The United Kingdom is a sovereign nation located in Europe. It is composed of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. These countries have a rich history and cultural heritage.
The U.K. is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democratic system of governance. The monarchy plays a largely ceremonial role, while the government is headed by the Prime Minister. The country has a diverse population, with a mix of different ethnic groups and religions.
If you want to discover more in-depth information on the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland as a country, check out our United Kingdom Profile!
Plus, test your cultural U.K. country knowledge with our quiz, U.K. Remembrance Day: Traditions & History!
Click on a country for a more detailed map, or try our map index.The United Kingdom has a rich and fascinating history that spans back thousands of years. This island nation has been shaped by a variety of cultures and civilizations, each leaving their mark on the country. For example, the Romans brought with them their advanced engineering and architectural techniques, which can still be seen in some of the U.K.'s most iconic buildings. The Vikings, known for their seafaring prowess, left a lasting impact on the culture and language of the region. And the Normans, with their military conquests, influenced everything from the country's language to its legal system.
Despite its relatively small size, the U.K. has played a significant role in world history. At its height, the British Empire spanned the globe, with colonies and territories on every continent. This global reach helped to shape the world map and the places we live in today, with the U.K. leaving its mark on everything from politics to trade to culture.
The United Kingdom is situated on the Western Europe map and is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the English Channel. The closest countries on the map of Europe include France, Denmark, and Norway, among others. The country is made up of two main islands: Great Britain and Ireland, though only Northern Ireland is part of the political map of the United Kingdom, and the Republic of Ireland is independent.
The largest city is London, which is also the capital of England, nestled on the banks of the Thames. Other major cities include Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Belfast. The country is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the rugged mountains of Scotland and Wales to the rolling hills of England and the picturesque coastline of the British Isles. The country is also home to several groups of islands, including the Shetland Islands, Orkney, and the Hebrides.
The United Kingdom has a moderate climate, with mild winters and cool summers. The country's weather is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean.
The U.K. is a popular tourist destination, with many iconic landmarks, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. The country’s rich cultural heritage is evident in everything from its architecture and literature to its art and music. From the Gothic spires of Oxford University to the punk rock scene of London, the physical map of the United Kingdom has a little something for everyone, making it a fascinating and endlessly intriguing place to explore, including:
If you're inspecting a map of UK geography, you may have some queries about the region. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with their answers.
The United Kingdom is composed of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. England is a country in the southern part of the United Kingdom, and is divided into nine regions.
Great Britain is not the same as the United Kingdom but is a part of it. Great Britain refers to the island that includes England, Scotland, and Wales. The United Kingdom includes those three countries as well as Northern Ireland.
Yes, Scotland is a part of the British Isles. The British Isles is a geographical term that refers to a group of islands off the north-western coast of Europe, which includes Great Britain, Ireland, and many smaller islands, including the Scottish Isles, the Hebrides, Orkney, and the Shetland Islands, among others.
