Located on both banks of the River Mersey in the north west of England this area is based around the City of Liverpool although it also encompasses several other districts including The Wirral to which it is linked by a ferry, tunnel and rail.
The area was essentially founded on the docks which brought great wealth and growth to the area, much of this was regrettably due to the slave trade but the area became very cosmopolitan. This initial successs continied into the second world war when many ships and armaments were made in the area.
Attempts to diversify the industrial base largely failed and the area has suffered mixed fortunes. Liverpool itself continued to produce great music by bands such as The Beatles and great football teams in Everton and Liverpool but little else of note. The surrounding areas such as St. Helens fared better but the area became synonymous with decline and unemployment especially following inner city riots in the 1980's.
Today however Merseyside is fighting back and much investment has been made to the area in an effort to turn things around. Tourists, attracted by developments such as the converted Albert Dock and Liverpools clublife are an increasing source of revenue and the universities in Liverpool attract tens of thousands of students to the city.