous than Manchester, does that mean it’s bigger in terms of land area as well? Not necessarily.
According to data from the UK government’s Land Registry, Greater Manchester has a total land area of 1,276 square kilometers (492 square miles). In comparison, Greater London has a much larger land area of 1,569 square kilometers (606 square miles).
Density
While London may have a larger land area than Manchester, it’s important to consider population density as well. With over 9 million people living in Greater London compared to just over half a million in Greater Manchester, it’s no surprise that London has a much higher population density.
According to data from the UK government’s Office for National Statistics, the population density of Greater London was estimated at around 5,900 people per square kilometer (15,300 per square mile) in mid-2020. In contrast, Greater Manchester had a much lower population density of around 430 people per square kilometer (1,100 per square mile) during the same time period.
Conclusion
So what’s the verdict – is Manchester bigger than London? While Manchester may have a larger land area per capita, London is by far the larger of the two cities in terms of population and land area.
However, it’s important to note that population density varies greatly between the two cities. Whether you’re planning a trip to Manchester or London, both cities offer unique experiences and attractions that are worth exploring.