This factsheet shows how London compares to the five most similar European cities in size and industrial structure. These are: Amsterdam (Netherlands), Madrid (Spain), Cologne (Germany), Hamburg (Germany), Paris (France)

Comparing cities in this way helps us to understand more about how well UK cities are competing on an international scale because it groups cities with similar industrial structures, rather than on their resulting economic performance. The factsheet also compares the relative strengths and weaknesses of London to its European counterparts on variables such as skills, employment and productivity.

City group characteristics

London and its group have a large business services sector, and a small manufacturing base. London is also the largest city in Europe.

Population

Industrial structure

Key

• Manufacturing, mining and utilities 2011
• Business services 2011
• Public services 2011
• Other private services 2011
• Other sectors 2011

Overall economic perfomance

London’s performance within the group is mixed and it tends to appear in the middle on many indicators. In some cases, such as for productivity and skills, this is because it is part of a high performing group. Against European cities, London is 21st for GVA per worker and 32nd for high skilled people.