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The United Kingdom (U.K.) is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The U.K. has a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy, and its capital is London. It played a key role in the Industrial Revolution and colonialism. The U.K.'s decision to leave the European Union, known as Brexit, has had significant political and economic implications.
Facts
Also Known As
Great Britain • Britain • U.K. • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
constitutional monarchy with two legislative houses (House of Lords [7941]; House of Commons [650])
Official Languages
English; both English and Scots Gaelic in Scotland; both English and Welsh in Wales
Official Religion
See footnote 2.
Official Name
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Total Area (Sq Km)
242,500
Total Area (Sq Mi)
93,629
Monetary Unit
pound sterling (£)
Population Rank
(2025) 20
Population Projection 2030
70,338,000
Density: Persons Per Sq Mi
(2025) 741.4
Density: Person Per Sq Km
(2025) 286.2
Urban-Rural Population
Urban: (2018) 83.4% • Rural: (2018) 16.6%
Life Expectancy At Birth
Male: (2020–2022) 78.6 years • Female: (2020–2022) 82.6 years
Literacy: Percentage Of Population Age 15 And Over Literate
Male: (2006) 99% • Female: (2006) 99%
Gni (U.S.$ ’000,000)
(2023) 3,260,416
Gni Per Capita (U.S.$)
(2023) 47,700
1Active members as of February 2020: 89 hereditary peers, 679 life peers, and 26 archbishops and bishops.2Church of England “established” (protected by the state but not “official”); Church of Scotland “national” (exclusive jurisdiction in spiritual matters per Church of Scotland Act 1921); no established church in Northern Ireland or Wales.
Top Questions
What is the climate like in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom has a temperate climate, characterized by mild winters, warm summers, and high yearly rainfall due to southwesterly winds from the Atlantic Ocean.
What was the first postage stamp issued in the U.K.?
The first postage stamp issued in the United Kingdom was called the 'Penny Black' and featured Queen Victoria, introduced in May 1840.
What countries make up the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom consists of England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What is the most widely spoken language in the United Kingdom after English and Welsh?
Polish is the most widely spoken language in the United Kingdom after English and Welsh, with 546,000 speakers.
Did You Know?
The U.K. is the only country not required to name itself on its postage stamps.
The U.K. has more than 40 different dialects, reflecting its rich linguistic diversity.
The national animal of Scotland is the unicorn.
The Great Fire of London in 1666 destroyed large parts of the city but resulted in only six recorded casualties.
