Explore United Kingdom

Location:
United Kingdom

Currency:
British pound (GBP)

Communications:
The telephone code for United Kingdom: + 44

About:
The United Kingdom (UK) is Europe's largest island and arguably its most influential country.

In simple terms, it's the wonderful union of the individual countries of England, Scotland and Wales (collectively called Great Britain) and the region of Northern Ireland.

In the 19th Century, Great Britain was the world's dominant industrial and maritime power. It played a major part in the development of modern democracies, and in the advancements of literature, manufacturing, science and the performing arts. England is the major part of the United Kingdom, and one of the most recognized (and visited) spots of land on the planet.

England:
Shakespeare described his native land (England) by writing, “this royal throne of kings...this fortress built by nature...this blessed plot..."

At the pinnacle of its power, the British Empire ruled much of the world, and even today, the lasting impact of its bravery, culture, history and language have made this world a much better place.

Northern Ireland:
Northern Ireland is a constitutionally distinct region of the United Kingdom.

In recent years, Northern Ireland was eyewitness to the agony of bitter internal conflict and civil war. Through it all, its wonderful, resilient people prevail.

This beautiful land of cool, crisp air, and long-held traditions of family and friends, is famed for ship building and high-quality linens.

Dozens and dozens of small towns and fishing villages cover the countryside, and the calming steeples of Northern Ireland's parish churches all point to a promising future.

Scotland:
Scotland and its offshore islands are the northernmost part of the United Kingdom, and occupy about 37% of the landmass.

Called Caledonia by the Romans, and battled over for centuries, England and Scotland finally agreed to a permanent union in the "Act of Union" of 1707.

Names like Mary, Queen of Scots, Robert Burns, and Sir Walter Scot spring from its historic past.

Scotland is the home of "Golf," and famous courses like Inverness and St. Andrews come quickly to mind. The inspiring beauty of this land also includes Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine and of course, Loch Ness.

Unmatched Scotland is a magnet for visitors, and a most important part of the United Kingdom.

Wales:
Wales (Cymru in Welsh) is a mountainous country located on the western edge of the United Kingdom, bordered by England, the Irish Sea and the Bristol Channel.

In ancient times Anglo-Saxon invaders (in England) forced the indigenous Celtic (or Cymry) people into the hills in the far-west; there they developed a distinct nationality, language and culture, one that remains to this day.

The eventual union between England and Wales was enacted under the Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284.

More than half of the population of this proud and beautiful land reside in the south-eastern part of the country, in and around the Cardiff (capital city) area.