The Dudley urban sub-division up area has a population of 194,919, while the wider metropolitan borough has a population of 312,900 . Dudley town centre has struggled in recent years, with many of its troubles being attributed to the Merry Hill Shopping Centre 2.5 miles away at Brierley Hill which caused a number of major retailers and businesses to relocate out of the town centre. Tourist attractions include Dudley Zoo, Dudley Castle, the Black Country Living Museum and the historic marketplace.