Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2.8 million. It encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the cities of Manchester and Salford.

History

Greater Manchester was created on 1 April 1974 as a result of the Local Government Act 1972, and designated a functional city region on 1 April 2011. Greater Manchester spans 493 square miles (1,277 km²), which roughly covers the territory of the Greater Manchester Built-up Area, the second most populous urban area in the UK.

Geography

Greater Manchester is landlocked and borders Cheshire (to the south-west and south), Derbyshire (to the south-east), West Yorkshire (to the north-east), Lancashire (to the north) and Merseyside (to the west). There is a mix of high-density urban areas, suburbs, semi-rural and rural locations in Greater Manchester, but land use is mostly urban.

Economy

Greater Manchester is a diverse and thriving economic hub. It is one of the largest economies in the UK, with a gross value added (GVA) of £62.8bn, accounting for 4.7% of the UK's GVA. The economy is diverse with key sectors including retail, manufacturing, construction, financial and professional services, health and social work, and information and communication.

Culture

Greater Manchester has a vibrant cultural scene, with a mix of large-scale and smaller, more intimate venues. The city-region is known for its music scene, having produced successful acts such as The Smiths, Oasis, and The Stone Roses. It is also home to a number of nationally significant museums and galleries, including The Lowry, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Museum of Science and Industry.

Transport

Greater Manchester has a comprehensive transport network, including a rapidly expanding tram network, Metrolink, and extensive bus and rail services. It is also served by Manchester Airport, the third busiest airport in the UK.

Education

Greater Manchester is home to several universities, including the University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, and the University of Salford, making it a major centre for higher education.

See also

• List of people from Greater Manchester
• List of schools in Greater Manchester
• List of companies based in Greater Manchester