The United Kingdom

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, also known as the United Kingdom (UK or U.K.) or Britain, is a sovereign country off the European mainland’s northwestern coast. The United Kingdom has a total area of 240,000 km2 (94,000 square miles). The United Kingdom consists of the north­eastern part of Ireland’s island, the island of Great Britain, and a number of smaller islands. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland; otherwise, the Atlantic Ocean surrounds it, with the English Channel to the south, the Celtic Sea to the southwest, and the North Sea to the east, giving it the world’s twelfth-longest coastline. The Irish Sea separates the United Kingdom and Ireland. Below is a list with some of the most interesting facts about the United Kingdom. Translations from these sites: 1; 2

The United Kingdom includes four countries. First let’s start with explaining the distinctions between United Kingdom, Great Britain and Britain.

• UK: United Kingdom is an country belonging to the European continent that includes four separate countries on the British isles: England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
• Great Britain is the name for three nations on the main isle: England, Scotland and Wales
• Britain is used only for including the mainland countries England and Wales

1. Tea is by far the most famous drink among the British. It is estimated that they drink 165 million cups of tea every day. The fun thing here is that in the U.S. the tea’s consumption is 20 times lower.

2. London houses more than 8 million citizens who communicate via different languages. It is estimated that more than 300 languages are spoken in the city.

3. The first postage stamp was created in the U.K. It was designed in May 1840, and it featured Queen Victoria.

4. The monument of Stonehenge is claimed to be one of the oldest monuments in the world, scientists believe that it was built over in 3,000 B.C.

5. Standing at 1,107 feet or 350 meters, London’s Shard is the tallest object in the European continent.

6. Golf was invented in Scotland and is considered a national sport today. Sources claim that golf was created in 1457. It got so prevalent that James II banned it because it interrupted with army’s practice.

7. The typical food in the U.K. is roast beef and Yorkshire beef, but the Brits have voted Chicken Tikka as their national dish. The Chicken Tikka is actually an Indian recipe.

8. European continental land is linked with The U.K. through the Channel Tunnel. It connects the city of Calais (France) and Dover (England). At 21 miles this road is the second-longest underground tunnel. 

9. Queen Elizabeth is the longest-reigning Queen in the world.

10. The British royal family still resides at The Windsor Castle making it the oldest royal residence.

11. London Heathrow is the biggest airport on the European continent.

12. There is only one land border to Ireland.

13. Bishop Rock off the Scilly Isles in southern England is the smallest of the UK islands.

14. London: The capital city has many attractions. London’s Shard skyscraper is the tallest building on the European continent with 310 m/ 1,015 ft. in height.

15. Edinburgh: The capital city of Scotland since 1437 is known for its castle and the Royal mile. The International Fringe Festival in the city attracts more than 250,000 visitors every year!

16. Windsor: This quaint town in Southern England is also known for its castle, which is a royal residence built in the 11th century. Windsor castle is the largest inhabited castle in the world.