The UK then merged with Ireland, becoming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland on January 1, 1801. The UK became one of the strongest powers in the world, dominating world trade and international regulations.
During World War I, the UK joined other superpowers, Russia, France, and the USA to fight Germany. Ireland divided their island, and the southern portion became independent from the UK in 1922. Only Northern Ireland remained part of the UK, and by 1927, the country was called its current name, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
During World War II, the UK fought on the side of the Allies, and was an original member of the United Nations. The UK has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since the first session in 1946. In 1947, the UK granted independence to India and Pakistan, and soon its other territories. The UK has been a member of the European Economic Community since 1973, as well as a member of the European Union, WTO, and other international organizations.
Geography
The United Kingdom consists of England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales in the British Isles. The United Kingdom is situated on islands in between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. The southeastern border is just 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the coast of France, with the English Channel in between. The only land border of the United Kingdom is the one between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Major geographic features of England, which takes up about half of the UK's area, are the Cumbrian Mountains, the Pennines, and the country's lowlands. The UK's major rivers are the Thames, Severn, and Hubmer. Scotland makes up about one-third of the UK, with almost eight hundred islands and the Highlands. At about a tenth of the UK, Wales is marked by its mountains and coastline. Northern Ireland makes up a small portion of the United Kingdom, and is covered with hills, and contains a large lake.
Polities
The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm. The monarchy follows a system of hereditary succession. The prime minister is the leader of the majority party or the majority coalition. The United Kingdom's parliament is bicameral, consisting of the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Members of the House of Lords are brought on as hereditary peers, and new members are only elected when a member does not have an heir to take the position. Members of the House of Commons are elected to the position every five years.
The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Each of these countries has a different system, which existed before they were unified.
England is divided into twenty-seven counties, which are called two-tier non-metropolitan counties, as well as metropolitan counties. These are further divided into districts. The Greater London area is separated into thirty-two boroughs, plus the City of London, the thirty-third district in this administrative area. Unitary authorities are a mix between counties and districts, of which there are fifty-six.
Northern Ireland is separated into twenty-six district councils, and has what is known as a devolved government inside the United Kingdom. The UK governs much of Northern Ireland's political matters. Belfast is the administrative capital of Northern Ireland.
Scotland has been divided into thirty-two council areas, of which the cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee make up their own council areas, and are known as the Highland Council. Scotland's administrative capital is Edinburgh.
Wales is made up of twenty-two unitary authorities, including several cities that are their own unitary authorities: Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport.
In addition to these countries, there are three British Crown Dependencies: Jersey, Guernsey, and Isle of Man. Fourteen overseas territories, remnants of the British Empire, are located around the world. Technically, since the British Crown Dependencies are independently administered, they are not part of the United Kingdom, but the UK can make some decisions for them. Each Crown Dependency has a Chief Minister who heads their government.
Travel
The United Kingdom has a wide variety of places to visit, from the scenic countryside to the distinct architecture in the big cities. Though weather in the United Kingdom is known for being overcast and somewhat dreary, the atmosphere of the UK complements the weather. Historic sites, including Stonehenge, the Neolithic monument in Wiltshire, England, and Hadrian's Wall from Roman times, the United Kingdom offers a glimpse into early human history.
Located just 35 kilometers from France, the United Kingdom is connected to France-and the rest of continental Europe-by the tunnel beneath the English Channel, called the Channel Tunnel (or Chunnel).
Cities throughout each of the nations in the United Kingdom draw tourists from all around the world. London, of course, is the capital of United Kingdom and one of the most popular tourist cities with so much to see. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland had much to offer tourists, as does Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city, which hosts the largest art festival in the world. After London, Edinburgh is the next most popular travel city in the United Kingdom. Glasgow, Liverpool, Birmingham, Cardiff, and Manchester all have their own unique characteristics that give tourists a range of cultural experiences when traveling through the United Kingdom.
Education
The education system in the United Kingdom varies between the countries. England's education system is controlled by the Secretary of State for Education, with the help of local education authorities. Education in England is compulsory from the age of five to sixteen, and most children attend free public schools, though private schools are also found. England's universities are some of the highest ranked in the world, like University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.
Scotland's education is handled by the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, with daily responsibilities controlled by the local authorities. The Scottish Qualifications Authority and Learning and Teaching Scotland are organizations that provide resources for the country's educational institutions. Public schools are by far the most common schools for primary and secondary education in Scotland, and attendance is mandatory. Scottish universities are public and have been free since 2001.
Northern Ireland's education system is handled by the Minister of Education, the Minister for Employment and at a local level, there are education boards in each region. The Welsh Government manages the education system in Wales. Attendance at schools in Wales is compulsory until students are sixteen years old, and schools are headed towards bilingual education.
Trivia
The British Empire once covered about a quarter of the land on Earth, and was the largest empire in history, whose influence is evidenced by the language which has spread across the world.
No part of the United Kingdom is farther than 125 kilometers from the surrounding tidal waters.
The Channel Tunnel between the United Kingdom and continental Europe is 50 kilometers (31 miles) long, making it the longest underwater tunnel in the world.
People from England consume the most tea per capita in the world.
After the Norman Invasion, French was the official language of England for about 300 years.
London Heathrow Airport is the busiest in the world for number of international passengers.
Scotland contains almost 800 islands.
Last Update on: May 17, 2012
| Facts about United Kingdom |
| Name |
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| Continent |
Europe |
| Capital |
London |
| Area |
243,610 square kilometers |
| Population |
63,047,162 (2012 estimate) |
| Form of Government |
Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy |
| National Day |
None |
| Head of State |
Queen Elizabeth II |
| Head of Government |
Prime Minister David Cameron |
| Currency |
Pound sterling |
| GDP |
$2.417 trillion (2011 estimate) |
| Major language |
English, also recognized: Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Scots, Ulster Scots, Welsh, Cornish |
| Major religions |
Christianity |
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