Facts
Official Name: United Kingdom of Great Britain
Capital: London
System of Government: Constitutional Monarchy
Area: 242,514 sq km (93,638 sq miles)
Estimated Population: 60,200,000
The United Kingdom is a Member of the European Union.

Economic profile
The UK is a leading trading power and a financial centre. Agriculture is an important industry and highly efficient. Primary energy, like coal and oil, are major contributors to the economy however, services like banking and insurance are the greatest contributors.

The People
The majority of the population is English, Scottish, Welsh and Irish. However, Britain is an extremely diverse nation with a strong culture of racial integration and unity.

The Climate
Britain has a fairly temperate climate and is sometimes overcast. The weather can vary greatly from day to day, but generally summer (June-August) is a hot 14-30 °C, and winter (December-February) is a cool 1-4 °C.

Currency
The currency in the United Kingdom is the Pound Sterling (£).

Opening Hours
Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 8.00pm and on Sundays from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm. In smaller towns many shops tend to be open on Sundays also.

Electrical Current
Voltage is 240 volts AC at 50HZ. Appliances generally use standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets. Most non-UK appliances will require a transformer and a plug adapter for use in the United Kingdom.