Updated: 2019-06-23.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
The UK, sometimes just called Britain, is a country in the Atlantic Ocean near continental Europe, usually considered to be European. The United Kingdom is made up of four constituent countries (sometimes referred to as home nations): England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales; together, they form the sovereign state of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by land only with the Republic of Ireland (not to be confused with the constituent UK country of Northern Ireland).
London is the capital and largest city, and also the capital of England. London is considered to be one of the greatest cities in the world, and is a center of fashion, technology, finance, industry, and culture. It is also the largest city in all of Europe.
Liverpool is situated in the central west of the island, and is quite a popular destination, along with nearby Manchester and Leeds.
Each constituent country within Britain has some underlying similarities, but also stark contrasts between each other.
United Kingdom Travel Information & Key Points
General points to know about the country of the United Kingdom – demographics, important ages, phone numbers, key statistics, and more, whether you’re traveling there or not.
Capital: London (& largest city)
Population: 66 million (2018 estimate)
Language(s): English
Monarch: Queen Elizabeth II
Prime Minister: Theresa May
Currency: Pound Sterling £ (GBP)
Area: 242,495 km2 (93,628 mi2)
Dialing Code: +44
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time “GMT” (UTC), DST/Summer Time: British Summer Time “BST” (UTC+1)
Demonym: British or Briton (what is a demonym?)
Emergency Number: 112
Drinking Age: 18 to purchase
Smoking Age: 18 to purchase
Age of Consent: 16
Drives on the: Left
Electricity & Adapter: 230 V, 50 Hz, Plug Types G (define)
ISO Country Code: GB
Each constituent country within Britain has some underlying similarities, but also stark contrasts between each other:
England
England is the United Kingdom’s largest country, home to London as well as beautiful, rolling countryside. There are numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites around England, including the ancient Stonehenge. It also has about 1000 km (600+ miles) of coastline, with scenic beaches throughout.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is the smallest country in the UK, making it quite easy to get around, for the most part. Belfast is its capital, and there are many historical attractions to see packed into this little area. The Giant’s Causeway is a UNESCO site and probably the most famous attraction, but don’t miss out on the walled city of Londonderry and the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede. You also shouldn’t miss the world’s oldest whiskey distillery!
Scotland
Scotland is part of the island nation of the United Kingdom, yet it has over 800 islands that make up itself, of which only about 300 are inhabited. The Scottish highlands are a must, along with Edinburgh Castle and Eilean Donan.
Wales
Wales is fairly small in size as well, but there is so much to see. The country has 641 fortresses throughout, making it the most densely-castled place in the world.
