An island nation that ruled a third of the world and still shapes it through language, pop culture, and financial markets — from London's global diversity to Scotland's ancient clans.
- Capital
- London
- Population
- 68,265,209
- Area
- 244,820 km²
- Languages
- English
- Currency
- Pound Sterling (£)
- GDP
- $3,839,180M
Good to know
Driving side
Left
National dish
Fish and chips,Chicken tikka masala (Indian-British curry)
Annual visitors
11,101,000 (2020)
Safety
Low (1.12/100k)
Big Mac
$7.08
Avg temp
9.2°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 999 · Ambulance 999 · Fire 999
Travel guide
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the United Kingdom or the UK) is a constitutional monarchy comprising most of the British Isles. It is a union of four constituent countries: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, each of which has something unique and exciting for visitors. Whilst a "British" culture is evident across the entire United Kingdom, many counties, regions, and constituent countries have their own distinct culture and heritage, which can be passionately displayed or debated in equal measure. The UK is also a diverse patchwork of native and immigrant cultures, possessing both a fascinating history and dynamic modern attractions. This is a country known for its eccentric and subversive popular culture, its creation of five major sports (golf, rugby, cricket, lawn tennis and, of course, football) and for having a music scene that may be the best in the world. Witness thousands of years of history, with stone circles, castles, thatched cottages and palaces; in these islands the past comes alive. The capital and largest city is London, a truly global metropolis like no other, and many of the country’s other cities have much to offer. To understand their diversity, compare genteel Oxford with brooding Edinburgh, gentrifying Manchester, musical Liverpool, sports-mad Cardiff, the cultural melting pot of Birmingham or newly thriving Belfast, while remembering these are but the tip of the iceberg. Although Britannia no longer rules the waves
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore United Kingdom
Best time to visit
UK weather is famously unpredictable year-round. London is busiest June–August. Edinburgh Festival in August is unmissable. Scottish Highlands best May–September. Christmas period in London is magical. Avoid school holidays for budget travel.
Visa
EU/EEA citizens and most nationalities require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 2025. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter visa-free for 6 months with ETA.
Highlights
Stonehenge and Avebury, in Wiltshire, are among the most famous groups of megaliths in the world. The two sanctuaries consist of circles of menhirs arranged in a pattern whose astronomical significance is still being explored. These holy places and the nearby Neolithic sites are an incomparable testimony to prehistoric times.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (44)
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Major cities
London
One of the world's great cities — Big Ben, the British Museum, Notting Hill, and theatre that rivals Broadway.
Edinburgh
Scotland's dramatic capital — a medieval castle on a volcanic rock, whisky distilleries, and the world's best arts festival.
Manchester
Britain's northern powerhouse — the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, football, and a thriving music scene.
Bath
England's Georgian masterpiece — Roman baths, Royal Crescent, Jane Austen, and the most architecturally coherent city in Britain.
Oxford
The dreaming spires — 800 years of university history, Bodleian Library, Christ Church, and the original Alice in Wonderland setting.
Cambridge
The other great English university city — punting on the Cam, King's College Chapel, and Newton's apple tree.
York
England's finest medieval city — the Shambles, York Minster, Viking Centre, and intact Roman and medieval walls.
Liverpool
The Beatles' hometown — the Cavern Club, Albert Dock, world-class museums, and one of Britain's most passionate football cultures.