Terrain
The United Kingdom consists of Great Britain, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The terrain is mostly rugged hills and low mountains with level to rolling plains in the east and southeast.
COUNTRIES OF THE UK (:25)
Climate
Temperate; moderated by prevailing southwest winds over the North Atlantic Current; more than one-half of the days are overcast
People
Nationality: Briton(s), British (collective plural)
Population: 63,742,977 (July 2014 est.)
Languages: English
MUSLIM IMMIGRATION (1:09)
Religions
Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, none 25.7%, unspecified 7.2% (2011 est.)
THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND (:37)
Economy
The UK, a leading trading power and financial center, is the third largest economy in Europe after Germany and France. Over the past two decades, the government has greatly reduced public ownership. Agriculture is intensive, highly mechanized, and efficient by European standards, producing about 60% of food needs with less than 2% of the labor force. The UK has large coal, natural gas, and oil resources, but its oil and natural gas reserves are declining.
CURRENCY & EU MEMBERSHIP (1:01)
Living Conditions
Even though England has a high population density, there is less overcrowding than in most European countries. About half the population lives in dwellings constructed after World War II (1939–45). These are usually two-story houses with gardens. More than 80 percent of England's population lives in houses, while the rest occupy apartments (called "flats.") There is a shortage of low-income rental housing. This has contributed to a growing homeless population in major cities.
Government
Constitutional monarchy and Commonwealth realm
PARLIAMENT & THE PRIME MINISTER (1:13)
US Military Presence/Support
America won its quest for independence from Great Britain in 1783. Although diplomatic relations were terminated during the War of 1812, the U.S. and the United Kingdom later became key allies and friends. Military troops from the two countries fought side-by-side during WWI and II, and later during wars in Korea and the Mideast. Foreign policy positions are closely coordinated. The U.S. also supports economic efforts in N. Ireland.
RELATIONSHIP WITH THE U.S. (:37)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) (1:07)