The United Kingdom is located to the north west of mainland Europe. The UK consists of four countries; England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and also occupies smaller islands within the British Isles. France is the UK’s nearest European neighbour, located south around 22 miles away across the English Channel. They are connected via the longest underwater tunnel in the world.
The UK has a monarchy as head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. It has one of the largest economies in the world and uses the world’s oldest currency, the pound sterling. The capital London, is dominated by the financial and professional service industries, and is a global centre for foreign exchange trading.
The country is world renown for its sports and literature. Many famous and historical writers were from the UK, including William Shakespeare and Charles Dickens. And worldwide sports such as football, cricket, boxing, rugby and golf were invented in the UK. It is also famous for its educational institutions and for producing some of the world’s greatest music icons.
From vibrant cities to green countryside, it is a country full of culture and diversity. It harbours the famous Lake District, seaside towns, national parks and small villages to name a few.