metropolitan borough, metropolitan county of West Midlands, historic county of Staffordshire, west-central England. It lies in the northwestern part of the industrial Black Country, near the farmlands of Shropshire and Staffordshire. The early town was mainly an agricultural centre. With the development of the Staffordshire coal and ironstone deposits, Wolverhampton became known for its metal manufactures, especially from the late 18th century. A wide range of products is produced today, including paints and rubber tires, as well as the output of the metal foundries. The town centre has been transformed by the construction of two large traffic-free shopping precincts. Wolverhampton is home to many immigrants from the West Indies and South Asia. Area 27 square miles (69 square km). Pop. (2001) 251,462; (2006 est.) 236,600.