Headed by the Queen, the U.K. is considered a constitutional monarchy but is governed through a parliamentary system that is based in England’s capital of London.

The U.K. used to be part of the European Union. Unfortunately, this means that having a Schengen visa won’t let you travel through the U.K., you have to get a separate visa!

United Kingdom
United Kingdom Flag

United Kingdom: Facts and Figures

  • Neighbors: Ireland, Germany, France
  • Size: 94,060 square miles
  • Population: 67,545,000 (22nd, 2019)
  • Density: 661.9 people per square mile
  • Capital City: London (population 8,546,000)
  • Head of State: Queen Elizabeth II
  • Head of Government Prime Minister: Boris Johnson
  • Currency: British Pound (GBP) or sterling
  • Main Imports: Manufactured goods, machinery, fuels, foodstuff
  • Main Exports: Manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, tobacco, David Beckham, Simon Cowell
  • Imports Partners: Germany 12.6%, China 8%, Netherlands 7.5%, France 5.4%, U.S. 6.5%, Norway 4%, Belgium 4.4%
  • Exports Partners: Germany 11.3%, U.S. 10.5%, Netherlands 8.8%, France, 7.4%, Ireland 6.2%, Belgium 5.1%
  • Time Zone: GMT
  • Website: https://www.gov.uk/

Economic Overview

The U.K. is the world’s sixth-largest economy and the second-largest in Europe after Germany. As far as history shows us, they’re a force to reckon with. After all, it is Britain that started the Industrial Revolution.

The U.K. also had the world’s largest empire back in the day. So for the past 300 years or so, the U.K. has been a relevant world power.

Now that’s what you call consistency!

In terms of trade, England is a net importer of goods with a consistent trade deficit.

Its largest trading partner is the eurozone, more specifically Germany, which shouldn’t come as a surprise because Germany is a stone’s throw away across the English Channel.

Trade activity with the eurozone accounts for over half of the UK’s trading activity. The U.S., on an individual basis, still remains the U.K.’s largest trading partner.

Not only do the British have cool accents and hotties like Kate Beckinsale, but it is also home to arguably the oldest major financial center in the world: London. Having a financial hub like London amplifies England’s place in world trade.