Final answer:
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the United Kingdom region of southern England, an area characterized by its affluence and high cost of living.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portsmouth is the second largest city in the country of the United Kingdom, specifically in the region of southern England. While London is the primate city and a central player in the world economic markets, Portsmouth is a significant urban area in its own right.
This region of southern England is known for its high cost of living and its significance in postindustrial activity. Portsmouth, being in this affluent region, enjoys a rich maritime history and is part of a densely populated and urbanized area, yet it is not as large as London, which houses a considerable portion of the UK's population.