Glasgow

Glasgow is the most populated city in Scotland and the fourth most populous city in the United Kingdom, as well as the 27th most populous city in Europe, according to the United Nations' Human Development Index. It is expected to have a population of 635,640 people in 2020. Historically a part of Lanarkshire, the city today forms part of the Glasgow City council area, one of Scotland's 32 council areas, and is administered by the Glasgow City Council. Glasgow is located on the banks of the River Clyde in the West Central Lowlands of Scotland. It is the sixth most visited city in the United Kingdom, behind London and Manchester.

A tiny rural town on the banks of the River Clyde, Glasgow has grown to become the biggest seaport in Scotland and the tenth largest by tonnage in the United Kingdom. Having grown as a result of the development of the mediaeval bishopric and royal burgh, and the subsequent founding of the University of Glasgow in the 15th century, Glasgow was a significant centre of Scotland's Enlightenment throughout the 18th century. As a result, the city developed into one of the most important transatlantic commercial centres in the world, connecting Britain with North America and the West Indies from the 18th century on. Immediately following the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, Glasgow's population, economy, and surrounding region grew at a rapid pace, eventually becoming one of the world's pre-eminent centres of chemicals, textiles, and engineering; most notably in the shipbuilding and marine engineering industries, which produced many innovative and well-known vessels. For most of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Glasgow was known as the "Second City of the British Empire," and it still is today.

Glasgow is the most prosperous city in Scotland, and it has the third highest GDP per capita of any city in the United Kingdom. Glasgow's main cultural institutions, including the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Ballet, and the Scottish Opera, have earned worldwide acclaim for their achievements. Known for its architecture, culture, media, music scene, sports clubs, and transportation links, the city was named European Capital of Culture in 1990 and is a popular tourist destination. Glaswegians are residents of Glasgow who are renowned for their unique dialect and accent. They are also known for being born and raised in Glasgow. Glasgow was the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games as well as the inaugural European Championships in 2018, and it is also one of the locations that will host the UEFA European Championships in 2020. Sporting events in the city include football, especially the Old Firm rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, which is well-known across the globe.