Capital:

London

Land:

241,590 sq km

Currency (code):

British pound (GBP)

Exchange rates:

British pounds per US dollar - 0.4993 (2007), 0.5418 (2006), 0.5493 (2005), 0.5462 (2004), 0.6125 (2003)

Population:

60,776,238 (July 2007 est.)

Age structure:

• 0-14 years: 17.2% (male 5,349,053/female 5,095,837)
• 15-64 years: 67% (male 20,605,031/female 20,104,313)
• 65 years and over: 15.8% (male 4,123,464/female 5,498,540) (2007 est.)

Population growth rate:

0.275% (2007 est.)

Religions:

Christian (Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 71.6%, Muslim 2.7%, Hindu 1%, other 1.6%, unspecified or none 23.1% (2001 census)

Climate:

The climate, which is moderated by Gulf Stream currents, is temperate and wet. Weather changes are frequent. In the winter, temperatures rarely drop much below freezing, and summer temperatures average 60 to 70°F (15–21°C). Humidity levels, ranging from medium to high, can make it seem colder or warmer than temperatures indicate.

Language:

English is the official language of the UK. It often differs from the English used in the United States in terms of spelling, pronunciation, idiom, and intonation. In addition to English, various regional languages are spoken: Welsh (Cymraeg) in Wales, Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge) in Northern Ireland, and Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and Scots in Scotland. In general, these are first languages only in rural areas, though a growing number of people are choosing to learn them as second languages. Scots, however, is spoken widely and often interchangeably with English in Scotland.

General Attitudes:

In general, Britons value moderate behavior and emotional reserve. They may be embarrassed by displays of emotion or excessive enthusiasm. The British tend to be rather self-deprecating with a somewhat cynical worldview and are known for a wry sense of humor and . They are inclined to be suspicious of exaggerations and absolute statements. The dominance of the UK’s traditional class system has begun to decline in the last generation. Nevertheless, social class can sometimes still be observed in people’s accents, manners, and homes. Social status generally is defined by one’s education and profession.

Greetings:

A firm, but not aggressive, handshake is the most common form of greeting, whether for formal occasions, visits, or introductions. When people are already acquainted, they will often use verbal greetings instead. Among friends, women often are kissed lightly (by men and women), usually on one cheek, though Scots tend to be less demonstrative. When passing a stranger on the street in the countryside, it is appropriate to smile and say Hello, Good morning, Good afternoon, or Good evening, if one establishes eye contact with that person. Such exchanges occur infrequently in large cities. Most people call friends and young people by first name but use titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.) in formal situations.

Labor force:

30.71 million (2007 est.)

Labor force - by occupation:

• agriculture: 1.4%
• industry: 18.2%
• services: 80.4% (2006 est.)

Unemployment rate:

5.4% (2007 est.)

Inflation rate (consumer prices):

2.4% (2007 est.)

Natural resources:

coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron ore, lead, zinc, gold, tin, limestone, salt, clay, chalk, gypsum, potash, silica sand, slate, arable land

Exports:

$415.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Exports - commodities:

manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals; food, beverages, tobacco

Exports - partners:

US 13.9%, Germany 10.9%, France 10.4%, Ireland 7.1%, Netherlands 6.3%, Belgium 5.2%, Spain 4.5% (2006)

Imports:

$595.6 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)

Imports - commodities:

manufactured goods, machinery, fuels; foodstuffs

Imports - partners:

Germany 12.8%, US 8.9%, France 6.9%, Netherlands 6.6%, China 5.3%, Norway 4.9%, Belgium 4.5% (2006)