Hertfordshire is a landlocked ceremonial county in the East of England, immediately north of Greater London. It is one of England's most densely populated counties, with major towns including St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage and Hatfield. The county has a long history of settlement, from the Roman road of Ermine Street to the new towns built after World War II, and today combines a thriving commuter economy with significant heritage, countryside and cultural assets.