Loop Quantum Gravity (LQG) is a candidate for a theory that consistently
combines the principles of General Relativity and Quantum Theory. A crucial
property of LQG that distinguishes it from other approaches is
the manifest implementation of a central principle of Einstein's theory:
Background independence. By this is meant that in General Relativity there
is no a priori distinguished background geometry, rather geometry and matter
are dynamical and evolve in tandem as described by Einstein's equations. In
this talk we give an introduction to the elements of LQG and show that LQG
naturally emerges when combining background independence with standard
canonical quantisation.