United Kingdom

In brief

The United Kingdom is a country in Northern Europe. Its capital is London. With 69.5 million inhabitants in 2025, it ranks 22nd in the world by population, out of the 195 countries recognised by the UN. Its area is 242,900 km². It shares land borders with Ireland.

GDP per capita stands at $57,602 (2025), 20th in the world. Life expectancy at birth is 81.4 years (2024). 83% of the population lives in cities.

History of the United Kingdom

The kingdoms of England and Scotland, under one king from 1603, merged in 1707 to form Great Britain; Ireland was joined to it in 1801. Birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, the country built the largest empire in history in the 19th. Decolonisation followed the two world wars. Having joined the European Community in 1973, the United Kingdom left the EU on 31 January 2020, after the 2016 Brexit referendum. It brings together four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Geography of the United Kingdom

The country covers the island of Great Britain, the north-east of the island of Ireland and many smaller islands. Plains and hills dominate England; Scotland and Wales are more mountainous. Ben Nevis (1,345 m), in Scotland, is the highest point; the Severn is the longest river.

Map of the United Kingdom

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Flag of the United Kingdom

The flag of the United Kingdom is red, white and blue. Its official proportions are 1:2 (height to width).

• Red37%
• White34%
• Blue29%

Share of the flag’s surface taken by each colour.

What the flag stands for

The Union Flag combines three crosses: St George’s for England, the white saltire of St Andrew for Scotland and the red saltire of St Patrick for Ireland. Its current form dates from 1801. Wales does not appear on it.

Sources: Wikipedia, articles “United Kingdom” and “Union Jack”.

See also: flags with a cross.

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Fact file

Economy and society