Greater Manchester

Greater Manchester is an administrative area in North West England that includes boroughs such as Manchester, Salford, Bolton, Bury and Oldham. The area covers about 493 square miles (1,280 square kilometers) and combines densely built neighborhoods with smaller towns and open land along river valleys.

The region shifted from rural communities to an industrial center during the 19th century through cotton processing and engineering. The new factories and canals drew workers from across England and Ireland.

The region lives for football. On match days, pubs and streets fill with fans wearing team colors and debating goals and tactics.

Each borough has its own center with shops, markets and transport links, making it easy to find your way around locally. A public transport network of buses, trams and trains connects all major points across the region.

Old industrial districts have seen many warehouses and factories converted into homes, galleries and cafes. The brick buildings from the 19th century still shape the streetscape in several boroughs.

Location: North West England

Inception: April 1, 1974

Shares border with: Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire, Derbyshire, West Yorkshire

GPS coordinates: 53.50250,-2.31000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 19:19