Capital: London
Currency: British Pound (GBP)
Borders: Ireland 360 km
United Kingdom is situated in Northern Europe and includes the
countries of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The
latter is separated by the Irish Sea, while the other countries make
up the mainland on an island in its own right known as Great
Britain. In total, the landmass of Britain exceeds 241,590 sq km,
and the longest river is the Severn (320km). The highest mountain is
Ben Nevis at 1343m. The other 4000 islands include the Channel
Islands, Shetland Islands, Orkney Isles, Scilly Isles, The Outer &
Inner Hebrides, Isle of Man and Isle of Wight to name just a few.
The inner beauty of the country is blessed with lush green rolling
hills and outstanding national parks. Areas of particular beauty
include the Highlands of Scotland and Snowdonia in Wales, while
England boasts the Potteries, the Cotswolds, the Peak District, the
Pennines and the Lake District. Within these national parks, superb
walking/hiking opportunities await the keen outdoor activist.
The main language of Britain is
English, with some superb variations of dialect and regional accent.
Sport is extremely popular, as it was here that many of the world’s
greatest sports such as Soccer, Cricket and Tennis were invented.
Large sporting venues host a wide range of sports at various times
of the year.
The UK's main service exports include meat, dairy products, wheat,
barley, rape, sugar beat, sheep/cattle, whisky,
chemicals/electronics, music/publishing and financial services.
London, the capital of England, is one of the World’s great
financial cities with over 500 international banks in an area known
as The Square Mile.
Due to the UK's northern location, it is blessed with a temperate
climate. Snow never lingers, besides some highland areas, although
the UK does have its fair share of dull, rainy days. In summer
temperatures can reach the late twenties. |
