Country:  Great Britain

The United Kingdom, or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in its full name, is one of the countries that require no introduction.  The UK is comprised of four nations bound together by the Act of the Union, namely England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, each with its own distinctive culture and history.  Although not huge in size, the UK has been, and is still a world leader in technology, economy, and lifestyle.  It is an ideal getaway for both leisure and business pursuit as the country is awash with museums and headquarters of many world class conglomerates and organizations.  From true wilderness explorers to the most febrile hedonists, the richly varied recreational and entertainment amenities in the UK are sure to delight everyone.  For those longing for photogenic countryside, the UK harbors some of the most authentically beautiful landscapes in the world.  Both professional and amateur photographers can snap their favorite scenery from the rugged mountains of Wales, the stunning Highlands of Scotland, the glistening greenery of Northern Ireland, and the scenic moorlands and rocky coastlines of England.  Yet after visiting most of the famous cities of the UK, it's likely you'll still feel like you haven't tasted half of the country's bests.  It is not surprising why this little country off the coast of western Europe is so alluringly attractive and enormously popular as a holiday destination.       

STATISTICAL FACT

Country name: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (United Kingdom)
Capital: London
Flag description: blue field with the red cross of Saint George (patron saint of England) edged in white superimposed on the diagonal red cross of Saint Patrick (patron saint of Ireland), which is superimposed on the diagonal white cross of Saint Andrew (patron saint of Scotland); properly known as the Union Flag, but commonly called the Union Jack; the design and colors (especially the Blue Ensign) have been the basis for a number of other flags including other Commonwealth countries and their constituent states or provinces, as well as British overseas territories
National motto: Dieu et mon droit (God and my right)
National anthem: God Save the Queen
Location: Western Europe, islands including the northern one-sixth of the island of Ireland between the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, northwest of France
Geographic coordinates: 51° 30' 40" N 0° 7' 41" W 
Map references: Europe
Area: 244,820 sq km  
Climate: temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than 1-half of the days are overcast
Terrain: mostly rugged hills and low mountains; level to rolling plains in east and southeast
Population: 60,270,708 (July 2004 est.)
Population growth rate: 0.29% (2004 est.)
Birth rate: 10.88 births/ 1,000 population (2004 est.)
Death rate: 10.19 births/ 1,000 population (2004 est.)
Nationality: noun: Briton(s), British (collective plural)
                    adjective: British
Ethnic groups: English 81.5 %, Scottish 9.6 %, Irish 2.4 %, Welsh 1.9 %, Ulster 1.8 %, West Indian, Indian, Pakistani and other 2.8 %
Religions: Anglican and Roman Catholic 40 million, Muslim 1.5 million, Presbyterian, Methodist, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish
Languages: None, English de facto
Literacy: 99 %
Government type: constitutional monarchy 
Legal system: common law tradition with early Roman and modern continental influences
Currency: British Pound (GBP)
Internet country code: .uk
Time zone: GMT (UTC +0)
Calling code: +44
Electricity: 240 V
Weights & measures: Metric

COUNTRIES IN THE UK

England
England is a country with varied physical attractions and a two-millennium of history steep in intrigues and disturbances.  Today it is best known for football (soccer), the royal family, famous universities and museums, avant-garde pop music and many more.  England offers a vibrant and multicultural façade that can easily captivate and surprise both first-time visitors and frequent callers alike.  Every part of England has its own character and attitude to match its beauty, and it is not difficult to fall in love with this magnificent country.            

Scotland
Scotland is a country in the northern part of the island of Great Britain.  It is a country with an idyllic beauty and very small but extremely friendly population.  Scotland can be divided into 3 main parts, the Highlands in the north, the Lowlands in the center, and the Uplands in the south.  Its much less raucous attitude than its neighbor down south comfortably makes Scotland a serene and wonderful holiday destination.     

Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland may be small, but despite its compact size the country has limitless resources to satisfy everyone.  The locals are hospitable, the unspoilt countryside enchanting, and the ruined castles redolent of the country's Celtic heritage powerfullly enamoring.  With an impressive culture and cuisine to boot, Northern Ireland will surely weave a spell on your heart.     

Wales
Wales is a gem that shines with its wild and richly rugged beauty composed of glaciated mountains, rolling moorlands, and arteries of rivers and lakes.  The remnants of Victorian Gothic castles and chapels are feast to the eyes.  The Welsh traditions and language serve to underline this country's extraordinariness and its staunch pride in the national heritage.  You can find here both the tranquil comfort of nature and the bawdy modern entertainment that make a visit to Wales a highly enjoyable experience.