London-the world's capital city

London, Dec 22 (UNI) London has topped the most exhaustive comparison ever compiled of the world's great cities as a centre of economic and cultural powerhouse.

Population figures, financial markets, tourism trends, transport facilities and data relating to sports and arts events and transport has made London -- the world's capital city, The Independent newspaper reported.

New Delhi and Beijing were in the line of being powerhouses as civic competition was reaching new heights with these cities striving to provide the finest creative, culinary and tourism experiences.

Dublin, Edinburgh, and Glasgow were looking set to climb rapidly up the rankings.

With one of the world's most ebullient stock exchanges, a bustling and economically attractive city, the highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any city, and a truly international restaurant scene that typifies its cultural make-up with more ethnic restaurants than any other metropolis, London scores highly across the board.

Paris came third, winning the title of Continental Europe's capital thanks to its financial clout and busy international airports.

London achieved particularly strong ratings for its much-maligned underground Tube network (the world's first), its cultural credentials and for hosting the Olympic Games twice in a century.

With over 300 languages spoken here, London is the most international city in the world. Its financial sector, its creative industries and its tourism industry all rely on their relations with the rest of the world.

UNI