About the Place

Manchester has the country's fifth-largest population at 547,627 (as of 2018) and is fringed by the Cheshire Plain to the south, the Pennines to the north and east, and an arc of towns with which it forms a continuous conurbation. The local authority for the city is Manchester City Council. Manchester is one of the claimants to the title of "second city of the United Kingdom".

Originally shaped by its success during the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, Manchester’s strong, pioneering character endures today – only now its achievements also include shaking up the music scene, nurturing artistic creativity and hosting international sporting events.  Never content to live on past glories, Manchester is a city that looks to the future with a passion for progress, and warmly invites you to share in its vision and vitality. This warmth is one of Manchester's trademarks: voted the top UK city to live in for 2018 (based on The Economist's Global Liveability Index) and one of the ten friendliest cities in the world by Rough Guides readers, there's not a moment to lose to go out and explore this busy, buzzing and modern metropolis. 

Manchester is still a place defined by its diversity, vibrancy and creativity. Many parts of the city have gone through physical changes, with new housing allowing more people to live here. As more businesses have invested here, further jobs opportunities have been created for people across all our neighbourhoods. Our residents are better connected with improved transport and can enjoy a varied culture and leisure scene. As we move towards a zero-carbon future, we’re recycling more, and our parks have been protected and developed for all.  The city of Manchester is a hive of activity ...

Manchester Firsts

For information on things to see and do in this progressive, visionary city, Visit Manchester