With a population of 280，000， Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands and the tenth largest in the country.

Its importance was first recognised by the Romans and later by the Danes， who used it as a strategic stronghold to control the Midlands. Since then it has developed into a major commercial and manufacturing centre， known better for the diversity of its trade than for its dependence¹ on a single industry.

It is also a historic meeting place. For centuries people of different races and cultures have gathered in Leicester， creating a rich and unique heritage. This diversity continues today. The city's thriving ethnic² minority community accounts for more than a third of Leicester's population and continues to enrich city life.

有着28万人口的莱斯特郡是英国东部内陆最大的城市，也是英国第十大城市。

它之所以重要是因为它首先被罗马，其次丹麦，当作内陆的战略要塞。随后，它发展为一个主要的商业和工业中心，它多样化的贸易比它独立的工业更出名。

它还是一个历史的聚会场所。几个世纪以来，不同地方的比赛，文化都聚集在莱斯特，创造了一个富有独特的文化遗产。这种多样性一直延续到今天。这个城市的少数民族很是兴旺，占有莱斯特三分之一多的人口，并且继续丰富这个城市的生活。