Located in the West Midlands, Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city after London, with approximately 1.3 million people. Birmingham has a perfectly balanced industry and culture, urban and natural surroundings. Birmingham grew internationally in the early 18th century thanks to the Industrial Revolution and the city's world-leading textile trade. Nowadays, Birmingham is a centre for public administration, health, and education services. The city has three universities and a significant student population of around 80,000 students, of whom over 10,000 are international. Birmingham's lower cost of living (compared to London), growing labour market, and proximity to London (less than a two-hour train ride) make the city a popular destination among professional expats.