What are the demographics of Leicester City? The City is a relatively small town, with a population of approximately 330,000, and has become a national leader in the number of miles of pedestrian-only streets per person. In recent years, Leicester has redesigned people-repelling car-only streets in the city center. The city recently expanded a massive pedestrian zone and installed a network of separated bike lanes and paths. In addition, the city recently built an attractive new central bus station that helps organize the regional public transport system while opening up more space for walking and cycling.
The city has a large ethnic minority population, mostly from the Indian subcontinent. Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities are well represented and there are a number of religious sites throughout the city. The Jain Temple is located near the city center. There are numerous Indian restaurants, jewelry shops, and other Asian businesses in Leicester's Golden Mile. Some people travel to the city specifically to sample the local cuisine, which is often considered one of the finest outside of India. In addition to its ethnic diversity, Leicester has one of the largest Diwali celebrations in the world, held at Abbey Park.
The first railways in Leicester were opened in 1832. The Leicester and Swannington Railway was built in 1832, and in 1836, the city was surrounded by villages. In 1835, Leicester's boundary was expanded, and the city's population rose to 40,000. By 1861, the city was home to approximately 68,000 people. By the end of the 19th century, the city's infrastructure and amenities continued to develop, and gas street lighting became a common feature. In 1821, the city got its own police force, and in 1836, it got a telegraph.