The city originally extended from the southern tip of the peninsula to the Mahim and Sion Creeks in the north. This region was called Old Bombay (the downtown area), and the area north of this was called Greater Bombay. Old Bombay being a city didn't have a district capital, whereas a capital was created in the largely semi-urban uptown Greater Bombay. However with the population boom, the city limits were expanded up to Dahisar in the north and Mulund in the northeast. The terms Old and Greater Bombay are almost archaic. It is now more commonly known as town and suburbs respectively. The terms townie and burbie are used to refer to populace of the two regions. Despite the blurring of boundaries, highway milestones are still calibrated keeping Flora Fountain in South Bombay as the starting point of the city. Residents of the neighbouring townships of Mira Road, Than and the satellite city of New Bombay often refer to themselves as city residents, although technically they are not, often creating confusion in the minds of outsiders.
Geography and climate
is clearly visible.]] Mumbai spans an area 438 km the city is on a peninsula on the island of Salcette. Because of this, the Mumbai is often called the Island city. The city is spread linearly along the Arabian Sea coast. Having a warm and humid tropical climate, the city averages a pleasant 27 C annually.
The Land
The city used to be seven hilly isles. When the isles were merged to form a monolithic island, these hills were razed and used to fill the shallows. Partly because of this, some parts of the city lie below sea level. Many parts of the city are still hilly. The highest point in the city is about 450 m and lies in the Powai-Kanheri range in the Borivali National Park. The city lies on a major fault line and is earthquake prone (up to a magnitude of 6). The geology of the area shows that the islands are composed of black basalt rock.
The Climate
The city being adjacent to water, the temperature changes are not as drastic as those inland. Mumbai enjoys its monsoon showers from June to September with the annual rainfall being around 216 cm. The city experiences light fog in the northern reaches of the city in Dec/Jan. Hailstones are rare. The lowest recorded temperature is 7 C (in 1962), the highest, 42 C. Temperatures (max/min): Jan: 25/12 C May: 35/28 C July: 30/26 C Oct: 38/23 C.
Government
Mayor: Devl Mahadev Bhagoji (as of March 10, 2002)
Municipal Commissioner: Johny Joseph (as of February 29, 2004)
Police Commissioner: Anami Narayan Roy (as of February 5, 2004)
Sheriff: Dr Jagannathrao Hegd (as of December 22,2003)
Collector: Pradeep Vyas building]] The city is run by a municipal corporation, the Bombay Municipal Corporation (BMC) which takes care of the civic duties. The head of the corporation is the Mayor. Although he is voted to power, his role is largely ceremonial. The person with the actual executive powers is the Municipal Commissioner, an IAS officer.The city has its own police department, the Mumbai Police. The Police Commissioner heads the police force, and is appointed by the state government. Since the city is also composed of two districts, two District Collectors are also appointed. Their role is largely curtailed as compared to their rural counterparts. Their job is to approve new construction and oversee national elections.
Economy
Located in the heart of the city As the country's commercial capital, Mumbai houses the headquarters of almost all major companies. The Reserve Bank of India and the Bombay Stock Exchange, forms the heart of commercial India and is situated in South Bombay. The city contributes 40% of India's income tax, and Rs. 40,000 crores (9 billion US $) as annual corporate tax; the highest in the country. Mumbai is also the epicentre of India's film industry � Bollywood, which is the largest in the world in terms of the number of films produced annually.
Is the world's only city to accomodate a National Park within city limits.
Has 3 lakes � Tulsi Lake, Powai Lake, Vihar Lake.
Has 3 rivers � Mithi (Mahim), Dahisar, Oshiwara
Has 4 forts � Sewree, Bandra, Mahim & Worli plus reminants old the old fort in South Mumbai.
Tallest building in India, The Shreepati Arcade (45 floors) is in Mumbai.
Is situated on an island: Salcette Island.
In 1995, Nariman Point had the highest real estate rental rates in the world!
City divided into 2 districts: Old Bombay (city) and Greater Bombay (Mumbai suburbs). Capital of Suburbs is Bandra (East).
City contributes 6 Lok Sabha seats.
Headquarters of Central Railway and Western Railway
A Coral Reef was found near the city in 1997.
2 airports & 1 aerodrome (former airport: Juhu)
Tel code: 022
PIN code: 400 0xx
Vehicle licence code: MH-01 (city), MH-02 (western suburbs), MH-03 (eastern suburbs)
Local time is 39 mins behind IST. Local time was used from 1884 to 1905 and unofficially till 1955