Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK with a municipal population of just over a million people and a larger West Midlands population of just under 2.5 million people.

The city was a powerhouse in the Industrial Revolution. Like many other UK cities, it's industrial importance has declined, but it has been rejuvenated as a centre for newer industries and the service sector. Two of the UK's biggest banks, Lloyd's and The Midland Bank, were founded in Birmingham and today the city employs over 100,000 in banking, finance and insurance.

The service sector is the city's biggest employer and it is the UK's 2nd biggest retail retail centre, with two notable shopping destinations being the Bullring and the House of Fraser on Corporation Street.

There has been a lot of development in recent years although there is a height restriction on buildings which has slowed the growth of skyscrapers since the 1970's.