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United Kingdom

Country facts

Some at-a-glance facts about the United Kingdom.

United Kingdom  
Official Name United Kingdom
Capital City London is the capital of the UK and of England. Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland. Belfast is the capital of Northern Ireland. Cardiff is the capital of Wales.
Population 61,414,062 – 2008
Major Cities London, Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff
Area 243,000 sq km (93,000 sq miles).
Terrain

Highest mountain:  Ben Nevis in Scotland, at 1,343m (4,406 ft) above sea level.

Lowest Point:
The lowest point in the UK is the Fenlands, which is 4 m below sea level.
 Longest river:

The Severn, 322 km long, which rises in central Wales and flows through Shrewsbury, Worcester and Gloucester in England to the Bristol Channel
Life Expectancy Males 76
Females 82
Religion

Main religion is Christianity with the Church of England official religion

Language English
Government The United Kingdom is a democratic monarchy with a Parliament for the entire United Kingdom housed in London. Parliament consists of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Scotland additionally has its own elected parliament whilst Wales and Northern Ireland have elected assemblies.
Head of State Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
Head of Government David Cameroon since May 2010
Electricity 240 volts AC, 50Hz.
TV/Video Pal B system
Telephone United Kingdom’s country code is 44
Time Zone Greenwich Meantime

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