What is the location and importance of Mumbai?

Mumbai is located on the western coast of Maharashtra state in western India, bordering the Arabian Sea. The city is on a narrow peninsula (a piece of land that is almost entirely surrounded by water but is connected to the mainland on one side) 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.

A map to show the location of Mumbai

With an estimated population of around 20 million people, Mumbai is India’s biggest city and the fourth largest in the world. Mumbai is an ‘alpha’ city due to its economic importance.

What is the 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.

What is the national importance of Mumbai?

Mumbai is one of India’s dominant urban centres and is one of the world’s largest and most densely populated cities.

Mumbai is India’s commercial and financial capital, contributing around US $310 bn to its economy. It is responsible for 70 per cent of India’s maritime trade and is responsible for 25 per cent of its industrial output.

Nationally, Mumbai contributes 33% of all income tax and 60% of all customs duty from trade.

The Reserve Bank of India is located in Mumbai, and so are most of the leading banks. The two largest national stock exchanges are based in the city. The Hindi film industry, known popularly as Bollywood, is India’s largest film industry and is located in Mumbai.

Major chemical, petrochemical and pharmaceutical industries have located within the city. It is also a hub for smaller businesses such as jewellery and fashion.

Mumbai has the highest percentage of internet access of any Indian city (12 million people in 2013)

Mumbai is a transport hub with links to all major industrial cities in India.

What is the international importance of Mumbai?

The city receives the largest amount of foreign investment of any other city in India. Mumbai 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.