United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a country in northwestern Europe, located off the coast of the continental mainland. It is made up of four parts: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It has a population of over 69 million and covers an area of 94,354 square miles (244,376 km²).

People have lived in the British Isles for a very long time. The country has an interesting history, including the Roman conquest of Britain that began in AD 43. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the UK was a very powerful country. Even though things changed after two world wars and many colonies became independent, the UK is still important today.

Today, the UK is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. It has a strong economy and is known for its culture in language, literature, theatre, cinema, music, art, and sports. The UK also helps in many international affairs and is part of several international groups.

Etymology and terminology

See also: Britain (place name) and Terminology of the British Isles

The Acts of Union 1707 joined the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland into one country called "Great Britain". Later, the Acts of Union 1800 created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. After Ireland became independent in 1922, the country was renamed in 1927 to the "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland".

Even though the United Kingdom is one country, its parts—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—are often called "countries". People sometimes use the word "England" to mean the whole United Kingdom, but this is not correct. The words "Britain" and "British" are also used to talk about the United Kingdom.

History

Main articles: Formation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and History of the British Isles

Further information: History of the constitution of the United Kingdom and Timeline of British history

Prior to the Treaty of Union

Main articles: History of England, History of Wales, History of Scotland, and History of Ireland

Further information: Kingdom of England and Kingdom of Scotland

People have lived in what is now the United Kingdom for a very long time. The Romans came to Britain in AD 43 and ruled for many years. After they left, new groups settled there. In 1066, people from France called Normans invaded England. In 1215, a document called Magna Carta said that leaders must follow the law.

English kings had land in France and fought there. In 1603, the same person became king of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Attempts to join England and Scotland together failed several times, but in 1706, they agreed to the Treaty of Union.

Union of England and Scotland

Main articles: Treaty of Union and Kingdom of Great Britain

On 1 May 1707, the Kingdom of Great Britain was created from the joining of England and Scotland. In the 1700s, Robert Walpole became the first prime minister. The American colonies became the United States. Britain focused on Asia, especially India.

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland

In 1800, England, Scotland, and Ireland joined together to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

After winning wars, the United Kingdom became a strong navy. It controlled many places around the world. Britain fought in the Crimean War and took control of India.

During the Victorian era, more people could vote, and cities grew. Canada, Australia, and New Zealand could govern themselves.

World wars and partition of Ireland

Britain helped defeat Germany in the First World War (1914–1918). After the war, more men and women could vote. Ireland divided in 1921, with the Irish Free State becoming independent and Northern Ireland staying with the United Kingdom. Women could vote in national elections starting in 1928. The 1930s were hard because of a big economic problem.

Britain fought Germany again in the Second World War (1939–1945). The Royal Air Force stopped German planes. Britain worked with the United States and the Soviet Union to defeat Germany.

Post-war 20th century

Main articles: Post-war Britain (1945–1979) and Social history of post-war Britain (1945–1979)

After the war, Britain helped create groups like the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, and NATO. The government made changes, such as starting a healthcare system for everyone.

Many colonies became independent, and people from those places moved to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom joined the European Communities in 1973 and later the European Union in 1992.

In the 1980s, new economic policies changed the country. Britain fought a short war with Argentina over the Falkland Islands in 1982.

In the late 1990s, new governments were created for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

21st century

Main articles: Political history of the United Kingdom (1979–present) and Social history of the United Kingdom (1979–present)

The United Kingdom supported the United States in fighting against groups that used terror. The economy struggled after the financial crisis of 2007–2010. In 2016, a vote decided that the United Kingdom would leave the European Union, which happened in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020–2021 affected the economy, schools, and society. The United Kingdom was the first to use a COVID-19 vaccine.

Geography

Main articles: Geography of the United Kingdom, Fauna of Great Britain, and Flora of Great Britain and Ireland

The United Kingdom is about 94,354 square miles (244,376 km²). It includes a large island called Great Britain, part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. The countries in the UK are England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

The UK is between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. It is close to France, only 22 miles (35 km) away, separated by the English Channel. The UK shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland.

Main articles: Climate of the United Kingdom and Climate change in the United Kingdom

Further information: Climate of England, Climate of Scotland, Climate of Wales, and Climate of Northern Ireland

The UK has a mild climate with rain all year. Temperatures usually stay between 0 °C (32 °F) and 30 °C (86 °F). The west gets more rain, while the east is drier. Winters are mild, especially in the west, and summers are warmest in southeastern England. Snow can fall on high ground in winter.

England is about half of the UK’s land. It has flat areas in the south and east, and hilly or mountainous areas in the north and west. Scotland is the most mountainous part of the UK, with many islands. Wales is mostly mountainous, with its highest peak in Snowdonia. Northern Ireland is hilly and includes Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles, and the Giant's Causeway, a special site recognized by UNESCO.

Government and politics

Main articles: Politics of the United Kingdom, Government of the United Kingdom, and Monarchy of the United Kingdom

Further information: Constitution of the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. It has a Parliament with two parts: a House of Commons and a House of Lords. The monarch has a formal role. The Prime Minister leads the government and is usually from the party with the most support in the House of Commons.

Main article: Elections in the United Kingdom

For elections, the UK is divided into areas. Each area elects one member of Parliament. The two main parties are the Conservative Party and the Labour Party.

Main articles: Countries of the United Kingdom, Administrative geography of the United Kingdom, and List of counties in the United Kingdom

The UK has different local governments in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each area manages its own local matters.

Main article: Devolution in the United Kingdom

Further information: Devolved, reserved and excepted matters

Power in the UK is shared between the central government and local governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each of these areas has its own government and parliament with some responsibilities.

Main article: Foreign relations of the United Kingdom

The UK is a member of many international groups, such as the United Nations and NATO. It works closely with countries like the United States and France.

Main articles: British Armed Forces and Military history of the United Kingdom

The UK has an army, navy, and air force. These groups work to protect the country and support peace around the world.

Main articles: Law of the United Kingdom and Crime in the United Kingdom

Further information: English law, Northern Ireland law, and Scots law

The UK has different legal systems in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. These systems help make sure people follow the rules and get fair treatment.

Economy

Main article: Economy of the United Kingdom

Further information: Economy of England, Economy of Scotland, Economy of Northern Ireland, and Economy of Wales

The United Kingdom has a strong economy. In 2025, its total value was about £2.819 trillion, making it the fifth-largest economy in the world. The UK uses the pound sterling as its currency. The country is a big exporter and importer of goods and services.

The service sector, like banking and tourism, is very big. The UK is also known for its manufacturing, especially in cars and aerospace. The country has good transportation systems, including roads, railways, and airports. The UK gets a lot of its energy from wind power.

Demographics

Main articles: Demographics of the United Kingdom and British people

Further information: Ceremonial counties of England, Subdivisions of Scotland, Subdivisions of Wales, and Counties of Northern Ireland

The United Kingdom has more than 66 million people. It is the fourth-largest country in Europe and the 22nd-largest in the world. England has the most people, with about 56 million.

England is very busy, with many people living close together. London, the capital, is the biggest city in Western Europe.

In 2021, the average number of children born per woman in the UK was 1.53. About 47.3% of births in 2011 were to mothers who were not married.

Ethnicity

Main article: Ethnic groups in the United Kingdom

Historically, the UK was home to groups like the Celts, Romans, Anglo-Saxons, Norse, and Normans. In 2021, most people in the UK identified as white, with other groups including Asian, Black, mixed ethnicity, and others. London has a very mixed population.

Language

Main article: Languages of the United Kingdom

English is the main language spoken in the UK. There are also regional dialects and accents, such as Scottish English, Welsh English, and Northern Irish English. Other languages spoken include Welsh, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and languages brought in by immigrants, such as Punjabi, Urdu, and Polish.

Religion

Main articles: Religion in the United Kingdom and Freedom of religion in the United Kingdom

Christianity has been important in the UK for over 1,400 years. In the 2021 census, many people in England and Wales identified as Christian, with Islam being the next largest faith. About 37.2% said they had no religion. In Northern Ireland, many people were Catholic or Protestant.

Migration

Main articles: Historical immigration to Great Britain and Modern immigration to the United Kingdom

See also: Foreign-born population of the United Kingdom

Immigration has helped the UK grow. Many people from countries like Pakistan, India, and Nigeria have settled in the UK.

Education

Main articles: Education in the United Kingdom and Universities in the United Kingdom

Further information: Education in England, Education in Scotland, Education in Wales, and Education in Northern Ireland

Education systems differ in each part of the UK. The UK has famous universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

Health

Main articles: Health in the United Kingdom and Healthcare in the United Kingdom

Further information: Healthcare in England, Healthcare in Scotland, Healthcare in Wales, and Healthcare in Northern Ireland

The UK has a public healthcare system called the National Health Service (NHS). It provides free healthcare to UK residents, paid for through taxes. Each part of the UK has its own NHS system.

Culture

Main article: Culture of the United Kingdom

Further information: Culture of England, Culture of Scotland, Culture of Wales, and Culture of Northern Ireland

The culture of the United Kingdom is shaped by its history as an island nation and its makeup of four countries, each with its own traditions. The UK has had a big influence on the world, especially in language, culture, and law.

Literature and drama

Main articles: British literature and Theatre of the United Kingdom

Further information: Literature of England, Scottish literature, Welsh literature, and Literature of Northern Ireland

Famous writers from the UK include William Shakespeare, known as one of the greatest writers ever, and Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. The UK is well-known for its children’s books, with authors like Roald Dahl and J.K. Rowling, who wrote the popular Harry Potter series. Other important writers include Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and Agatha Christie.

Philosophy

Main article: British philosophy

The UK is known for its contributions to philosophy, especially ideas about knowledge and ethics. Important philosophers include John Locke, David Hume, and Jeremy Bentham.

Media

Main articles: Media of the United Kingdom and Censorship in the United Kingdom

Further information: Media of England, Media of Scotland, Media of Wales, and Media of Northern Ireland

The BBC, started in 1922, is the UK’s main broadcaster, offering TV, radio, and online services. Other major media companies include ITV and Sky. Popular newspapers like The Guardian and The Times are based in the UK. London is a major center for media, but cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Cardiff also play important roles.

Visual art

Main articles: Art of the United Kingdom and Architecture of the United Kingdom

Famous British artists include William Turner, known for his paintings, and David Hockney, famous for his modern art. The Royal Academy in London helps support and show art throughout the UK. Important art schools and galleries can be found in cities like London, Glasgow, and Oxford.

Music

Main article: Music of the United Kingdom

Further information: Music of England, Music of Scotland, Music of Wales, and Music of Northern Ireland

The UK has a rich musical history, from folk music to modern pop and rock. The Beatles are one of the most famous bands from the UK, with millions of fans worldwide. Other well-known musicians include the Rolling Stones, Queen, and Adele. The UK is also a big player in dance music and electronic genres, with many popular DJs and producers.

Cinema

Main articles: Cinema of the United Kingdom and Independent cinema in the United Kingdom

The UK has made major contributions to cinema. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Christopher Nolan are known around the world. British actors have starred in many famous films, and the UK is home to major film franchises like Harry Potter and James Bond. The UK film industry continues to grow, with many films released each year.

Cuisine

Main article: British cuisine

Further information: English cuisine, Scottish cuisine, Welsh cuisine, and Northern Irish cuisine

British food includes traditional dishes like the Sunday roast, fish and chips, and afternoon tea. The UK also enjoys a variety of international foods, with many people embracing cuisines from India, Italy, and other countries. The UK is known for its pubs, which often serve beer, wine, and food. Popular drinks include Scotch whisky, cider, and gin.

Sport

Main articles: Sport in the United Kingdom and Great Britain at the Olympics

Further information: Sport in England, Sport in Scotland, Sport in Wales, and Sport in Northern Ireland

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in the UK. The sport began in England, and each part of the UK has its own teams and leagues. Rugby is also very popular, especially in Scotland and Wales. The UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times, with London as the host city each time. Other popular sports include tennis, cricket, and golf.

Symbols

Main article: Symbols of the United Kingdom

The UK’s flag, called the Union Flag or Union Jack, combines the flags of England and Scotland. The national anthem is “God Save the King.” Each part of the UK has its own symbols, such as flags and animals, that represent its identity.