London is one of the most diverse and multicultural cities in the world, with a wide range of communities from all corners of the globe living and working in the city.
It is a melting pot of cultures, with over 300 languages spoken and a population of nearly nine million people.
As a result, London is home to a large number of foreign communities, each with their own unique culture, traditions, and customs.
In this article, we will explore some of the biggest foreign communities in London.
List of the biggest foreign communities in London:
- Indian Community
- Polish Community
- Pakistani Community
- Nigerian Community
- Bangladeshi Community
Contents
1. Indian Community
The Indian community is one of the largest and most vibrant foreign communities in London.
Indians have been immigrating to the UK since the 19th century, and today, there are over 1.5 million people of Indian origin living in the country, with a significant proportion residing in London.
One of the most prominent areas in London with a significant Indian population is Southall, a suburban district in west London.
Southall is also known as “Little India” and is also home to the largest Sikh temple outside India, the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara, which is an important center of the Sikh community in the UK.
One of the most visible aspects of the Indian community in London is its cuisine.
Indian restaurants can be found in almost every part of the city, serving up a range of regional dishes from different parts of India.
In addition to traditional Indian cuisine, there are also many Indian-inspired food options, such as fusion dishes and street food.
The Indian community in London is also active in promoting and celebrating its culture.
There are numerous Indian cultural organizations in the city, hosting events such as Diwali, Holi, and Eid, among others. These events often include music, dance, food, and other cultural activities.
2. Polish Community
The Polish community is the second-largest foreign community in London, with an estimated population of over 200,000.
Poles have been immigrating to the UK since the Second World War, but their numbers increased significantly after Poland joined the European Union in 2004.
Many Poles came to London to work in the construction, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors, where they found a wealth of job opportunities.
The Polish community in London is diverse and multifaceted, with people from various regions, backgrounds, and religions.
However, they share a common heritage, and many of them are proud of their Polish identity.
The community is known for its rich cultural heritage, with events such as the Polish Festival and the Polish Film Festival attracting large crowds.
One of the most prominent areas in London with a significant Polish population is Ealing, a suburban district in west London.
Ealing has been called “Little Poland” because of its many Polish shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
It is also home to the Polish Catholic Church of the Holy Family, which is an important center of the Polish community in the UK.
3. Pakistani Community
The Pakistani community is another large and vibrant foreign community in London, with an estimated population of around 170,000.
Pakistanis have been immigrating to the UK since the 1950s, and many of them have settled in London, where they have made significant contributions to the city’s cultural, economic, and social life.
The Pakistani community has a strong presence in areas such as East London and Bradford and is known for its traditional food, music, and clothing.
The community also celebrates important religious festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.
One of the most prominent areas in London with a significant Pakistani population is Wembley, a suburban district in northwest London.
Wembley has been called “Little Pakistan” because of its many Pakistani shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
It is also home to the Wembley Mosque, which is an important center of the Muslim community in the UK.
The Pakistani community in London has also made significant contributions to the city’s economy. Many Pakistanis are entrepreneurs, and they have set up businesses in various sectors, including textiles, food, and hospitality.
In addition, many Pakistanis work in healthcare, education, and other public services, where they have made valuable contributions to the city’s well-being.
4. Nigerian Community
The Nigerian community is one of the fastest-growing foreign communities in London, with an estimated population of over 150,000.
Nigerians have been immigrating to the UK since the 1960s, and many of them have settled in London, where they have made significant contributions to the city’s cultural, economic, and social life.
The Nigerian community is known for its rich cultural heritage, including music, dance, and fashion, and celebrates important cultural events such as Nigerian Independence Day.
One of the most prominent areas in London with a significant Nigerian population is Peckham, a district in southeast London.
Peckham has been called “Little Lagos” and is also home to the Christ Apostolic Church, which is an important center of the Nigerian community in the UK.
5. Bangladeshi Community
The Bangladeshi community is the fourth-largest foreign community in London, with an estimated population of over 100,000.
Bangladeshis have been immigrating to the UK since the 1960s, and many of them have settled in London, where they have made significant contributions to the city’s cultural, economic, and social life.
Many members of the Bangladeshi community live in the East End of London, particularly around Brick Lane, and the community is known for its vibrant cultural events and delicious cuisine.
The community is known for its vibrant cultural events and festivals, such as the Boishakhi Mela, which attracts large crowds from all over the city.
One of the most prominent areas in London with a significant Bangladeshi population is Tower Hamlets, a borough in east London.
Tower Hamlets has been called “Banglatown” because of its many Bangladeshi shops, restaurants, and cultural events.
It is also home to the East London Mosque, which is an important center of the Muslim community in the UK.