Passage 1

With a population of approximately 7 million and an area of 1,580 sq km, London is by far the largest city in Europe, a distinction it has maintained since the 17th century. In the 19th century it was the biggest and most influential city in the world, the centre of a large and prosperous overseas empire. Though no longer among the world’s most populous cities, this vast metropolis remains one of the world’s financial and cultural capitals, physically spread out and dispersed, without a predominant focal point.
    One of the world’s great centres for classical and popular culture, London has enjoyed a reputation for superb theatre since the time of Shakespeare in the 16th century. The sheer number of symphony orchestras is impressive and some of the most renowned concert halls provide favorable venues for the profusion of performance in town. A living museum itself, London boasts one of the greatest concentrations of significant museums of any city in the world.