Leicester is located in the heart of England. The city is only 65 minutes from London by train, 30 minutes from East Midlands airport and 40 minutes from Birmingham airport by car. As Britain's first Environment City, Leicester is engaged in a programme of sustainable development to make it a green and pleasant place. Leicester has a population of over 300,000, large enough to make you feel part of a cosmopolitan and thriving community but retaining many of the characteristics of a historic market town. The 700 year old market is one of the largest covered markets in Europe. Students make up over 10% of the population during term time. Leicester has a vibrant and youthful feel and is on the national circuit for big name bands, DJs and classical music performances. There is a lively mix of new world cinema, music, dance, drama and sports activities.

Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the thirteenth largest in the U.K. Its importance was first recognised by the Romans and later by the Danes, who used it as a strategic stronghold to control the Midlands. Since then it has developed into a major commercial and manufacturing centre, known better for the diversity of its trade than for its dependence on a single industry. For centuries people of different races and cultures have gathered in Leicester, creating a rich and unique heritage. This diversity continues today. The city's thriving ethnic minority community accounts for more than a third of Leicester's population and continues to enrich city life. Leicester is both a multi-cultural and a multi-faith city. The City's greatest strength is the people who live and work here, and the rich variety of communities. It is a vibrant, diverse, multi-cultural city of great potential and ambition.

Leicester Facts

• Constituent Country : England
• Region : East Midlands
• County : Leicestershire
• Admin HQ : Leicester City Centre
• Founded : AD 50
• Population : 300,000 (approx)
• Area : 74 sq km
• Ethnicity : 62.0% White, 29.4% Asian, 4.6% Black, 4.1% Chinese & Other
• Postcode : LE
• Area code : (0116)
• Twin Cities : Chongqing, (China), Rajkot (India), Sialkot (Pakistan), Strasbourg (France)
• Website : www.leicester.gov.uk

Sample Living Cost in Leicester

Notes:
(1) Accommodation: Rent; more if meals provided as part of rent. Includes gas/electricity
(2) Food: Normal living; less if meals provided as part of rent
(3) Travel: Local travel on bus/underground
(4) Entertainment: Cinema/eating out/sport
(5) Other: Books/telephone calls/clothing/insurance/personal hygiene