United Kingdom
Geography
The United Kingdom, located off the north-western coast of the European mainland, is an island nation in the North Atlantic. The UK includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another sovereign state, the Republic of Ireland. Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to the east, the English Channel to the south and the Celtic Sea to the south-west, giving it the 12th-longest coastline in the world. The Irish Sea separates Great Britain and Ireland. The UK's total area is approximately 93,628 square miles (242,500 square kilometers).
History
The history of the United Kingdom is rich and varied, with roots that can be traced back to the earliest periods of human civilization. The UK's history includes periods of Roman and Viking invasions and settlements, as well as a complex history of monarchies, wars, and political and social changes. The formation of the UK as a unified sovereign state occurred in 1707 with the political union of the kingdoms of England and Scotland, followed by the inclusion of Ireland in 1801. The early 20th century saw the partition of Ireland, resulting in the separate entities of Northern Ireland, which remained part of the UK, and the Republic of Ireland.
Politics
The United Kingdom is a unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The monarch—since 6 February 1952—has been Queen Elizabeth II. The UK has a partially codified constitution, with a parliamentary system of governance. The seat of government is in the Palace of Westminster in London. The UK has four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. All have a degree of autonomous devolved power, but legislation passed in the UK Parliament in Westminster remains supreme.
Economy
The United Kingdom has a partially regulated market economy. Based on market exchange rates, the UK is today the fifth-largest economy in the world and the second-largest in Europe after Germany. The UK service sector makes up around 79% of GDP. London is one of the three "command centres" of the global economy (alongside New York City and Tokyo), it is the world's largest financial centre alongside New York, and it has the largest city GDP in Europe.
Culture
The culture of the United Kingdom has been influenced by many factors including: the nation's island status; its history as a western liberal democracy and a major power; as well as being a political union of four countries with each preserving elements of distinctive traditions, customs and symbolism. British literature, music, cinema, art, theatre, comedy, media, television, philosophy, architecture and education are influential and respected across the world. The United Kingdom is also prominent in science and technology.