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British Indians form the largest ethno-national group in London with a population of around 542,857 or 6.6% of the population. The majority are concentrated in West London, home to London's Hindu community, though populations can be found throughout London.
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Demographics
As at 2011, the Indian population of Greater London was 542,857 or 6.6% of the population, (including those of British Indian ethnic origin.
Religious groups
Hinduism: The largest Hindu temple in Europe, the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, is located in Neasden, London. The Second Largest is Shri Swaminarayan Mandir [Leicester] in UK. The number of Hindus in London is around 450,000, of which most are of Indian descent.
Sikhism: Next to Toronto and Vancouver (both in Canada), London has the wealthiest Sikh community outside of India. Most live in West London, Southall being the heart of the community.
Islam: Around 20% of Indians in London are Muslims. They are located primarily in Newham in East London. Indian Muslims in London have strong connections to the Pakistani and Bangladeshi Muslim community of London. Most Indian Muslims came from East Africa, Jamaica, Gujarat and Mumbai.
Christianity: There are a significant number of Christian Indians in London. Most of them are from the states of Kerala and Goa. Denominations include Indian Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant. There is a Church in Wembley which offers Church services in the Gujarati language.
Parsi: The Parsi community, which mostly comes from the state of Gujarat or from Mumbai, is also present in London.
Jainism: In 2006 it was estimated that there were 25,000 Jains in the United Kingdom.
West London
In West London, close to Heathrow Airport, resides one of the UK's largest Indian communities. According to the 2001 Census, 39% of the people within the Ealing Southall constituency, comprising Southall and nearby areas, are of British Asian origin. Southall is a thriving Punjabi community, with Southall Broadway being popular for its Indian shops, cinemas and restaurants. Another Indian residential area is the London Borough of Hounslow.