At the beginning of 2008, a survey was conducted to find out just how many of the world’s nationalities were residing in London. The results claimed that only three countries failed to have a presence in the British capital city. These were Micronesia, Vanuatu, and Equatorial Guinea. This plethora of ethnic groups provides a powerful endorsement for London, as the most diverse city on the planet.

It is incredible to think that at least one person from almost every country in the world is living in one condensed area. To suggest such a concept to an early twentieth century philosopher would be to imagine a utopia -where humanity exists as one.

Now I am the first to acknowledge that this is not the case; the appalling levels of crime disprove that theory instantly.

But, taking a moment to wander around the city, one will see just how wonderful this amalgamation of colour and creed has become: the cauldron of cultures that constitutes the hustle-bustle of London from street to street is spectacular.

Does this mean then, that London losing its ‘identity’? I’d like to think the answer is ‘no’. To tourists around the world, London still holds a unique allure that other cities cannot replicate. This is born out of centuries of tradition. Religion, government and the monarchy have all influenced the development of the city into the world city it has become.

People still travel across continents to marvel at the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral, to name a few. There are possibly more tourist attractions per square metre than any other city in the world. The Lonely Planet tour guide devotes more pages to its London edition than any other.

It is very likely that, if you were to ask tourists of their opinion of London, they would still say that its appeal is its history, as the centre of the modern world.

Because of the British Empire, and its role at the forefront of the modern age, London is uniquely placed to be offer an insight into hundreds of years of progression and modernisation. Our constitutional monarchy, meaning that our ruling queen is still very active in public affairs, adds a sense of pomp and grandeur to proceedings – which holiday-makers could not find in cities of republics. The outward perception of Londoners as people governed by etiquette and custom, only adds to this belief.

And in this respect, the outward perception is correct: London is inherently British. The tourist industry thrives on the fact that the architecture, theatre, transport, and the overall processes, are the same as they were pre-globalisation.

Beneath the surface though, this ‘Britishness’ is now [positively] influenced by a myriad of global cultural factors.

The sheer density of said factors has altered the contents of the city hugely. This has brought with it great advantages. The arts in London are thriving because of their diversity. Whether it be music, film, dance, or cuisine, Londoners can sample variants that have originated on opposite sides of the world.

Such heavy integration has its problems, however. Although London doesn’t suffer from the ‘ghettoisation’ of different groups, to the same extent as cities such as Paris, geographical divides still tend to mirror cultural ones. Subsequently, tensions exist between ‘rival’ groups in certain areas of the city and suburbs. These problems are a significant contributor to the fact that London is Western Europe’s most dangerous capital city – with violent crime rife in more deprived areas.

By mentioning this fact though, I am not meaning to detract from the profoundly positive impact mass migration has had on London’s makeup. Far from it, I feel that I am lucky enough to reside in the greatest city in the world – precisely because it is so diverse. It is such an exciting prospect to know that there are so many new experiences to be had on my doorstep. From the markets selling exotic food, to the unique evenings one can come across in bars and clubs throughout the city. It fills me with pride to know that people of different nationalities feel happy enough in London to call it ‘home’.

Having lived in Shepherd’s Bush for 18 months – commonly referred to as ‘little Sydney’ – I have encountered a great number of Aussie, South African, and Kiwi travellers. They still have the same ‘British’ view of London that they have grown up with, but they also feel that it is exciting and unpredictable enough to warrant a permanent stay; so many of the people that I have got to know have decided to stay in London, rather than return home after their travels.

I now live in Whitechapel, a densely-populated Muslim area. Yet again, it is so wonderful to see the bustling markets, or the elaborately designed mosques side by side with old English pubs and spectacular modern architecture.

When so many different cultures are in such close proximity, a bustling and vibrant atmosphere is tangibly felt. This is because it is a genuine conglomeration of languages, fashions, and ideologies, rather than a spectacle created for the sakes of visiting tourists.

London will never lose its British identity. The pride felt by the whole country at what its capital city has achieved over the years, will ensure that it remains a cornerstone of British values, practices, and beliefs.

The fact that it is also a rich melting pot of nationalities – unrivalled anywhere else in the world – can only ensure that its industry, productivity, and innovation continues to thrive. Despite economic setbacks, cultural factors will ensure that London remains the destination.