Birmingham has the second biggest population in the UK, at 1,006,500.

The city is one of the UK's most important transport hubs, being served by a number of major motorways. It has good local links with towns/cities such as Bromsgrove, Coventry, Droitwich, Dudley, Nuneaton, Rugby, Solihull, Stratford-upon-Avon, Tamworth, Telford, Walsall, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton and Worcester.

Birmingham has an extensive bus network its main railway station, Birmingham New Street, is a central point of the national rail network.

The city is a very important cultural centre, being home to three universities and a host of major arts and sporting venues.