United Kingdom (Great Britain): 245,000 sq.km for about 59 million inhabitants. Capital: London. The UK is on the north-west of mainland Europe. Great Britain, is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel. UK is a parliamentary democracy & a constitutional monarchy comprising 4 countries - England, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Wales — with Queen Elizabeth II as head of state. Time zone: (GMT +0). Religions include: Christian, Islam, Hinduism, etc. Electricity current 240 Volts. Biggest towns include: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool, Leeds, etc. Driving on the left hand side. Currency Pound: 1 Pound = 2.0 US$ approx. Official language: English. UK is world's 5th-largest economy.. Britain was world's foremost power in the 19th & early 20th century, & it retains major economic, cultural, military & political influence today. UK is approaching a multi-cultural society with about 10% of its population coming from all over the world. London is the world's most cosmopolitan city. UK has a rich literary heritage with works of great writers like William Shakespeare. It has world-class universities at Oxford, Cambridge & Imperial College. UK has been at the forefront of youth culture since the heyday of the Beatles in the 1960s. The main sports are: football (soccer), rugby, cricket, golf, horse-racing, etc. UK is home to many world-renowned football clubs, such as Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Rangers & Celtic. Main exports: manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, food, beverages, tobacco, & financial services & shipping.