The largest city in the region (by population) is Brighton and Hove, but the dominant influence on the region's economy is neighbouring London. The highest point is Walbury Hill in Berkshire at 297 metres (974 ft). The highest point in the South-East's biggest county, Kent, is Ide Hill at 260m/850 ft.
Historical boundaries
Until 1999, there was a South East Standard Statistical Region which also included the counties of Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Greater London. The former South East Civil Defence Region covered the same area as the current government office region.
In unofficial usage, the South East can refer to a varying area - sometimes only to London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, and Surrey ; but sometimes to an area corresponding to the former Standard Statistical Region (above), which corresponded approximately to the London commuter belt. Before the creation of the current Region, the idea that London was not in the SouthEast of England would have seemed ridiculous.
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