Located on the northwestern coast of Europe, United Kingdom is an island country that is roughly double the size of New York and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. Known as the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, it consists of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reputed as one of the main powers of the world, UK is famed for its illustrious past and vivacious present.
The UK is ruled by Queen Elizabeth II who is also the head of the Commonwealth states. 53 countries around the world are part of the Commonwealth; countries such as Australia, Canada, India, Malaysia, Singapore, Jamaica and New Zealand, just to name a few.
A developed nation, UK is the fifth largest economy in the world and was the world’s first industralized nation. Arguably one of the foremost powers in the 19th and 20th century, UK holds a permanent seat in the United Nations, a member of the G8, NATO, World Trade Organisation and Commonwealth of Nations.
United Kingdom offers a sea of interesting and exciting sights to see and things to do. Spend time in the lively city of England’s capital or take a train ride to Scotland. You’ll be captivated by the unique culture of the English, Scots, Welsh and Irish. United Kingdom’s top cities are lively and full of energy while the country sides are welcoming and serene.
Quick Tips Currency: Pound Sterling (GBP) Currency Symbol: £ Official Language: English Time Zone: GMT/UTC 0° - Greenwich Mean Time (British Summer Time during daylight savings) Country Dialing Code: +44 Measurement system: Metric Electricity: 240 volts AC at 50 Hz. Appliances use 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Government: Constitutional monarchy