Blossom: Created page with "{{Infobox country | name = United Kingdom | conventional_long_name = United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | common_name = United Kingdom | native_name = | image_flag = Flag of the United Kingdom.svg | image_coat = Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.svg | national_motto = "Dieu et mon droit" (French) | english_motto = "God and my right" | national_anthem = "God Save th..."

2024-12-10T18:05:37Z

Created page with "{{Infobox country | name = United Kingdom | conventional_long_name = United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland | common_name = United Kingdom | native_name = | image_flag = Flag of the United Kingdom.svg | image_coat = Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.svg | national_motto = "Dieu et mon droit" (French) | english_motto = "God and my right" | national_anthem = "God Save th..."

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{{Infobox country
| name = United Kingdom
| conventional_long_name = United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| common_name = United Kingdom
| native_name =
| image_flag = Flag of the United Kingdom.svg
| image_coat = Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom.svg
| national_motto = "Dieu et mon droit" (French)
| english_motto = "God and my right"
| national_anthem = "[[God Save the King]]"
| image_map = United Kingdom (orthographic projection).svg
| capital = [[London]]
| largest_city = London
| official_languages = [[English language|English]]
| government_type = [[Unitary state|Unitary]] [[parliamentary democracy]] under a [[constitutional monarchy]]
| monarch = [[Charles III]]
| prime_minister = [[Rishi Sunak]]
| area_km2 = 243,610
| area_rank = 78th
| population_estimate = 68,705,000
| population_estimate_year = 2023
| population_density_km2 = 281
| gdp_nominal = $3.75 trillion<ref name="IMF">[https://www.imf.org/ International Monetary Fund: United Kingdom]</ref>
| gdp_nominal_rank = 6th
| currency = [[Pound sterling]] (£)
| currency_code = GBP
| time_zone = [[Greenwich Mean Time|GMT]] (UTC+0)
| calling_code = +44
| drives_on = Left
}}

The '''United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland''' (commonly known as the '''United Kingdom''', the '''UK''', or '''Britain''') is a country located off the northwestern coast of mainland [[Europe]]. It comprises four constituent countries: [[England]], [[Scotland]], [[Wales]], and [[Northern Ireland]]. The UK is known for its rich history, global influence, and contributions to culture, science, and politics.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom Encyclopaedia Britannica: United Kingdom]</ref>

== History ==
The history of the UK stretches back thousands of years, with prehistoric settlements, Roman occupation, and the rise of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. The unification of England, Scotland, and Wales into the Kingdom of Great Britain occurred in 1707 through the [[Acts of Union]]. In 1801, Ireland joined, forming the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.<ref>[https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/acts-of-union/ National Archives: Acts of Union]</ref>

The 20th century saw the independence of Ireland in 1921, leading to the current United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The UK played a significant role in both World Wars and emerged as a permanent member of the [[United Nations Security Council]].<ref>[https://www.un.org/en/about-us/member-states/united-kingdom United Nations: United Kingdom]</ref>

== Geography ==
The UK spans 243,610 square kilometers, comprising the island of [[Great Britain]], the northeastern part of the island of [[Ireland]], and numerous smaller islands. Its coastline stretches over 12,000 kilometers, making it one of the longest coastlines in Europe.<ref>[https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/geography-of-the-united-kingdom.html World Atlas: Geography of the United Kingdom]</ref>

The UK features diverse landscapes, from the highlands of Scotland and the rolling hills of Wales to the plains of England and the rugged coastline of Northern Ireland. Its major rivers include the [[Thames]], [[Severn]], and [[Trent]].

== Government and Politics ==
The UK is a [[constitutional monarchy]] with a [[parliamentary democracy]]. The monarch, currently [[Charles III]], serves as the ceremonial head of state, while the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|Prime Minister]] leads the government.<ref>[https://www.gov.uk/government/how-government-works Government of the UK: How Government Works]</ref>

Parliament is bicameral, consisting of the elected [[House of Commons]] and the appointed [[House of Lords]]. The UK is divided into four nations, each with varying degrees of devolved governance.<ref>[https://www.parliament.uk/about/how/ Parliament of the United Kingdom]</ref>

== Economy ==
The UK has the sixth-largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. It is a global financial hub, with London being one of the world's leading financial centers. Key industries include finance, manufacturing, technology, and creative industries.<ref name="IMF"/>

== Population ==
The UK is home to approximately 68.7 million people (2023 estimate). The largest city is London, with a population of over 9 million. The UK is known for its cultural diversity, with significant communities of people from South Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.<ref>[https://www.ons.gov.uk/ Office for National Statistics: UK Population]</ref>

== Culture ==
The UK is a cultural powerhouse, known for its contributions to literature, music, theater, and art. It is the birthplace of iconic figures like [[William Shakespeare]], [[The Beatles]], and [[David Bowie]].<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/summary/Britain-Quick-Facts Encyclopaedia Britannica: British Culture]</ref>

== References ==
<references/>

== External Links ==
* [https://www.gov.uk/ Government of the United Kingdom]
* [https://www.visitbritain.com/ Visit Britain]
* [https://www.bbc.com/ BBC: United Kingdom]

United Kingdom - Revision history