Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | GB, GBR, 826 |
| Official Name | United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | London |
| Government Type | Constitutional Monarchy and Parliamentary Democracy |
| Currency | Pound Sterling (GBP) |
| Calling Code | +44 |
| Member Of | United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), World Trade Organization (WTO), Commonwealth of Nations, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Group of Seven (G7), Group of Twenty (G20), International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank Group |
| Population | Approximately 68 million |
| Total Area | 242,495 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Ben Nevis (1,345 meters, 4,413 feet) |
| Lowest Point | The Fens (-4 meters, -13 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | USD 42,300 |
| Life Expectancy | Around 81 years |
| Internet TLD | .uk |
United Kingdom National Anthem
God Save The King
God save our gracious King!
Long live our noble King!
God save the King!
Send him victorious,
Happy and glorious,
Long to reign over us,
God save the King.
Thy choicest gifts in store
On him be pleased to pour,
Long may he reign.
May he defend our laws,
And ever give us cause,
To sing with heart and voice,
God save the King.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the United Kingdom Flag
The flag of the United Kingdom, known as the Union Jack, is one of the world’s most recognizable national symbols. The current design was established in 1801 with the Act of Union 1800, which merged the Kingdom of Great Britain with the Kingdom of Ireland. The flag combines aspects of three older national flags: the red cross of Saint George of England, the white saltire of Saint Andrew for Scotland, and the red saltire of Saint Patrick to represent Ireland.
Symbolically, the Union Jack represents the unity of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Although Wales is not directly represented in the flag, it is considered part of the Kingdom of England. The colors of the flag – red, white, and blue – have no official meaning but are a powerful symbol of British heritage and culture.
Throughout its history, the Union Jack has undergone several changes. The original Union Flag, created in 1606, was a combination of the Scottish and English flags, following the union of the Scottish and English crowns. This version remained until 1801 when the current design was adopted. The flag’s design reflects the political changes in the UK’s constitution and serves as a visual representation of the country’s history.
Today, the Union Jack is a ubiquitous symbol of British identity and is flown on public buildings, used in the emblems of various UK institutions, and displayed at sporting events. It also has a significant presence in former British colonies and Commonwealth countries. The flag’s design, combining crosses of patron saints, has been influential in the design of many other flags and remains a distinctive symbol of the United Kingdom’s influence and history.