The UK (short for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) is situated on the British Isles. The total area of the UK is 244000 square km. It has population about 60 million. The country is washed by the Atlantic ocean, the North and Irish Seas. The part that form the UK today are Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, England.
The country is known for its typically maritime climate. There are mountain chains in England and Wales, but they are not high.
The UK is a highly developed industrial country. Coal is the main source for the development of British industry. The textile industry plays an essential role in the national economy of the country.
The UK is a constitutional monarchy. All the affairs of the state are conducted in the name of the Queen. The capital of the UK is London. London is traditionally divided into several parts: the West End, the East End, Westminster and the City. Westminster is a historical part of London, its financial and business centre is a called the City.
The West End is an entertainment and shopping part of London, its industrial heart being the East End. London is more than 2000 years old.
