London, England is a city of immense cultural diversity. With more than 270 nationalities and 300 languages, it has become one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world. This cultural richness has had a significant impact on the city's workforce and economy, as well as its culture. Nigerians and Ghanaians are two of the largest black African groups in London, and they are mainly concentrated in Southwark, Lambeth, Newham, Hackney, Haringey, Lewisham, Merton, Waltham Forest, Croydon, Enfield and Brent.
The Putney Evangelist Church is one of several Polish-speaking Roman Catholic churches in London, and the Hammersmith Polish Social and Cultural Association is the main center of the community. The Mayor's London Plan — the capital's spatial and urban development strategy — includes a chapter dedicated to new policies to safeguard and grow culture and heritage in London. Richmond upon Thames is home to the German School of London (DSL) and most of the German expatriates residing in London. The Sylhet Division arrived in London during the 1970s due to poverty and the Bangladesh Liberation War.
This wave of immigration has had an effect on both demographics and geography; some urban centers outside London have a large population but lack an artistic and cultural offer. Southwark has the largest black African population, Croydon has the largest black population in the Caribbean and Lambeth has the highest total black population in London. Records show that black people from Jamaica lived in London during the 17th and 18th centuries; however, it wasn't until 1948 when significant numbers of Caribbean people arrived in the capital with the HMT Empire Windrush. The Polish Government in Exile was based in London until it was dissolved in 1991 after the restoration of democracy in Poland.
London (in particular its southern districts) is home to the largest Nigerian community in the United Kingdom and possibly the largest overseas Nigerian community in the world. Most Lithuanians live in Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest boroughs, with fewer elsewhere. There is also a large Turkish Cypriot community in South London districts such as Lambeth and Croydon. The first Nigerian registered in London was Olaudah Equiano who escaped slavery more than 200 years ago and became a member of the abolitionist group Children of Africa.
Its creative vitality, cultural diversity and heritage are some of the main reasons why millions of visitors come to London every year to visit some of its most popular museums such as the British Museum, Tate Modern and National Gallery. The history of Chinese people living in London dates back to 19th century when they arrived as sailors.