Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is the capital of the Indian state of Maharashtra and is the most populous Indian city with a 2005 estimated population of about 13 million.
Mumbai is located on Salsette Island off the west coast of India. Along with the neighbouring towns, it forms one of the world's most populous metropolitan areas, with an extended population of 17 million.
The city, which has a deep natural harbour, is also the largest port in western India, handling over half of India's passenger traffic.
Mumbai is the commercial capital of India, and houses important financial institutions such as the Reserve Bank of India, the Bombay Stock Exchange, and the corporate headquarters of many Indian companies.
Because of the immense business opportunities available in Mumbai and the relatively high standard of living, it has attracted migrants from all over India and South Asia, making the city a potpourri of various communities and cultures. Bollywood, the epicentre of the country's Hindi film and television industry is located in Mumbai.
|
