Liverpool is welcoming nations from around the world to the G7 Foreign and Development Ministers this weekend.
We are well known for being a port city with a global outlook, for our links around the world and for our thriving cultural life, enjoyed by millions of visitors every year.
Our city has a rich maritime history and has played a pivotal role in pioneering international trade.
We’ve unearthed some fascinating facts about our links to some of the nations coming to our city.
Canada
The relationship between Liverpool and Canada is a special one, dating back to 1772 when Charles Dixon first set sail from Liverpool to Nova Scotia aboard the Duke of York, to establish a family dynasty.
Those trading links are celebrated in the names of Canada Dock and Canada Boulevard on our waterfront, both of which feature Canadian maple leaf trees.
USA
Historically, our relationship with the United States of America dates back to the founding fathers – Robert Morris, who signed the Declaration of Independence – was born in Toxteth in Liverpool.
More recently, we have had a proud tradition as a key trading hub with the USA, with more than nine million people emigrating from Europe to America, via Liverpool, with many Americans today tracing their heritage back to our famous port.
Liverpool awarded ‘Freedom of the City’ status to the people of New York following the terror attack on the Twin Towers in 2001.
We are also twinned with Birmingham, Alabama. Liverpool has also been a sister city to New Orleans since 1991.
Liverpool and Memphis also established friendship links in 2004, celebrating our close cultural and musical relationship, which is marked with a plaque on Mathew Street.
France
Historically, our close relationship with France dates back to 1066 when the Earls of Sefton, who came to England as part of the Norman conquest, made their home at Croxteth Hall in Liverpool.
Employing French chefs, Croxteth Hall became famous for its food, with the family’s French chef, Eustache Ude, producing culinary delights. In the 1790s he had having previously worked in the French King Louis XVI’s kitchen. This Royal linkage continued with Charles X who spent a lot of time at Croxteth Hall with the family and a portrait which was his gift to them, still hangs proudly in the Hall to this day.
And in sport, the much-missed France soccer coach Gerard Houllier is affectionately remembered for his achievements when he managed Liverpool Football Club, who won the treble under his leadership in 2001.
Germany
Historically, our relationship with Germany dates back to the 19th century, when the German Church was established in Liverpool. Today it is located close to the city centre in the Georgian Quarter of the city.
In 1952, Liverpool was officially twinned with Cologne, and the two cities have bonded over our similar strengths in art and culture, through to our thriving industries.
EU Delegation
As a diverse city, we have people from across the EU who have made the city their home after coming here to study, or work.
Objective One and other European funding has assisted the city’s renaissance in recent decades.
From football and tourism, to our year as Capital of Culture, we have grown stronger and more confident, thanks to the partnerships we’ve built and the friends we’ve made.
Liverpool is, and always will be, a great European city.
Japan
Historically, our close relationship with Japan dates back generations.
Back in 1888, James Lord Bowes, a wealthy Liverpool wool broker, art collector and patron of the arts, author and authority on Japan, and its arts and benefactor, was appointed as the first foreign-born Japanese Consul in Great Britain.
In Liverpool we are proud of our friendship link with the city of Minamitame-Cho.
The late Beatle John Lennon married Japanese-born artist and musician Yoko Ono, who has continued her relationship with the city and is firmly established in our contemporary cultural scene.
And more recently, Liverpool FC’s Japanese player, Takumi Minamino, has helped boost support for the club in Japan.
Australia
Liverpool and Australia have a long history of trade and emigration, with many Liverpudlians settling for a new life in Australia.
We are proud that there is another Liverpool in New South Wales, whose city crest is also a Liver Bird.
Republic of Korea
Despite the distance between our nations, Liverpool is so popular with Korean visitors, that the Beatles Story museum at the Royal Albert Dock has added the Korean language option to its guides.
It is narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird.
Indonesia
Despite being more than 14 hours flight time away, more than a quarter of the population are estimated to follow Liverpool Football Club.
The 66 million followers is almost the same as the entire population of the United Kingdom and could fill Anfield stadium 1,224 times over.
