STUDYING IN THE UK: Basic Information and Key Facts About the United Kingdom

Basic Information and Statistics About the United Kingdom

Here are some useful facts and figures you may need to know when visiting the United Kingdom.

The United Kingdom and Its Capitals

The United Kingdom (UK) is comprised of Great Britain—England, Wales, Scotland—and Northern Ireland. The capitals of these regions are:

• England: London
• Scotland: Edinburgh
• Wales: Cardiff
• Northern Ireland: Belfast

For more information about all the countries in the United Kingdom, visit the "Visit Britain" website.

Area and Population

The UK covers a total land and water area of 152,033 square miles (1 mile = 1.6 kilometers). As of mid-2006, the population of the UK was approximately 60.6 million, distributed as follows:

• England: 50,762,900
• Wales: 2,965,000
• Scotland: 5,116,900
• Northern Ireland: 1,741,600

For detailed population statistics, visit the "National Statistics Quick Facts About the UK" website.

Government and Monarchy

The UK is a constitutional monarchy where Queen Elizabeth II is the Head of State, and the elected Prime Minister is the Head of Government. The elected Parliament has the authority to create and enact laws.

For more details on the constitutional monarchy, visit the "British Monarchy" information page.

People, Language, and Religion

The majority of the UK population comprises the English, Scottish, Welsh, and Northern Irish. However, the UK is a multicultural nation, welcoming immigrants from all over the world. Ethnic minorities make up about 7.9% of the UK population.

• Languages: English and Welsh are the main languages, with English being the most widely spoken. Celtic languages are also spoken in parts of Scotland.
• Religion: While Christianity is the predominant religion, other faiths such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam, and Sikhism are freely practiced. About 23% of the population identify as non-religious.

Economy

The UK is a global leader in commerce and finance, with London being one of the world’s top financial markets.
For information on leading UK companies, refer to the "National Statistics: UK Economy" section. The official website of the City of London provides comprehensive details about business activities in London.

Currency, Weight, and Measurements

• Currency: The currency is the Pound Sterling (£). For details on money exchange, limits on carrying cash, and exchange rates, visit the "Visit Britain" website under the "Money and Currency" section.
• Measurements: Historically, the UK uses its own system of measurement, but the government also mandates the use of the global metric system. Distance and speed are measured in miles and miles per hour.

Holidays, Time Zone, and Weather

For information about public holidays (also called bank holidays), daylight saving time adjustments, school holidays, and summer vacations, visit the "Holidays and Summer in Britain" page.

For weather updates, including 5-day forecasts, yearly temperatures, and seasonal clothing recommendations, check the "Visit Britain" website.

Electrical Appliances

Electrical appliances in the UK typically use square-shaped three-prong plugs. The standard voltage is 240 volts, with alternating current at a frequency of 50 Hz.