Language: Government: Monarch: Prime Minister: Currency:  Population: Density: Time zone: Calling code: Internet TLD:

English Parliamentary Democracy and Constitutional Monarchy Elizabeth II Gordon Brown Pound sterling (£) (GBP) 60,587,000 (mid 2006 estimate) 246/km² - 637/sq mi Atlantic (UTC-4) +44 .uk

Geographical Features

Commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK, Great Britain, or Britain, is an island country located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe comprising of the four constituent countries; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It comprises the island of Great Britain, the Northeast part of the island of Ireland and many small islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK with a land border, sharing it with the Republic of Ireland.  Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the English Channel and the Irish Sea. The largest island, Great Britain, is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel.

Climate

The temperature varies with the seasons but seldom drops below −10 °C (14.0 °F) or rises above 35 °C (95 °F). The prevailing wind is from the Southwest, bearing frequent spells of mild and wet weather from the Atlantic Ocean. Eastern parts are most sheltered from this wind and are therefore the driest. Atlantic currents, warmed by the Gulf Stream, bring mild winters, especially in the west, where winters are also wet, especially over high ground. Summers are warmest in the south east of England, being closest to the European mainland, and coolest in the north. Snowfall can occur in winter and early spring.
 
Population:

In August 2006 it was confirmed that the UK's population had reached 60 million, then rapidly increased to 60.2 million, largely from net immigration, but also because of a rising birth rate and increasing life expectancy.   The UK's overall population density is one of the highest in the world. About a quarter of the population lives in England's prosperous Southeast and is predominantly urban and suburban, with an estimated 7,517,700 in the capital of London. The population of the United Kingdom has now reached 60,587,000 (mid 2006 estimate).

Economic Overvie:

In August 2006 it was confirmed that the UK's population had reached 60 million, then rapidly increased to 60.2 million, largely from net immigration, but also because of a rising birth rate and increasing life expectancy.   The UK's overall population density is one of the highest in the world. About a quarter of the population lives in England's prosperous Southeast and is predominantly urban and suburban, with an estimated 7,517,700 in the capital of London. The population of the United Kingdom has now reached 60,587,000 (mid 2006 estimate).