Facts & General Information

The United Kingdom consists of four geographic areas—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Great Britain is England, Wales, and Scotland.

At its widest Great Britain is 300 miles (500 km) across. From the northern tip of Scotland to the southern coast of England, it is about 600 miles.

Geography of the United Kingdom

						Scotland		Northern Ireland
						Wales		England

Employment

The United Kingdom has a developed and international trading economy. Just under half of the total UK population is in employment, with more than two-thirds of employees working in the service sectors (the most significant are financial services and distribution). One-sixth of those working in England are employed in the manufacturing industry. Major industries include food processing, brewing, chemicals, textiles, computers, cars, aircraft, clothing, glass, microelectronics, paper and pharmaceuticals.

Demographics

The UK has a population of 60,000,000. England makes up 50,000,000, Scotland 5,000,000, Wales 2,000,000 and Northern Ireland 2,000,000. The capital City is London with a population 12,000,000.

Religion

The main language is English and religion is split between Christian (71.6%), Muslim (2.7%), Hindu (1%), Sikh (0.6%), Jewish (0.5%), Buddhist (0.3%).

Currency

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the official currency: 100 pence (p) equals one pound (£1.00) and the coins range from 1p through 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1, £2. Notes range from £5 through £10, £20, £50. Click here for current Exchange Rates 

Monarchy & Government

The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth ll and the Prime Minister is currently Tony Blair.

Time

Time follows GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) from the last Sunday in October until the last Sunday in March. BST (British Summer Time), which is GMT +1 from the last Sunday in March until the last Sunday in October. Click Here for GMT.