| Liverpool (pronounced /?l?v?pu?l/) is a city and
metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side
of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was
granted city status in 1880. Liverpool has a population of 435,500,
and lies at the centre of the wider Liverpool Urban Area, which
has a population of 816,216.
The urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were broadly brought
about by the city's status as a major port. By the early 19th
century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks,
contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city.
Nowadays, tourism forms a significant part of the city's modern
economy. In 2007 the city celebrated its 800th anniversary, and
in 2008 it held the European Capital of Culture title together
with Stavanger, Norway.
In 2004, several areas throughout the city centre were granted
World Heritage Site status by UNESCO. Referred to as the Liverpool
Maritime Mercantile City, the site comprises six separate locations
in the city including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown
Street and includes many of the city's most famous landmarks.
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