Overview
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a country located in northwestern Europe, situated off the coast of the continental mainland. It is made up of four constituent nations: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. As of 2024, the UK has a population of over 69 million people, making it one of the more populous countries in Europe.
Geography
The United Kingdom encompasses the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern portion of the island of Ireland, and most of the smaller islands within the British Isles. In total, the country covers an area of 94,354 square miles (244,376 km2). Geographically, the UK shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland, its only land neighbour. Otherwise, it is surrounded by water, bordered by:
- The Atlantic Ocean
- The North Sea
- The English Channel
- The Celtic Sea
- The Irish Sea
Political Structure and Territories
Beyond its four constituent nations, the United Kingdom maintains sovereignty over a number of Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories, extending its political and historical reach well beyond the British Isles themselves.
Capitals
The United Kingdom's governance and cultural life are anchored by its capital cities. London serves as both the capital of England and the capital of the United Kingdom as a whole, and it is also the country's largest city. Each of the other constituent nations has its own national capital:
- Edinburgh — capital of Scotland
- Cardiff — capital of Wales
- Belfast — capital of Northern Ireland
These four cities reflect the distinct national identities that together make up the United Kingdom, each playing an important role in the administration and culture of its respective nation.