Location and importance

• Mumbai

  Located on the western coast of Maharashtra state in western India, bordering the Arabian Sea. The city is on a narrow peninsula on the southwest of Salsette Island, which lies between the Arabian Sea to the west, Thane Creek to the east and Vasai Creek to the north.
• Mumbai has an estimated population of around 20 million people, making it India's biggest city and the fourth largest in the world
• Mumbai

  An 'alpha' city due to its economic importance
• Regional importance of Mumbai

  • Three million people commute from surrounding areas to Mumbai for work
  • The population of Mumbai is constantly growing, taking the young workforce from neighbouring cities
  • The city contributes 40% of the total income of the whole state of Maharashtra
  • The Hi-tech industry is growing call centres, online banking and software development
• National importance of Mumbai

  • One of India's dominant urban centres and is one of the world's largest and most densely populated cities
  • India's commercial and financial capital, contributing around US $310 bn to its economy
  • Responsible for 70 per cent of India's maritime trade and 25 per cent of its industrial output
  • Contributes 33% of all income tax and 60% of all customs duty from trade
  • The Reserve Bank of India and most leading banks are located in Mumbai
  • The two largest national stock exchanges are based in the city
  • The Hindi film industry, known as Bollywood, is located in Mumbai
  • Major chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries have located within the city
  • A hub for smaller businesses such as jewellery and fashion
  • Has the highest percentage of internet access of any Indian city (12 million people in 2013)
  • A transport hub with links to all major industrial cities in India
• International importance of Mumbai

  • Receives the largest amount of foreign investment of any other city in India
  • Has the largest number of international companies in Asia
  • The Bank of America, Volkswagen, Walt Disney and many more international companies have their headquarters located in the city
  • Mumbai's tourism industry is booming with thousands flocking to the area from all over the globe