Birmingham is a major city in the West Midlands region of England. It is the second largest city in England after London
Interesting Facts About Birmingham
- Of all the cities in Europe, Birmingham is considered to the be youngest city with almost 40% of its population is under the age of 25.
- Iconic brands Birds Custard, Cadbury Chocolate, Bournville Drinking Chocolate, HP Sauce and Typhoo Tea all started in Birmingham.
- The city has the greatest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the UK outside of London therefore enhancing the city’s culinary fame.
- Birmingham is also the birthplace of the Balti and is home to over 100 Balti houses, offering unique, pleasant and rich dining experience.
- Owing to central location, one can reach 90% of the entirety of UK from Birmingham in just under four hours making it a convenient base for travel.
- Birmingham was home to pioneering scientists and inventors like Matthew Boulton, James Watt and William Murdoch, making it the first manufacturing town in the world.
- John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, author of famous books like ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ liven in Birmingham drawing inspiration form the city.
- Birmingham is also the birthplace of heavy metal music with brands like Black Sabbath and Judas Priest originating here.
- The first hole-in-the-heart surgery was performed at Birmingham Children’s Hospital in 1950.
- With its global manufacturing influence, at one point, three quarters of all the world’s pen nibs were made in Birmingham.
- Birmingham chemist Joseph Priestley discovered oxygen in 1774.
Interesting Economic Facts about Birmingham
- University of Birmingham generates 3.5 billion pounds every year to the economy.
- 2 sisters is one of the UK’s biggest food companies with a turnover of ~£3.2 billion per year. With its HQ in West Bromwich, it supplies 50% of the poultry and 10% of the beef and lamb eaten in the UK.
- Birmingham was the seat for Industrial revolution and is traditionally known for its iron and steel industry.
- Top industries in Birmingham city include, healthcare, retail, finance and insurance and professional, technical and scientific services.
- Top five employers in Birmingham include, National express, Sainsbury’s, Mondelez (Cadbury & Trebor), ASDA and Whitbread.
- The city is a growing tech hub, with initiatives like Silicon Canal promoting tech startups and digital innovation.
- The Jewellery Quarter in Birmingham produces 40 per cent of all jewellery in the UK – the highest concentration in Europe.
- The Bullring shopping centre and Grand Central attract shoppers from across the region making retail a major economic driver.
- Known historically for its manufacturing, Birmingham remains a significant centre for automotive production, including Jaguar and Land Rover.
Best Universities in Birmingham
University of Birmingham
Aston University
Universities in Birmingham Popular Among Indian Students
University of Birmingham
Aston University
Birmingham City University
University College Birmingham
Newman University