Liverpool is a city in Merseyside, England, on the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary.
A borough from 1207 and a city from 1880, in 2011 it had a population of 466,415.
The city was historically part of Lancashire. Its urbanisation and expansion were largely brought about by its status as a major port, which included its participation in the Atlantic slave trade.
Liverpool was the port of registry of the ocean liner, the RMS Titanic, and many other Cunard and White Star ocean liners such as the RMS Lusitania, Queen Mary and Olympic.
Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, was drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.
Natives of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians (from a long-standing jocular alteration of 'Liverpool' to 'Liverpuddle') and colloquially as "Scousers", a reference to "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect.
Tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern economy. The city celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2007 and it held the European Capital of Culture title in 2008.
Labelled the "World Capital City of Pop" by Guinness World Records, the popularity of The Beatles and other groups from the Merseybeat era and later, contributes to Liverpool's status as a tourist destination.
Several areas of Liverpool city centre were granted World Heritage Site status by UNESCO in 2004. The Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City includes the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street.
Liverpool is also the home of two Premier League football clubs, Liverpool and Everton. Matches between the two are known as the Merseyside derby.
The world-famous Grand National also takes places annually at Aintree Racecourse on the outskirts of the city.