United Kingdom Map

About United Kingdom Map

Expore the UK map, The United Kingdom consists the island of Great Britain, the north­-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands.

About United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, often referred to as the UK, is a sovereign country located in northwestern Europe. It is made up of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK is a constitutional monarchy, with the monarch being the head of state, currently King Charles III.

Geographically, the UK is an island nation, with the island of Great Britain being the largest and most populous. It shares borders with the Republic of Ireland to the west and the European mainland to the east. The UK has a diverse landscape, including rolling hills, rugged coastline, and dense forests.

The UK has a rich history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. Throughout history, the UK has been a global power, with a vast empire spanning the globe at its peak in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, the UK is a developed country with a high standard of living, a strong economy, and a rich cultural heritage.

The UK is a parliamentary democracy, with the government being elected by the people in regular elections. The government is made up of two houses of parliament: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is elected by the people, while the House of Lords is made up of appointed members.

Each of the four countries that make up the UK has its own distinct culture, language, and traditions. English is the official language of the UK, but Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish are also spoken in certain regions.

The UK is known for its contributions to science, literature, music, and art. Some of the world's greatest minds, including Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin, hailed from the UK. The country has also produced many renowned authors, such as William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and J.K. Rowling. The UK is home to some of the world's most famous museums and art galleries, including the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern.

The UK has a mixed economy, with services, manufacturing, and agriculture all playing important roles. The service sector is the largest, accounting for around 80% of the UK's GDP. The UK is also home to many multinational corporations, including BP, HSBC, and Unilever.

Tourism is a major industry in the UK, with millions of visitors flocking to see famous landmarks such as Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, and Stonehenge. The UK is also known for its vibrant nightlife, with cities like London, Manchester, and Glasgow offering a range of entertainment options.

The UK is a member of the United Nations, the European Union, and the Commonwealth of Nations. It is also a member of the G7, G20, NATO, and the World Trade Organization. The country plays an important role in international affairs, with a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and a nuclear arsenal.

In recent years, the UK has faced significant challenges, including the ongoing Brexit negotiations and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the country has a resilient spirit and a strong sense of community, and is well-equipped to face these challenges and emerge even stronger.

Overall, the United Kingdom is a diverse and dynamic country with a rich history, vibrant culture, and strong economy. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, there's something for everyone in the UK.

Countries of the United Kingdom

Name	Capital	Legislature	Executive	Legal systems	Jurisdiction
England	London	UK Parliament's Legislative Grand Committee for England	British Government	English law	England and Wales
Northern Ireland	Belfast	Northern Ireland Assembly	Northern Ireland Executive	Northern Ireland law, Irish land law	Northern Ireland
Scotland	Edinburgh	Scottish Parliament	Scottish Government	Scots law	Scotland
Wales	Cardiff	Senedd Cymru	Welsh Government	English law, Welsh law	England and Wales
United Kingdom	London	UK Parliament	UK Government	UK law	United Kingdom

UK Population and Area Statistics

Country Name	Population (2019)	Population %	Area km2	Area %	Pop. density (per km2; 2019)
England	56,286,961	84%	130,279	54%	432.05
Northern Ireland	1,893,667	3%	13,562	6%	139.63
Scotland	5,463,300	8%	77,933	32%	70.1
Wales	3,152,879	5%	20,735	9%	152.06
United Kingdom	66,796,807	100%	242,509	100%	275.44

British Overseas Territories or United Kingdom Overseas Territories

Name	Location	Area km2	Area sq mi	Population	Capital
Anguilla	Caribbean, North Atlantic Ocean	91	35.1	14,869 (2019 estimate)	The Valley
Bermuda	North Atlantic Ocean between the Azores, the Caribbean, Cape Sable Island and Canada	54	20.8	62,506 (2019 estimate)	Hamilton
British Antarctic Territory	Antarctica	1,709,400	660,000	0, 50 non-permanent in winter, over 400 in summer (research personnel)	Rothera (main base)
British Indian Ocean Territory	Indian Ocean	60	23	0, 3,000 non-permanent (UK and US military and staff personnel; estimate)	Diego Garcia (base)
British Virgin Islands	Caribbean, North Atlantic Ocean	153	59	31,758 (2018 census)	Road Town
Cayman Islands	Caribbean	264	101.9	68,076 (2019 estimate)	George Town
Falkland Islands	South Atlantic Ocean	12,173	4,700	3,377 (2019 estimate), 1,350 non-permanent (UK military personnel; 2012 estimate)	Stanley
Gibraltar	Iberian Peninsula, Continental Europe	6.5	2.5	33,701 (2019 estimate), 1,250 non-permanent (UK military personnel; 2012 estimate)	Gibraltar
Montserrat	Caribbean, North Atlantic Ocean	101	39	5,215 (2019 census)	Plymouth (abandoned because of volcano - de facto capital is Brades)
Pitcairn, Henderson, Ducie and Oeno Islands	Pacific Ocean	47	18	50 (2018 estimate), 6 non-permanent (2014 estimate)	Adamstown
Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, including: Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha	South Atlantic Ocean	420	162	5,633 (total; 2016 census), 4,349 (Saint Helena; 2019 census), 880 (Ascension; estimate), 1,000 non-permanent (Ascension; UK military personnel; estimate), 300 (Tristan da Cunha; estimate), 9 non-permanent (Tristan da Cunha; weather personnel)	Jamestown
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands	South Atlantic Ocean	3,903	1,507	0, 99 non-permanent (officials and research personnel)	King Edward Point
Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia	Cyprus, Mediterranean Sea	255	98	7,700 (Cypriots; estimate), 8,000 non-permanent (UK military personnel and their families; estimate)	Episkopi Cantonment
Turks and Caicos Islands	Lucayan Archipelago, North Atlantic Ocean	430	166	38,191 (2019 estimate)	Cockburn Town

Regions of England

Name	Population	Area km2	Area sq mi	Largest urban area
South East	9,180,135	19,072	7,364	South Hampshire
London	8,961,989	1,572	607	Greater London Built-up Area
North West	7,341,196	14,108	5,447	Greater Manchester Built-up Area
East of England	6,236,072	19,116	7,381	Southend Urban Area
West Midlands	5,934,037	12,998	5,019	West Midlands Conurbation
South West	5,624,696	23,836	9,203	Bristol Built-up Area
Yorkshire and the Humber	5,502,967	15,405	5,948	West Yorkshire Built-up Area
East Midlands	4,835,928	15,625	6,033	Nottingham Urban Area
North East	2,669,941	8,579	3,312	Tyneside

Largest urban areas of the United Kingdom

Rank	Urban area	Population	Principal settlement
1	Greater London Urban Area	9,787,426	London
2	Greater Manchester Urban Area	2,553,379	Manchester
3	West Midlands Urban Area	2,440,986	Birmingham
4	West Yorkshire Urban Area	1,777,934	Leeds
5	Greater Glasgow	985,290	Glasgow
6	Liverpool Urban Area	864,122	Liverpool
7	South Hampshire	855,569	Southampton
8	Tyneside	774,891	Newcastle
9	Nottingham Urban Area	729,977	Nottingham
10	Sheffield Urban Area	685,368	Sheffield
11	Bristol Urban Area	617,280	Bristol
12	Edinburgh Urban Area	512,150	Edinburgh
13	Leicester Urban Area	508,916	Leicester
14	Belfast Urban Area	483,418	Belfast
15	Brighton and Hove built-up area	474,485	Brighton
16	South East Dorset conurbation	466,266	Bournemouth
17	Cardiff Urban Area	390,214	Cardiff
18	Teesside	376,633	Middlesbrough
19	The Potteries Urban Area	372,775	Stoke-on-Trent
20	Coventry and Bedworth Urban Area	359,262	Coventry

History of United Kingdom

The United Kingdom, also known as the UK, is a sovereign state consisting of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Its history spans thousands of years, and it has had a profound impact on the world, both in terms of culture and politics.

Early History

The earliest known inhabitants of what is now the United Kingdom were the indigenous Britons, who were Celtic tribes. They were eventually conquered by the Romans, who ruled the area for several centuries until their withdrawal in the 5th century AD. After the Roman withdrawal, the country was invaded by a number of Germanic tribes, including the Saxons and the Angles. These tribes eventually formed the basis of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms that would dominate the country for several centuries.

Middle Ages

The Middle Ages in the United Kingdom were marked by the rise of the Kingdom of England, which was founded by King Alfred the Great in the 9th century. Over the next few centuries, the English monarchy gradually consolidated its power, and by the 14th century, England had become one of the most powerful kingdoms in Europe. During this time, the country also experienced significant religious and political upheavals, including the Protestant Reformation and the English Civil War.

Modern Era

The modern era of the United Kingdom began in the 18th century, with the rise of the British Empire. At its height, the British Empire was the largest empire in history, encompassing territories in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The country played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution, which saw the country become one of the world's leading industrial powers.

In the 20th century, the UK played a major role in both World War I and World War II, and it emerged as one of the victorious powers in both conflicts. The country also underwent significant political changes during this time, including the establishment of a welfare state and the devolution of powers to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Today

Today, the United Kingdom is a modern, multicultural nation with a diverse economy and a rich cultural heritage. It is a member of the European Union and plays an important role in international affairs, particularly in the areas of diplomacy and defense.

However, the UK's political landscape is currently undergoing significant changes. In 2016, the country voted in a referendum to leave the European Union, a decision that has been highly controversial and has led to ongoing political turmoil. The UK also faces significant challenges in areas such as immigration, inequality, and economic growth.

In conclusion, the history of the United Kingdom is a long and complex one, marked by significant political, cultural, and economic changes. Despite the challenges it faces today, the UK remains an important player on the world stage and continues to shape the course of global events.

Geography of United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It is comprised of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The geography of the United Kingdom is incredibly diverse, ranging from rolling hills and fertile farmland to rugged mountains and coastal cliffs.

The United Kingdom covers an area of approximately 242,495 square kilometers (93,628 square miles) and has a population of around 68 million people. The country is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the North Sea to the east. The English Channel, which separates the UK from mainland Europe, lies to the south.

England

England is the largest country in the United Kingdom, covering an area of 130,395 square kilometers (50,301 square miles). It is home to the capital city, London, which is the largest city in the UK and one of the most important financial centers in the world.

England is generally flat in the east, where the land is mainly used for agriculture, and hilly in the west, where the Pennine and Cumbrian mountain ranges are located. The highest point in England is Scafell Pike, which stands at 978 meters (3,209 feet) tall and is located in the Lake District National Park.

Scotland

Scotland is the second-largest country in the United Kingdom, covering an area of 78,772 square kilometers (30,414 square miles). It is known for its rugged landscapes, including the Scottish Highlands, which are home to some of the highest peaks in the UK, such as Ben Nevis, which stands at 1,345 meters (4,413 feet) tall.

Scotland is also home to many islands, including the Hebrides, the Orkney Islands, and the Shetland Islands. The country's capital, Edinburgh, is located on the east coast and is famous for its historic architecture, including Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile.

Wales

Wales is located to the west of England and covers an area of 20,735 square kilometers (8,018 square miles). It is known for its rugged coastline and mountainous interior, including the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia National Park, which is home to Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales at 1,085 meters (3,560 feet) tall.

The country's capital, Cardiff, is located in the south and is home to Cardiff Castle and the Welsh National Museum.

Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland is located on the island of Ireland and covers an area of 14,130 square kilometers (5,459 square miles). It is known for its beautiful countryside and coastal scenery, including the Giant's Causeway, a natural rock formation that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The country's capital, Belfast, is located in the east and is home to the Titanic Belfast museum, which tells the story of the ill-fated ocean liner that was built in the city's shipyards.

Climate

The climate of the United Kingdom is generally mild and temperate, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing in the winter or rising above 30°C (86°F) in the summer. However, the weather can be unpredictable, and rain is common throughout the year.

The south and east of England generally have the warmest and driest weather, while the north and west of Scotland and Wales are cooler and wetter. The mountainous regions of Scotland and Wales can also experience snow and ice in the winter months.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom is a diverse and fascinating country with a rich history and culture. Its geography is characterized by rolling hills, rugged mountains, and stunning coastline, and its climate is mild and temperate.

Economy of United Kingdom

The economy of the United Kingdom (UK) is one of the largest and most developed in the world, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of around $2.8 trillion in 2020, making it the sixth largest economy globally. The UK is a member of the G7 group of leading industrial nations and a founding member of the European Union (EU). The UK's economy is known for its diverse range of industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and technology.

Historically, the UK's economy was based on agriculture and textiles, but during the Industrial Revolution, it transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse. In the post-World War II era, the UK shifted towards services, and today, the service sector accounts for approximately 80% of the country's GDP. The UK's financial services industry is particularly significant, accounting for around 7% of the country's GDP and employing over a million people.

The UK's economy is heavily integrated with that of the EU, as the EU is the UK's largest trading partner. However, following the UK's decision to leave the EU in 2016, there has been significant uncertainty around the future of the UK's economy. The UK formally left the EU on January 31, 2020, and a transition period followed, during which the UK and EU negotiated the terms of their future relationship. The transition period ended on December 31, 2020, and the UK and EU agreed to a trade and cooperation agreement that governs their relationship going forward.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the UK's economy, with the country experiencing its largest economic contraction in over 300 years in 2020. The government introduced a range of measures to support businesses and individuals, including the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which enabled employers to furlough their workers and receive financial support from the government.

The UK's government debt has risen significantly as a result of the pandemic, with the debt-to-GDP ratio reaching around 98% in 2020. However, the government has pledged to continue investing in infrastructure and has set out plans to create new freeports across the country to boost trade.

In terms of the labor market, the UK has a relatively low unemployment rate of around 4.9%, although this has risen in the wake of the pandemic. The government has introduced measures to support workers who have been affected by the pandemic, including the creation of the Kickstart Scheme, which aims to create new job placements for young people.

The UK is also known for its significant income inequality, with the top 10% of earners accounting for around 40% of the country's total income. However, the government has introduced measures to address this, including the introduction of a national living wage and increases in the income tax threshold.

In conclusion, the UK's economy is diverse and has a significant presence in a range of industries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and the country's decision to leave the EU have created uncertainty around the future of the UK's economy. The government has introduced a range of measures to support businesses and individuals, but it remains to be seen how the UK's economy will perform in the coming years.

Government and Politics in United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. The country is comprised of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The UK has a complex system of government and politics, with power divided between the monarch, the government, and the Parliament. In this article, we will provide an overview of the UK's political system and the role of its government.

The Monarchy

The United Kingdom has a constitutional monarchy, which means that the monarch's role is largely ceremonial and symbolic. The current monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, who has reigned since 1952. The monarch's role includes opening Parliament, giving royal assent to legislation, and representing the UK at ceremonial events. The monarch also has the power to appoint the Prime Minister, although this is done on the advice of the outgoing Prime Minister.

The Government

The UK government is responsible for running the country on a day-to-day basis. It is led by the Prime Minister, who is the head of the government and is appointed by the monarch. The Prime Minister is usually the leader of the political party with the most seats in the House of Commons, the lower chamber of the UK Parliament.

The government is made up of a number of departments, including the Treasury, the Home Office, and the Foreign Office. Each department is headed by a Cabinet minister, who is appointed by the Prime Minister.

The Parliament

The UK Parliament is made up of two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The House of Commons is the lower chamber and is responsible for making laws and holding the government to account. The House of Lords is the upper chamber and is responsible for scrutinizing legislation and advising the government.

Members of the House of Commons are elected by the people in general elections, which are held every five years. The House of Lords is made up of appointed members, including life peers, hereditary peers, and bishops of the Church of England.

Devolved Governments

Since 1998, the UK has had devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These governments have some powers over areas such as health, education, and transport. The devolved governments are responsible for their own budgets, although they receive some funding from the UK government.

The Scottish Parliament is responsible for making laws and holding the Scottish government to account. The Welsh Assembly is responsible for making laws in Wales, while the Northern Ireland Assembly is responsible for making laws in Northern Ireland.

Political Parties

There are several political parties in the UK, including the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish National Party. The Conservative Party is currently in government, led by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

The Labour Party is the main opposition party, led by Keir Starmer. The Liberal Democrats are a smaller party, but have been in government in the past as part of coalition governments. The Scottish National Party is the governing party in Scotland and is led by Nicola Sturgeon.

Conclusion

The United Kingdom has a complex system of government and politics, with power divided between the monarchy, the government, and the Parliament. The UK is a constitutional monarchy, with a largely ceremonial role for the monarch. The government is responsible for running the country on a day-to-day basis, while the Parliament is responsible for making laws and holding the government to account. The UK also has devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which have some powers over areas such as health, education, and transport. There are several political parties in the UK, including the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and the Scottish National Party.