London is a vibrant and diverse city, with a population that is made up of people from all over the world. According to the 2001 census, 44% of London's population is now comprised of black and ethnic minorities, compared to just 28.9% in 2001. West London has the highest proportion of its population that is black and of ethnic minorities, at 53%. 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. There is also a large Turkish Cypriot community in South London districts such as Lambeth and Croydon.
In addition to Nigerians, Ghanaians are one of the largest black African groups in London, and most live in the districts of Southwark, Lambeth, Newham, Hackney, Haringey, Lewisham, Merton, Waltham Forest, Croydon, Enfield and Brent. Of all the local authorities, Newham was the most ethnically diverse with people from Asian, black, mixed race and “other” ethnic groups representing 69.2% of the population. They influence the culture of the city and contribute significantly to London's workforce and economy. Of all regions, more white people lived in the South East (16.4%) and the North West (13.0%) than anywhere else.
However, people who identified with white minority groups were more likely to live in London: 30.8% of white Irish people and 35.2% of people from the “other” white ethnic group lived in London. 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. London (in particular its southern districts) is home to the largest Nigerian community in the United Kingdom and possibly even the world. The first Nigerian registered in London was Olaudah Equiano who arrived in Great Britain after escaping slavery more than 200 years ago and became a member of the abolitionist group Children of Africa.
The German business and expatriate community focuses on the London district of Richmond upon Thames which is home to the German School of London (DSL) and most of the German expatriates residing in London. The 2001 census recorded that 12,360 people born in Greece lived in London with particular concentrations in Hyde Park, Regent's Park, Chelsea and Kensington census areas. The Polish Government in Exile was based in London until it was dissolved in 1991 after the restoration of democracy in Poland. People living in London and the South East constituted 30.4% of England and Wales' total population. Of all local authorities where whites constituted the largest percentage of population 3 were located in North West, 2 were located in Yorkshire and Humber region while 2 were located in South West.
