London has most Facebook users globally

by Alicia Buller, Revolution UK 30-Jan-08, 09:15

LONDON - The UK's capital has become the first city worldwide to have 2 million members on Facebook.

The total number of UK residents now signed up to the social network site has reached 8 million, a sign that protecting brand reputation on social media is more important than ever.

"Social networking sites like Facebook have clearly become an intrinsic part of British culture, much in the same way as Google. High profile cases of brands acting based on social network activity have demonstrated the growing power of social media - the Facebook campaign that led to Cadbury's bringing back Wispa for example," said Henry Elliss, head of social media at Tamar.

The UK now boasts the third largest Facebook usage, trailing the U.S. and Canada. The remaining seven countries in order of active Facebook users are: Australia, Turkey, Sweden, Norway, South Africa, France and Hong Kong. Globally, Facebook now has over 60 million users.

"As a result of this power, when it comes to brands liaising with social media consumers, the risks are high but so are the rewards if it is done well," added Elliss.