Scuba Diving in

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK) or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of continental Europe. It is a unitary state comprising four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The UK is the 21st largest country by land area and the 22nd most populous country in the world. Its capital and largest city is London, which is also the UK’s largest metropolitan area and one of the world’s leading global cities.

Marine Species in

United Kingdom

Dive Centres in

United Kingdom

Sound Diving

744421
SSI Instructor Training Center

Geography

The UK occupies a total area of 242,495 square kilometres (93,628 sq mi) and includes the island of Great Britain, the northeastern part of the island of Ireland, and over 100 smaller islands. The UK is separated from mainland Europe by the North Sea, the English Channel, and the Strait of Dover. It is a relatively small country, but its varied terrain includes mountains, valleys, hills, plateaus, and coastal plains. The highest point in the UK is Ben Nevis in Scotland, at 1,345 metres (4,413 ft). The UK is a relatively temperate country, with a maritime climate influenced by the North Atlantic Current. The climate is generally mild, with cool, wet winters and warm, sunny summers.

Population

As of 2022, the UK has a population of approximately 67.2 million people. The largest ethnic group in the UK is white British, followed by Indian, Pakistani, and Black Caribbean. The UK is a culturally diverse country, with people from all over the world coming to live and work there. The official language of the UK is English, but there are also a number of regional languages, including Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic.

Culture

The UK has a rich and diverse culture, influenced by its history, geography, and people. The UK is known for its literature, music, art, theatre, and film. Some of the most famous British writers include William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and J.K. Rowling. The UK is also home to a number of world-renowned musicians, including the Beatles, Queen, and Adele. The UK has a long and proud tradition of theatre, with the West End in London being one of the most famous theatre districts in the world. The UK is also a major film producer, with many films and television shows being produced in the country each year.

Economy

The UK is a highly developed country with a mixed economy. The UK is a member of the G7, the G20, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the World Trade Organization (WTO). The UK is a major center for finance, banking, insurance, and business services. The UK is also a leading exporter of goods and services. The UK's main exports include cars, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace products.

History

The UK has a long and complex history, dating back to the Roman Empire. The UK was formed through a series of political unions, beginning with the unification of England and Wales in 1536, followed by the union of Scotland and England in 1707. The UK was a major power during the 19th and 20th centuries, playing a significant role in the Industrial Revolution, World War I, and World War II. The UK has been a member of the European Union (EU) since 1973, but voted to leave the EU in a referendum in 2016. The UK officially left the EU on 31 January 2020.

Major Landmarks

The UK is home to a number of famous landmarks, including:

  • The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London
  • The Tower of London
  • Stonehenge in Wiltshire
  • Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh
  • Buckingham Palace in London
  • The Cliffs of Dover in Kent
  • The Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland
  • The Lake District in Cumbria
  • The Scottish Highlands