The United Kingdom or UK is one of the world’s most influential and wealthiest nations. Several United Kingdom facts have had major impacts on the history of the world. The UK is located in several islands in northwestern Europe, twenty-one miles from France’s northern coast (the twenty-one mile gap of water is the narrowest part the English Channel). These islands are also known as the British Isles.
The British Isles are composed of the major islands of Great Britain and Ireland and six thousand smaller islands. Even though Ireland is included, the term British Isles is never used there. The United Kingdom is officially composed of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Southern part of Ireland is a separate country otherwise known as the Republic of Ireland.
- The United Kingdom was one of the three major world powers in World War 1 and World War 2.
- The Prime Meridian’s defining point is located in the Royal Greenwich Observatory in London, United Kingdom. The Prime Meridian is a line that divides the earth into eastern and western hemispheres.
- The United Kingdom is made up of the states of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- The Industrial Revolution began in the United Kingdom.
- One of the most famous ancient wonders of the world, Stonehenge, is located in Wiltshire UK. Hotels close to Stonehenge can be found in Amesbury (England).
- The UK is a member of the European Union but has not adopted the Euro currency.
- The terms Great Britain and United Kingdom are often interchangeable in some countries but Great Britain is officially just the largest island in the British Isles.
Major cities in the United Kingdom
London – is the capital city of the state of England and the capital city of the entire UK. London is home to many attractions like the Buckingham Palace, home to the British monarchy; the Houses of Parliament, the Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and the most famous bridge in the world, the London Bridge or Tower Bridge. It is the seat of power of the British Isles and the most visited city in the UK.
Belfast – is the capital city of the state of Northern Ireland and is also the largest. Belfast is a major industrial center as well as one of the world’s best shipyards. One of the more interesting United Kingdom facts is that the ill-fated RMS Titanic was built in Belfast.
Cardiff – is the capital city of the state of Wales. It is Wales’ major economic center and is one of the world’s most important seaports. It is also one of the UK’s major tourist centers with attractions like the Wales Millennium Stadium, the Coal Exchange, Cardiff Castle and Victoria Park.
Edinburgh – is the capital city of the state of Scotland. It is the second most visited city in the United Kingdom after London and the second largest city in Scotland after Glasgow. Nicknamed the Athens of the North, New Town Edinburgh is home to buildings built in Greco-Roman style while Old Town Edinburgh also has many preserved medieval buildings earning them plenty of visitors.
The United Kingdom and its other British Isles have much more to offer than its historic old cities and commercial town centers. These islands have fantastic sceneries in its mountains, tundra and coastal areas. The rural communities are equally famous for their ancient castles, scenery, culture and cuisine.
