Known as Bombay until 1995, Mumbai is situated in the southwest of India and is the capital city of Maharashtra state. Being the financial and commercial hub of the country, you’ll find that Mumbai is a truly multicultural city where people of almost every religion can be found. One of the first things you’re likely to notice is the vibrant energy the city exudes, closely followed by the extreme differences in living styles. But what you’ll find is a ‘live and let live’ attitude among the typical Mumbaikar (native Mumbaite). Mumbai (Bombay), home to Bollywood, an impressive number of billionaires, and the luxurious Taj Mahal Palace, is India’s largest city and economic hub. It is the capital city of the highly industrialized Maharashtra State, and was recently immortalized in the iconic film "Slumdog Millionaire." Like any other major Indian city, Mumbai has its share of slums. The only difference is that here, the literacy rate among slum dwellers is much higher. Its large, polyglot population speaks predominantly Marathi, Hindi, Guajarati and English with 12 other dialects spoken throughout. The city boasts an impressive bus transport network that spans the entire city, but you’ll need sharp elbows if you hope to secure a seat; Mumbai's buses carry well over 5.5 million passengers per day. Similarly, the Mumbai Suburban Railway is said to be the city’s commuter lifeline. The 4,500 commuters crammed daily into trains with a rated capacity of 1,700 bring heightened meaning to the phrase "rush-hour hell." In this densely populated city, space is at a premium and rental prices often rival those of major western cities. Fortunately the modern apartment complexes that house expat enclaves are designed with a range of facilities, such as gyms, clubhouses, gardens and playgrounds. Steeped in tradition and culture, Mumbai’s cultural calendar is packed to the gunnels and expat residents often join in the festivities throughout the year. Living here is a rich, colorful and rewarding experience, particularly if you have a young family in tow.