UNITED KINGDOM

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or simply Britain is a sovereign state located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. The country includes the island of Great Britain (a term sometimes applied to the whole state), the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that shares a land border with another state: the Republic of Ireland.  Apart from this land border, the UK is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea in the east, the English Channel in the south and the Irish Sea in the west.

The UK's form of government is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary system (House of Lords and House of Commons).  Its capital city is London (the largest city).  The current British monarch—since 6 February 1952—is Queen Elizabeth II.  Official languages: English and recognised regional languages (Scots, Welsh, Cornish, Irish and Scottish Gaelic).  Population: 64,100,000.  Area: 243,610 km².