World War II | Facts, Summary, History, Dates, Combatants, & Causes
World War II began in Europe on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. Great Britain and France responded by declaring war on Germany ...
Great Britain
Having achieved this cynical agreement, the other provisions of which stupefied Europe even without divulgence of the secret protocol, Hitler thought that Germany could attack Poland with no danger of Soviet or British intervention and gave orders for the invasion to start on August 26. News of the signing, on August 25, of a formal treaty of mutual assistance between Great Britain and Poland (to supersede a previous though temporary agreement) caused him to postpone the start of hostilities for a few days. He was still determined, however, to ignore the diplomatic efforts of the western powers to restrain him. Finally, at 12:40 pm on August 31, 1939, Hitler ordered hostilities against Poland to start at 4:45 the next morning. The invasion began as ordered. In response, <anchor>Great Britain</anchor> and France declared war on Germany on September 3, at 11:00 am and at 5:00 pm, respectively. World War II had begun.
United Kingdom | History, Population, Map, Flag, Capital, & Facts | Britannica
United Kingdom \| History, Population, Map, Flag, Capital, & Facts \| Britannica

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[United Kingdom](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom)

Table of Contents


- [Introduction & Quick Facts](/place/United-Kingdom)

- [Land](/place/United-Kingdom#ref44671)



- [Relief](/place/United-Kingdom#ref44672)

  - [The highland zone](/place/United-Kingdom/The-highland-zone)

  - [The lowland zone](/place/United-Kingdom/The-lowland-zone)

- [Drainage](/place/United-Kingdom/The-lowland-zone#ref44675)

- [Soils](/place/United-Kingdom/The-lowland-zone#ref44676)

- [Climate](/place/United-Kingdom/The-lowland-zone#ref44677)

- [Plant and animal life](/place/United-Kingdom/Plant-and-animal-life)

- [People](/place/United-Kingdom/Plant-and-animal-life#ref44682)



- [Ethnic groups](/place/United-Kingdom/Plant-and-animal-life#ref44683)

- [Languages](/place/United-Kingdom/Plant-and-animal-life#ref44684)

- [Religion](/place/United-Kingdom/Religion)

- [Settlement patterns](/place/United-Kingdom/Religion#ref225229)

  - [Rural settlement](/place/United-Kingdom/Religion#ref225230)

  - [Urban settlement](/place/United-Kingdom/Urban-settlement)

- [Demographic trends](/place/United-Kingdom/Urban-settlement#ref44686)

  - [Population growth](/place/United-Kingdom/Urban-settlement#ref44687)

  - [Migration patterns](/place/United-Kingdom/Urban-settlement#ref44688)

- [Economy](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy)



- [Agriculture, forestry, and fishing](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44691)

  - [Agriculture](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44692)

  - [Forestry](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44693)

  - [Fishing](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44694)

- [Resources and power](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44690)

  - [Minerals](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref225232)

  - [Energy](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref225233)

- [Manufacturing](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44695)

- [Finance](/place/United-Kingdom/Economy#ref44699)

- [Trade](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade)

- [Services](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade#ref215040)

- [Labour and taxation](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade#ref225234)

- [Transportation and telecommunications](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade#ref44701)

- [Government and society](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade#ref44702)



- [Constitutional framework](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade#ref225235)

- [Regional government](/place/United-Kingdom/Trade#ref215041)

- [Local government](/place/United-Kingdom/Local-government)

- [Justice](/place/United-Kingdom/Local-government#ref44709)

- [Political process](/place/United-Kingdom/Local-government#ref44706)

- [Security](/place/United-Kingdom/Local-government#ref44710)

- [Health and welfare](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare)

  - [The National Health Service](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare#ref44717)

  - [Cash benefits](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare#ref44718)

- [Housing](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare#ref44719)

- [Education](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare#ref44712)

  - [Primary and secondary education](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare#ref44713)

  - [Private schools](/place/United-Kingdom/Health-and-welfare#ref44714)

  - [Higher education](/place/United-Kingdom/Higher-education)

- [Cultural life](/place/United-Kingdom/Higher-education#ref44720)



- [Daily life and social customs](/place/United-Kingdom/Higher-education#ref225236)

- [The arts](/place/United-Kingdom/Higher-education#ref225237)

- [Cultural institutions](/place/United-Kingdom/Higher-education#ref225238)

- [Sports and recreation](/place/United-Kingdom/Sports-and-recreation)

- [Media and publishing](/place/United-Kingdom/Sports-and-recreation#ref44722)

  - [Newspapers](/place/United-Kingdom/Sports-and-recreation#ref44723)

  - [Broadcasting](/place/United-Kingdom/Sports-and-recreation#ref44724)

- [History](/place/United-Kingdom/Sports-and-recreation#ref214519)



- [Ancient Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Ancient-Britain)

  - [Pre-Roman Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Ancient-Britain#ref44731)

    - [Neolithic Period](/place/United-Kingdom/Ancient-Britain#ref44732)

    - [Bronze Age](/place/United-Kingdom/Ancient-Britain#ref44733)

    - [Iron Age](/place/United-Kingdom/Ancient-Britain#ref44734)

  - [Roman Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-Britain)

    - [The conquest](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-Britain#ref44736)

    - [Condition of the province](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-Britain#ref44737)

      - [Army and frontier](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-Britain#ref44738)

      - [Administration](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-Britain#ref44739)

    - [Roman society](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-society)

      - [Economy](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-society#ref44741)

      - [Towns](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-society#ref44742)

      - [Villas](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-society#ref44743)

      - [Religion and culture](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-society#ref44744)

    - [The decline of Roman rule](/place/United-Kingdom/Roman-society#ref44745)

- [Anglo-Saxon England](/place/United-Kingdom/Anglo-Saxon-England)

  - [The invaders and their early settlements](/place/United-Kingdom/Anglo-Saxon-England#ref44747)

    - [The social system](/place/United-Kingdom/Anglo-Saxon-England#ref44748)

    - [The conversion to Christianity](/place/United-Kingdom/Anglo-Saxon-England#ref44749)

    - [The golden age of Bede](/place/United-Kingdom/Anglo-Saxon-England#ref44750)

  - [The heptarchy](/place/United-Kingdom/The-heptarchy)

    - [The supremacy of Northumbria and the rise of Mercia](/place/United-Kingdom/The-heptarchy#ref44752)

    - [The great age of Mercia](/place/United-Kingdom/The-heptarchy#ref44753)

    - [The church and scholarship in Offa’s time](/place/United-Kingdom/The-heptarchy#ref44754)

    - [The decline of Mercia and the rise of Wessex](/place/United-Kingdom/The-heptarchy#ref44755)

  - [The period of the Scandinavian invasions](/place/United-Kingdom/The-period-of-the-Scandinavian-invasions)

    - [Viking invasions and settlements](/place/United-Kingdom/The-period-of-the-Scandinavian-invasions#ref44757)

    - [Alfred’s government and his revival of learning](/place/United-Kingdom/The-period-of-the-Scandinavian-invasions#ref44758)

  - [The achievement of political unity](/place/United-Kingdom/The-period-of-the-Scandinavian-invasions#ref44759)

    - [The reconquest of the Danelaw](/place/United-Kingdom/The-period-of-the-Scandinavian-invasions#ref44760)

    - [The kingdom of England](/place/United-Kingdom/The-period-of-the-Scandinavian-invasions#ref44761)

    - [The church and the monastic revival](/place/United-Kingdom/The-church-and-the-monastic-revival)

  - [The Anglo-Danish state](/place/United-Kingdom/The-church-and-the-monastic-revival#ref44763)

    - [The Danish conquest and the reigns of the Danish kings](/place/United-Kingdom/The-church-and-the-monastic-revival#ref44764)

    - [The reign of Edward the Confessor and the Norman Conquest](/place/United-Kingdom/The-church-and-the-monastic-revival#ref44765)

- [The Normans (1066–1154)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154)

  - [William I (1066–87)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154#ref44767)

    - [Resistance and rebellion](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154#ref44768)

    - [The introduction of feudalism](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154#ref44769)

    - [Government and justice](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154#ref44770)

    - [Church–state relations](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154#ref44771)

    - [William’s accomplishments](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Normans-1066-1154#ref44772)

  - [The sons of William I](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I)

    - [William II Rufus (1087–1100)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I#ref44774)

    - [Henry I (1100–35)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I#ref44775)

  - [The period of anarchy (1135–54)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I#ref44776)

    - [Matilda and Stephen](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I#ref44777)

    - [Civil war](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I#ref44778)

  - [England in the Norman period](/place/United-Kingdom/The-sons-of-William-I#ref44779)

- [The early Plantagenets](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Plantagenets)

  - [Henry II (1154–89)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Plantagenets#ref44781)

    - [Government of England](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Plantagenets#ref44782)

    - [Struggle with Thomas Becket](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Plantagenets#ref44783)

    - [Rebellion of Henry’s sons and Eleanor of Aquitaine](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Plantagenets#ref44784)

  - [Richard I (1189–99)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Plantagenets#ref44785)

  - [John (1199–1216)](/place/United-Kingdom/John-1199-1216)

    - [Loss of French possessions](/place/United-Kingdom/John-1199-1216#ref44787)

    - [Struggle with the papacy](/place/United-Kingdom/John-1199-1216#ref44788)

    - [Revolt of the barons and Magna Carta](/place/United-Kingdom/John-1199-1216#ref44789)

    - [Economy and society](/place/United-Kingdom/John-1199-1216#ref44790)

- [The 13th century](/place/United-Kingdom/John-1199-1216#ref44791)

  - [Henry III (1216–72)](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-III-1216-72)

    - [Minority](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-III-1216-72#ref44793)

    - [Early reign](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-III-1216-72#ref44794)

    - [The county communities](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-III-1216-72#ref44795)

    - [Simon de Montfort and the Barons’ War](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-III-1216-72#ref44796)

    - [Later reign](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-III-1216-72#ref44797)

  - [Edward I (1272–1307)](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-I-1272-1307)

    - [Law and government](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-I-1272-1307#ref44799)

    - [Finance](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-I-1272-1307#ref44800)

    - [The growth of Parliament](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-I-1272-1307#ref44801)

    - [Edward’s wars](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-I-1272-1307#ref44802)

    - [Domestic difficulties](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-I-1272-1307#ref44803)

  - [Social, economic, and cultural change](/place/United-Kingdom/Social-economic-and-cultural-change)

- [The 14th century](/place/United-Kingdom/Social-economic-and-cultural-change#ref44805)

  - [Edward II (1307–27)](/place/United-Kingdom/Social-economic-and-cultural-change#ref44806)

  - [Edward III (1327–77)](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-III-1327-77)

    - [The Hundred Years’ War to 1360](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-III-1327-77#ref44808)

    - [Domestic achievements](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-III-1327-77#ref44809)

    - [Law and order](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-III-1327-77#ref44810)

    - [The crises of Edward’s later years](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-III-1327-77#ref44811)

  - [Richard II (1377–99)](/place/United-Kingdom/Richard-II-1377-99)

    - [The Peasants’ Revolt (1381)](/place/United-Kingdom/Richard-II-1377-99#ref44813)

    - [John Wycliffe](/place/United-Kingdom/Richard-II-1377-99#ref44814)

    - [Political struggles and Richard’s deposition](/place/United-Kingdom/Richard-II-1377-99#ref44815)

  - [Economic crisis and cultural change](/place/United-Kingdom/Richard-II-1377-99#ref44816)

- [Lancaster and York](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York)

  - [Henry IV (1399–1413)](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44818)

    - [The rebellions](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44819)

    - [Henry and Parliament](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44820)

  - [Henry V (1413–22)](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44821)

    - [The French war](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44822)

    - [Domestic affairs](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44823)

  - [Henry VI (1422–61 and 1470–71)](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44824)

    - [Domestic rivalries and the loss of France](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44825)

    - [Cade’s rebellion](/place/United-Kingdom/Lancaster-and-York#ref44826)

    - [The beginning of the Wars of the Roses](/place/United-Kingdom/The-beginning-of-the-Wars-of-the-Roses)

  - [Edward IV (1461–70 and 1471–83)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-beginning-of-the-Wars-of-the-Roses#ref44828)

  - [Richard III (1483–85)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-beginning-of-the-Wars-of-the-Roses#ref44829)

  - [England in the 15th century](/place/United-Kingdom/England-in-the-15th-century)

- [England under the Tudors](/place/United-Kingdom/England-in-the-15th-century#ref44831)

  - [Henry VII (1485–1509)](/place/United-Kingdom/England-in-the-15th-century#ref44832)

    - [Economy and society](/place/United-Kingdom/England-in-the-15th-century#ref44833)

    - [Dynastic threats](/place/United-Kingdom/Dynastic-threats)

    - [Financial policy](/place/United-Kingdom/Dynastic-threats#ref44835)

    - [The administration of justice](/place/United-Kingdom/Dynastic-threats#ref44836)

  - [Henry VIII (1509–47)](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-VIII-1509-47)

    - [Cardinal Wolsey](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-VIII-1509-47#ref44838)

    - [The king’s “Great Matter”](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-VIII-1509-47#ref44839)

    - [The Reformation background](/place/United-Kingdom/Henry-VIII-1509-47#ref44840)

    - [The break with Rome](/place/United-Kingdom/The-break-with-Rome)

    - [The consolidation of the Reformation](/place/United-Kingdom/The-break-with-Rome#ref44842)

    - [The expansion of the English state](/place/United-Kingdom/The-break-with-Rome#ref275884)

    - [Henry’s last years](/place/United-Kingdom/The-break-with-Rome#ref44843)

  - [Edward VI (1547–53)](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-VI-1547-53)

  - [Mary I (1553–58)](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-VI-1547-53#ref44845)

  - [Elizabeth I (1558–1603)](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-VI-1547-53#ref44846)

    - [The Tudor ideal of government](/place/United-Kingdom/Edward-VI-1547-53#ref44847)

    - [Elizabethan society](/place/United-Kingdom/Elizabethan-society)

    - [Mary, Queen of Scots](/place/United-Kingdom/Elizabethan-society#ref44849)

    - [The clash with Spain](/place/United-Kingdom/The-clash-with-Spain)

    - [Internal discontent](/place/United-Kingdom/The-clash-with-Spain#ref44851)

- [The early Stuarts and the Commonwealth](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Stuarts-and-the-Commonwealth)

  - [England in 1603](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Stuarts-and-the-Commonwealth#ref44853)

    - [Economy and society](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Stuarts-and-the-Commonwealth#ref44854)

    - [Government and society](/place/United-Kingdom/The-early-Stuarts-and-the-Commonwealth#ref44855)

  - [James I (1603–25)](/place/United-Kingdom/James-I-1603-25)

    - [Triple monarchy](/place/United-Kingdom/James-I-1603-25#ref275885)

    - [Religious policy](/place/United-Kingdom/James-I-1603-25#ref44857)

    - [Finance and politics](/place/United-Kingdom/James-I-1603-25#ref44858)

    - [Factions and favourites](/place/United-Kingdom/James-I-1603-25#ref44859)

  - [Charles I (1625–49)](/place/United-Kingdom/Charles-I-1625-49)

    - [The politics of war](/place/United-Kingdom/Charles-I-1625-49#ref44861)

    - [Peace and reform](/place/United-Kingdom/Charles-I-1625-49#ref44862)

    - [Religious reform](/place/United-Kingdom/Charles-I-1625-49#ref44863)

    - [The Long Parliament](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Long-Parliament)

    - [Civil war and revolution](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Long-Parliament#ref44865)

    - [Commonwealth and Protectorate](/place/United-Kingdom/Commonwealth-and-Protectorate)

- [The later Stuarts](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts)

  - [Charles II (1660–85)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44868)

    - [The Restoration](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44869)

    - [War and government](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44870)

    - [The Popish Plot](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44871)

    - [The exclusion crisis and the Tory reaction](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44872)

  - [James II (1685–88)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44873)

    - [Church and king](/place/United-Kingdom/The-later-Stuarts#ref44874)

    - [The Revolution of 1688](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Revolution-of-1688)

  - [William III (1689–1702) and Mary II (1689–94)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Revolution-of-1688#ref44876)

    - [The revolution settlement](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Revolution-of-1688#ref44877)

    - [A new society](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Revolution-of-1688#ref275886)

    - [The sinews of war](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Revolution-of-1688#ref44878)

  - [Anne (1702–14)](/place/United-Kingdom/Anne-1702-14)

    - [Whigs and Tories](/place/United-Kingdom/Anne-1702-14#ref44880)

    - [Tories and Jacobites](/place/United-Kingdom/Anne-1702-14#ref44881)

- [18th-century Britain, 1714–1815](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815)

  - [The state of Britain in 1714](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44883)

  - [Britain from 1715 to 1742](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44884)

    - [The supremacy of the Whigs](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44885)

    - [Robert Walpole](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44886)

      - [George II and Walpole](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44887)

      - [Foreign policy](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44888)

      - [Religious policy](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44889)

      - [Economic policies](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44890)

    - [The electoral system](/place/United-Kingdom/18th-century-Britain-1714-1815#ref44891)

    - [Walpole’s loss of power](/place/United-Kingdom/Walpoles-loss-of-power)

  - [Britain from 1742 to 1754](/place/United-Kingdom/Walpoles-loss-of-power#ref44893)

    - [The Jacobite rebellion](/place/United-Kingdom/Walpoles-loss-of-power#ref44894)

    - [The rule of the Pelhams](/place/United-Kingdom/Walpoles-loss-of-power#ref44895)

    - [Domestic reforms](/place/United-Kingdom/Walpoles-loss-of-power#ref44896)

  - [British society by the mid-18th century](/place/United-Kingdom/British-society-by-the-mid-18th-century)

    - [Joseph Massie’s categories](/place/United-Kingdom/British-society-by-the-mid-18th-century#ref44898)

    - [Urban development](/place/United-Kingdom/British-society-by-the-mid-18th-century#ref44899)

    - [Change and continuity](/place/United-Kingdom/British-society-by-the-mid-18th-century#ref44900)

    - [The revolution in communications](/place/United-Kingdom/British-society-by-the-mid-18th-century#ref44901)

  - [Britain from 1754 to 1783](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1754-to-1783)

    - [Conflict abroad](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1754-to-1783#ref44903)

    - [Political instability in Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1754-to-1783#ref44904)

    - [The American Revolution](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1754-to-1783#ref44905)

    - [Domestic responses to the American Revolution](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1754-to-1783#ref44906)

  - [Britain from 1783 to 1815](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1754-to-1783#ref44907)

    - [William Pitt the Younger](/place/United-Kingdom/William-Pitt-the-Younger)

    - [Economic growth and prosperity](/place/United-Kingdom/William-Pitt-the-Younger#ref44909)

    - [The Industrial Revolution](/place/United-Kingdom/William-Pitt-the-Younger#ref44910)

    - [Britain during the French Revolution](/place/United-Kingdom/William-Pitt-the-Younger#ref44911)

    - [The Napoleonic Wars](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Napoleonic-Wars)

    - [Imperial expansion](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Napoleonic-Wars#ref44913)

- [Great Britain, 1815–1914](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Napoleonic-Wars#ref44914)

  - [Britain after the Napoleonic Wars](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Napoleonic-Wars#ref44915)

    - [State and society](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Napoleonic-Wars#ref274567)

    - [The political situation](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Napoleonic-Wars#ref274568)

  - [Early and mid-Victorian Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain)

    - [State and society](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain#ref274569)

    - [The political situation](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain#ref274570)

      - [Whig reforms](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain#ref274571)

      - [Chartism and the Anti-Corn Law League](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain#ref274572)

      - [Peel and the Peelite heritage](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain#ref274573)

      - [Palmerston](/place/United-Kingdom/Early-and-mid-Victorian-Britain#ref274574)

      - [Gladstone and Disraeli](/place/United-Kingdom/Gladstone-and-Disraeli)

    - [Economy and society](/place/United-Kingdom/Gladstone-and-Disraeli#ref44926)

    - [Cultural change](/place/United-Kingdom/Cultural-change)

      - [The development of private life](/place/United-Kingdom/Cultural-change#ref274576)

      - [Religion](/place/United-Kingdom/Cultural-change#ref274577)

      - [Leisure](/place/United-Kingdom/Cultural-change#ref274578)

  - [Late Victorian Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain)

    - [State and society](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain#ref274580)

    - [The political situation](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain#ref274581)

      - [Gladstone and Chamberlain](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain#ref274582)

      - [The Irish question](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain#ref274583)

      - [Split of the Liberal Party](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain#ref274584)

      - [Imperialism and British politics](/place/United-Kingdom/Late-Victorian-Britain#ref274585)

      - [The return of the Liberals](/place/United-Kingdom/The-return-of-the-Liberals)

      - [The international crisis](/place/United-Kingdom/The-return-of-the-Liberals#ref274587)

    - [Economy and society](/place/United-Kingdom/The-return-of-the-Liberals#ref274588)

    - [Family and gender](/place/United-Kingdom/The-return-of-the-Liberals#ref274589)

    - [Mass culture](/place/United-Kingdom/The-return-of-the-Liberals#ref274590)

- [Britain from 1914 to the present](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present)

  - [The political situation](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274520)

    - [World War I](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274521)

      - [The Asquith coalition](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274522)

      - [Lloyd George](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274523)

    - [Between the wars](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274524)

      - [The election of 1918](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274525)

      - [Harsh peace and hard times](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274526)

      - [Ireland and the return of the Conservatives](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274527)

      - [The Baldwin era](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-from-1914-to-the-present#ref274528)

      - [Baldwin and the abdication crisis](/place/United-Kingdom/Baldwin-and-the-abdication-crisis)

      - [Foreign policy and appeasement](/place/United-Kingdom/Baldwin-and-the-abdication-crisis#ref274530)

    - [World War II](/place/United-Kingdom/Baldwin-and-the-abdication-crisis#ref274531)

      - [The phases of war](/place/United-Kingdom/Baldwin-and-the-abdication-crisis#ref274532)

      - [Political developments](/place/United-Kingdom/Baldwin-and-the-abdication-crisis#ref274533)

    - [Britain since 1945](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945)

      - [Labour and the welfare state (1945–51)](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274535)

      - [Economic crisis and relief (1947)](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274536)

      - [Withdrawal from the empire](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274537)

      - [Conservative government (1951–64)](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274538)

      - [Labour interlude (1964–70)](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274539)

      - [The return of the Conservatives (1970–74)](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274540)

      - [Labour back in power (1974–79)](/place/United-Kingdom/Britain-since-1945#ref274541)

      - [The Margaret Thatcher government (1979–90)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90)

        - [The Falkland Islands War, the 1983 election, and privatization](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342384)

        - [Racial discrimination and the 1981 England riots](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342385)

        - [The 2001 England riots](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342386)

        - [The “Troubles” in Northern Ireland](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342387)

        - [“Thatcherism”](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342388)

      - [The government of John Major (1990–97)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref274543)

        - [“Black Wednesday,” epidemic scandals, and Major’s “Citizens Charter”](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342389)

        - [“Mad cow disease”](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Margaret-Thatcher-government-1979-90#ref342390)

      - [The Tony Blair government (1997–2007)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007)

        - [The struggle for control of Labour](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342392)

        - [New Labour, the repeal of Clause IV, and the “third way”](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342393)

        - [Navigating the European monetary system and the EU Social Chapter](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342394)

        - [The Good Friday Agreement](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342395)

        - [London’s local government, House of Lords reform, and devolution for Scotland and Wales](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342396)

        - [The royal family’s “annus horribilis,” the death of Princess Diana, and the Millennium Dome](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342397)

        - [The battle for the soul of the Conservative Party](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342398)

        - [Response to the September 11 attacks](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342399)

        - [Weapons of mass destruction and the Iraq War](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref342400)

      - [The Gordon Brown government (2007–10)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Tony-Blair-government-1997-2007#ref274544)

      - [Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition rule (2010–15)](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15)

        - [The U.K. general election of 2010](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342401)

        - [First-past-the-post referendum](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342402)

        - [Intervention in Libya](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342403)

        - [_News of the World_ hacking scandal](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342404)

        - [The 2011 riots, the European sovereign debt crisis, and Cameron’s veto of changes to the Lisbon Treaty](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342405)

        - [The 2012 London Olympics, Julian Assange’s embassy refuge, and the emergence of UKIP](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342406)

        - [The birth of George, rejection of intervention in Syria, and regulation of GCHQ](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342407)

        - [Euroskepticism](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342408)

        - [Scottish independence referendum](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342409)

        - [Economic recovery](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342410)

      - [David Cameron on his own (2015–16)](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref332805)

        - [The U.K. general election of 2015](/place/United-Kingdom/Conservative-Liberal-Democrat-coalition-rule-2010-15#ref342411)

        - [The “Brexit” referendum](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum)

      - [The premiership of Theresa May (2016–19)](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref337649)

        - [The resignation of Cameron, the rise of May, and a challenge to Corbyn’s leadership of Labour](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342413)

        - [Triggering Article 50](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342414)

        - [The Manchester arena bombing and London bridge attacks](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342415)

        - [The snap election campaign](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342416)

        - [The 2017 U.K. general election](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342417)

        - [The Grenfell Tower fire, a novichok attack in Salisbury, and air strikes on Syria](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342418)

        - [The wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Chequers plan, and Boris Johnson’s resignation](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342419)

        - [EU agreement and Parliamentary opposition to May’s Brexit plan](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342420)

        - [Objections to the Irish backstop and a challenge to May’s leadership](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342421)

        - [Parliamentary rejection of May’s plan, May’s survival of a confidence vote, and the Independent Group of breakaway MPs](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342422)

        - [Parliament rejects May’s plan again](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342423)

        - [“Indicative votes,” May’s pledge to resign, a third defeat for her plan, and a new deadline](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref342486)

      - [The Boris Johnson government](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref350369)

        - [Boris Johnson’s ascent, the December 2019 snap election, and Brexit](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref344342)

        - [The coronavirus pandemic](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref347309)

        - [“Partygate”](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref350370)

        - [Further scandal and Johnson’s resignation](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref351071)

      - [The premiership of Liz Truss](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref351684)

        - [Ascent to office](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref352183)

        - [The death of Elizabeth II](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref352184)

        - [Abrupt resignation](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref352772)

      - [The premiership of Rishi Sunak](/place/United-Kingdom/The-Brexit-referendum#ref352803)

  - [Society, state, and economy](/place/United-Kingdom/Society-state-and-economy)

    - [State and society](/place/United-Kingdom/Society-state-and-economy#ref274546)

    - [Economy and society](/place/United-Kingdom/Society-state-and-economy#ref274547)

    - [Family and gender](/place/United-Kingdom/Family-and-gender)

    - [Mass culture](/place/United-Kingdom/Family-and-gender#ref274549)

- [Sovereigns of Britain](/place/United-Kingdom/Sovereigns-of-Britain)

- [Prime ministers of Great Britain and the United Kingdom](/place/United-Kingdom/Sovereigns-of-Britain#ref276899)


[References & Edit History](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/additional-info) [Facts & Stats](/facts/United-Kingdom)

[Images, Videos & Interactives](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/images-videos)

[![United Kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/25/4825-004-F1975B92/Flag-United-Kingdom.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/25/4825-050-977D8C5E/Flag-United-Kingdom.jpg)[![United Kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/4826-004-4994700F/United-Kingdom.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/4826-050-915ED74D/United-Kingdom.jpg)[![United Kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/183784-004-A1E621A9/World-Data-Locator-Map-United-Kingdom.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/183784-050-9C0C8C6B/World-Data-Locator-Map-United-Kingdom.jpg)[![Big Ben, London](https://cdn.britannica.com/13/99613-004-31B3604B/Big-Ben-London.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/13/99613-050-13B8A7D2/Big-Ben-London.jpg)[![British Isles terminology](https://cdn.britannica.com/41/193441-004-F59FCB25/Terminology-British-Isles-United-Kingdom-Ireland-Great.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/41/193441-050-13CCA6B5/Terminology-British-Isles-United-Kingdom-Ireland-Great.jpg)[![Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/60112-004-97372343/Stonehenge-earthwork-site-Wiltshire-England-Early-Bronze.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/60112-050-E856C922/Stonehenge-earthwork-site-Wiltshire-England-Early-Bronze.jpg)[![Ravenscraig Castle, Kirkcaldy, Scotland](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/1927-004-308BD790/Ravenscraig-Castle-Kirkcaldy-Scotland.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/1927-050-7DCB5384/Ravenscraig-Castle-Kirkcaldy-Scotland.jpg)[![Windermere, Cumbria, England](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/20307-004-44AEB441/Windermere-Cumbria-England.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/20307-050-A2FAB763/Windermere-Cumbria-England.jpg)[![North Channel coast, Northern Ireland](https://cdn.britannica.com/19/25419-004-F1E2CCD1/coast-North-Channel-Northern-Ireland-Torr-Head.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/19/25419-004-F1E2CCD1/coast-North-Channel-Northern-Ireland-Torr-Head.jpg)

For Students


[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/mendel-resources/3-124/images/shared/default3.png?v=3.124.78)](/summary/United-Kingdom)

[United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland summary](/summary/United-Kingdom)

Quizzes


[![Flags of all countries of the world. Flags of the world. National flags. Country flags. Hompepage blog 2009, history and society, geography and travel, explore discovery](https://cdn.britannica.com/40/129640-131-0EB20858/Flags-countries-world-flags-Country-blog-geography-2009.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/quiz/the-country-quiz)

[The Country Quiz](/quiz/the-country-quiz)

[![7:023 Geography: Think of Something Big, globe showing Africa, Europe, and Eurasia](https://cdn.britannica.com/95/168695-131-11055CC5/Geography-Something-globe-Europe-Eurasia-Africa.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/quiz/which-country-is-larger-by-area-quiz)

[Which Country Is Larger By Area? Quiz](/quiz/which-country-is-larger-by-area-quiz)

[![Flags of the world against blue sky. Countries, International. Globalization, global relations, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Poland, Palestine, Japan. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society](https://cdn.britannica.com/91/142291-131-1FF39F2D/Flags-world-blue-sky-Countries-Globalization-relations-2010.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/quiz/which-country-is-larger-by-population-quiz)

[Which Country Is Larger By Population? Quiz](/quiz/which-country-is-larger-by-population-quiz)

[![Britain's Queen Elizabeth II smiles to the crowd from Buckingham Palace (London, England) balcony at the end of the Platinum Pageant in London on June 5, 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. The curtain comes down on four days of momentous nationwide celebrations to honor Queen Elizabeth II's historic Platinum Jubilee with a day-long pageant lauding the 96 year old monarch's record seven decades on the throne. (British royalty)](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/235406-131-17CB8E3D/Queen-Elizabeth-II-Buckingham-Palace-Platinum-Jubilee-London-England-June-5-2022.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/quiz/fit-for-a-king-or-queen-the-british-royalty-quiz)

[Fit for a King (or Queen): the British Royalty Quiz](/quiz/fit-for-a-king-or-queen-the-british-royalty-quiz)

[![Royal golden crown with jewels on British flag. Symbols of United Kingdom. (British royalty, British monarchy)](https://cdn.britannica.com/09/242809-131-AAC5D871/British-crown-flag.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/quiz/a-royal-vocabulary-quiz)

[A Royal Vocabulary Quiz](/quiz/a-royal-vocabulary-quiz)

Related Questions


- [What is Charles Darwin famous for?](/question/What-is-Charles-Darwin-famous-for)
- [What is evolution, as Charles Darwin understood it?](/question/What-is-evolution-as-Charles-Darwin-understood-it)
- [What was Charles Darwin’s educational background?](/question/What-was-Charles-Darwins-educational-background)
- [What was Charles Darwin’s family life like?](/question/What-was-Charles-Darwins-family-life-like)
- [What were the social impacts of Charles Darwin’s work?](/question/What-were-the-social-impacts-of-Charles-Darwins-work)

Read Next


[![King Charles III and Queen Camilla (Camilla, Queen Consort) wave from the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Coronation of King Charles in London, England on May 6, 2023](https://cdn.britannica.com/24/243624-131-B9802941/King-Charles-III-Queen-Camilla-wave-balcony-Buckingham-Palace-Coronation-May-6-2023.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/list/british-royal-line-of-succession)

[British Royal Line of Succession](/list/british-royal-line-of-succession)

[![Union Jack flag of Great Britain, united kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/43/193443-131-17ABE1C9/Union-Jack-flag-Great-Britain-united-kingdom.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/whats-the-difference-between-great-britain-and-the-united-kingdom)

[What’s the Difference Between Great Britain and the United Kingdom?](/story/whats-the-difference-between-great-britain-and-the-united-kingdom)

[![Rural Irish landscape, Sligo, Ireland.](https://cdn.britannica.com/43/148643-131-2B2237A6/example-landscape-Irish-Ireland-Sligo.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/why-is-ireland-two-countries)

[Why Is Ireland Two Countries?](/story/why-is-ireland-two-countries)

[![Operation Barbarossa, German troops in Russia, 1941. Nazi German soldiers in action against the Red Army (Soviet Union) at an along the frontlines in the early days of the German invasion of the Soviet Union, 1941. World War II, WWII](https://cdn.britannica.com/01/150101-131-5F22EA90/soldiers-German-part-Soviet-Union-Operation-Barbarossa-1941.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/75th-anniversary-of-operation-barbarossa)

[75th Anniversary of Operation Barbarossa](/story/75th-anniversary-of-operation-barbarossa)

[![People celebrate in Times Square in New York City, New York on V-E Day (Victory in Europe), May 8, 1945.](https://cdn.britannica.com/70/135170-131-5C16D2CF/People-Times-Square-New-York-City-May-8-1945.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/70th-anniversary-of-v-e-day)

[70th Anniversary of V-E Day](/story/70th-anniversary-of-v-e-day)

Discover


[![Aladdin and the Efrite, jinn, genie.](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/186707-131-EE0952B0/Efrite-Aladdin-jinn.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/list/5-creepy-things-from-the-thousand-and-one-nights)

[5 Creepy Things from _The Thousand and One Nights_](/list/5-creepy-things-from-the-thousand-and-one-nights)

[![United States Electoral College votes by state](https://cdn.britannica.com/68/220368-131-C835E48E/United-States-electoral-college-votes-by-state.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/how-many-electoral-college-votes-does-each-us-state-have)

[How Many Electoral College Votes Does Each U.S. State Have?](/story/how-many-electoral-college-votes-does-each-us-state-have)

[![Encyclopaedia Britannica First Edition: Volume 1, Plate XLIII, Figure 1, Astronomy, Solar System, Equation of Time, Precession of Equinoxes, Earth, orbit, ecliptic, apogee, perigee, line of apsides, mean anomaly, tropical year, Sydereal, Julian](https://cdn.britannica.com/30/119830-131-D828BB6C/Encyclopaedia-Britannica-First-Edition-Volume-1-Figure.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/first-day-of-fall)

[First Day of Fall](/story/first-day-of-fall)

[![Aphrodite. Greek mythology. Sculpture. Aphrodite is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.](https://cdn.britannica.com/23/176123-131-94DCF6F8/Aphrodite.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/list/12-greek-gods-and-goddesses)

[12 Greek Gods and Goddesses](/list/12-greek-gods-and-goddesses)

[![Orange basketball on black background and with low key lighting. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society](https://cdn.britannica.com/31/142331-131-EE300AF6/basketball-Orange-background-lighting-Homepage-entertainment-history-2010.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/list/the-10-greatest-basketball-players-of-all-time)

[The 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time](/list/the-10-greatest-basketball-players-of-all-time)

[![Bakers Dozen of Donuts, or Paczki's](https://cdn.britannica.com/78/194478-131-980A335B/Bakers-Dozen-of-Donuts-Paczki.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/story/why-is-a-bakers-dozen-13)

[Why Is a Baker’s Dozen 13?](/story/why-is-a-bakers-dozen-13)

[![Close-up of ostriches (Struthio camelus) necks and heads; location unknown.](https://cdn.britannica.com/58/152058-131-0EB52C8F/Ostriches.jpg?w=200&h=200&c=crop)](/list/6-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-birds)

[6 of the World's Most Dangerous Birds](/list/6-of-the-worlds-most-dangerous-birds)


Contents


[Geography & Travel](/browse/Geography-Travel)[Countries of the World](/browse/Countries-of-the-World)

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/4826-050-915ED74D/United-Kingdom.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/4826-050-915ED74D/United-Kingdom.jpg)

[United Kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/26/4826-050-915ED74D/United-Kingdom.jpg)(more)

# United Kingdom



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- [Historic UK - Historic November](https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Historic-November/)
- [CRW Flags - Flag of United Kingdom](https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb.html)
- [Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - United Kingdom](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-kingdom/)

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- [United Kingdom - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)](https://kids.britannica.com/kids/article/United-Kingdom/345811)
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- [Historic UK - Historic November](https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryUK/HistoryofBritain/Historic-November/)
- [CRW Flags - Flag of United Kingdom](https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/gb.html)
- [Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - United Kingdom](https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-kingdom/)

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- [United Kingdom - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)](https://kids.britannica.com/students/article/United-Kingdom/277509)

Also known as: Britain, Great Britain, U.K., United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland


Written by


[Sheppard Sunderland Frere\
\
Emeritus Professor of the Archaeology of the Roman Empire, University of Oxford. Author of _Britannia: A History of Roman Britain_ and others.](/contributor/Sheppard-Sunderland-Frere/986)

Sheppard Sunderland Frere,

[Peter Kellner\
\
Peter Kellner is the former president of YouGov PLC and the author of _Democracy: 1,000 Years in Pursuit of British Liberty_ and others.](/contributor/Peter-Kellner/5078)

Peter Kellner• [All](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/additional-info#contributors)

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[The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica\
\
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.](/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)

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Last Updated:

Sep 13, 2024
• [Article History](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/additional-info#history)


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## Recent News

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**United Kingdom**, [island](https://www.britannica.com/science/island) [country](https://www.britannica.com/topic/nation-state) located off the northwestern coast of mainland [Europe](https://www.britannica.com/place/Europe). The United Kingdom [comprises](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprises) the whole of the island of [Great Britain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Great-Britain-island-Europe)—which contains [England](https://www.britannica.com/place/England), [Wales](https://www.britannica.com/place/Wales), and [Scotland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Scotland)—as well as the northern portion of the island of [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland). The name Britain is sometimes used to refer to the United Kingdom as a whole. The capital is [London](https://www.britannica.com/place/London), which is among the world’s leading commercial, financial, and cultural centres. Other major cities include [Birmingham](https://www.britannica.com/place/Birmingham-England), [Liverpool](https://www.britannica.com/place/Liverpool-England), and [Manchester](https://www.britannica.com/place/Manchester-England) in England, [Belfast](https://www.britannica.com/place/Belfast) and [Londonderry](https://www.britannica.com/place/Londonderry-city-and-district-Northern-Ireland) in [Northern Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Northern-Ireland), [Edinburgh](https://www.britannica.com/place/Edinburgh-Scotland) and [Glasgow](https://www.britannica.com/place/Glasgow-Scotland) in Scotland, and [Swansea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Swansea-Wales) and [Cardiff](https://www.britannica.com/place/Cardiff-Wales) in Wales.

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/183784-050-9C0C8C6B/World-Data-Locator-Map-United-Kingdom.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/183784-050-9C0C8C6B/World-Data-Locator-Map-United-Kingdom.jpg)

[United Kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/84/183784-050-9C0C8C6B/World-Data-Locator-Map-United-Kingdom.jpg)(more)

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/13/99613-050-13B8A7D2/Big-Ben-London.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/13/99613-050-13B8A7D2/Big-Ben-London.jpg)

[Big Ben, London](https://cdn.britannica.com/13/99613-050-13B8A7D2/Big-Ben-London.jpg)(more)

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/41/193441-050-13CCA6B5/Terminology-British-Isles-United-Kingdom-Ireland-Great.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/41/193441-050-13CCA6B5/Terminology-British-Isles-United-Kingdom-Ireland-Great.jpg)

[British Isles terminology](https://cdn.britannica.com/41/193441-050-13CCA6B5/Terminology-British-Isles-United-Kingdom-Ireland-Great.jpg) Map showing the terminology commonly used to describe the British Isles, the United Kingdom, Great Britain, and Ireland. The terms used here are a mixture of geographic and political labels.(more)

[![United Kingdom](https://cdn.britannica.com/25/4825-050-977D8C5E/Flag-United-Kingdom.jpg)](https://cdn.britannica.com/25/4825-050-977D8C5E/Flag-United-Kingdom.jpg)

See article: [flag of the United Kingdom](/topic/flag-of-the-United-Kingdom)

**Audio File:**
Anthem of United Kingdom ( [see article](/topic/God-Save-the-King-British-national-anthem))

[See all media](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-Kingdom/images-videos)

Head Of Government: Prime Minister: [Keir Starmer](/biography/Keir-Starmer)_(Show more)_

Capital: [London](/place/London)_(Show more)_

Population: (2024 est.) 68,278,000_(Show more)_

Currency Exchange Rate: 1 USD equals 0.800 British pound_(Show more)_

Head Of State: Sovereign: [King Charles III](/biography/Charles-III-king-of-the-United-Kingdom)_(Show more)_

[See all facts & stats →](/facts/United-Kingdom)

The origins of the United Kingdom can be traced to the time of the Anglo-Saxon king [Athelstan](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Athelstan), who in the early 10th century ce secured the [allegiance](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allegiance) of neighbouring Celtic kingdoms and became “the first to rule what previously many kings shared between them,” in the words of a contemporary chronicle. Through subsequent conquest over the following centuries, kingdoms lying farther afield came under English [dominion](https://www.britannica.com/topic/dominion-British-Commonwealth). Wales, a congeries of Celtic kingdoms lying in Great Britain’s southwest, was formally united with England by the Acts of Union of 1536 and 1542. Scotland, ruled from London since 1603, formally was joined with England and Wales in 1707 to form the United Kingdom of Great Britain. (The adjective “British” came into use at this time to refer to all the kingdom’s peoples.) Ireland came under English control during the 1600s and was formally united with Great Britain through the [Act of Union](https://www.britannica.com/event/Act-of-Union-United-Kingdom-1801) of 1800. The republic of Ireland gained its independence in 1922, but six of [Ulster](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ulster-historic-province-Ireland)’s nine counties remained part of the United Kingdom as Northern Ireland. Relations between these [constituent](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constituent) states and England have been marked by controversy and, at times, open rebellion and even warfare. These tensions relaxed somewhat during the late 20th century, when devolved assemblies were introduced in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Nonetheless, even with the establishment of a power-sharing assembly after referenda in both Northern Ireland and the Irish republic, relations between Northern Ireland’s unionists (who favour continued British [sovereignty](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sovereignty) over Northern Ireland) and nationalists (who favour unification with the republic of Ireland) remained tense into the 21st century.

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/60112-050-E856C922/Stonehenge-earthwork-site-Wiltshire-England-Early-Bronze.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/60112-050-E856C922/Stonehenge-earthwork-site-Wiltshire-England-Early-Bronze.jpg)

[Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England](https://cdn.britannica.com/12/60112-050-E856C922/Stonehenge-earthwork-site-Wiltshire-England-Early-Bronze.jpg) Stonehenge, prehistoric circular earthwork and stone religious site, Wiltshire, England; late Neolithic Period to Early Bronze Age (1800–1400 bce).(more)

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/1927-050-7DCB5384/Ravenscraig-Castle-Kirkcaldy-Scotland.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/1927-050-7DCB5384/Ravenscraig-Castle-Kirkcaldy-Scotland.jpg)

[Ravenscraig Castle, Kirkcaldy, Scotland](https://cdn.britannica.com/27/1927-050-7DCB5384/Ravenscraig-Castle-Kirkcaldy-Scotland.jpg)(more)

The United Kingdom has made significant contributions to the world economy, especially in technology and industry. Since [World War II](https://www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II), however, the United Kingdom’s most prominent exports have been cultural, including literature, theatre, film, television, and [popular music](https://www.britannica.com/art/popular-music) that draw on all parts of the country. Perhaps Britain’s greatest export has been the [English language](https://www.britannica.com/topic/English-language), now spoken in every corner of the world as one of the leading international mediums of cultural and economic exchange.

The United Kingdom retains links with parts of its former empire through the [Commonwealth](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Commonwealth-association-of-states). It also benefits from historical and cultural links with the [United States](https://www.britannica.com/place/United-States) and is a member of the [North Atlantic Treaty Organization](https://www.britannica.com/topic/North-Atlantic-Treaty-Organization) (NATO). Moreover, the United Kingdom became a member of the [European Union](https://www.britannica.com/topic/European-Union) in 1973. Many Britons, however, were sometimes reluctant EU members, holding to the [sentiments](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sentiments) of the great wartime [prime minister](https://www.britannica.com/topic/prime-minister) [Winston Churchill](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Winston-Churchill), who sonorously remarked, “We see nothing but good and hope in a richer, freer, more contented European commonalty. But we have our own dream and our own task. We are with Europe, but not of it. We are linked, but not [comprised](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprised). We are interested and associated, but not absorbed.” Indeed, in June 2016, in a referendum on whether the United Kingdom should remain in the EU, 52 percent of British voters chose to leave. After much negotiation, several deadline extensions, prolonged domestic political [discord](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discord), and two changes of prime minister, an agreement on “Brexit” (British exit from the EU) was reached that satisfied both the EU and the majority of [Parliament](https://www.britannica.com/topic/Parliament). Thus, on January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom would become the first country to withdraw from the EU.

[Ralph Charles Atkins](/contributor/Ralph-Charles-Atkins/3481)[The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica](/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)

## Land

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/20307-050-A2FAB763/Windermere-Cumbria-England.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/20307-050-A2FAB763/Windermere-Cumbria-England.jpg)

[Windermere, Cumbria, England](https://cdn.britannica.com/07/20307-050-A2FAB763/Windermere-Cumbria-England.jpg)(more)

[![Britain's Queen Elizabeth II smiles to the crowd from Buckingham Palace (London, England) balcony at the end of the Platinum Pageant in London on June 5, 2022 as part of Queen Elizabeth II's platinum jubilee celebrations. The curtain comes down on four days of momentous nationwide celebrations to honor Queen Elizabeth II's historic Platinum Jubilee with a day-long pageant lauding the 96 year old monarch's record seven decades on the throne. (British royalty)](https://cdn.britannica.com/06/235406-131-17CB8E3D/Queen-Elizabeth-II-Buckingham-Palace-Platinum-Jubilee-London-England-June-5-2022.jpg)\
\
Britannica Quiz\
\
Fit for a King (or Queen): the British Royalty Quiz](/quiz/fit-for-a-king-or-queen-the-british-royalty-quiz)

The United Kingdom comprises four geographic and historical parts— [England](https://www.britannica.com/place/England), [Scotland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Scotland), [Wales](https://www.britannica.com/place/Wales), and [Northern Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Northern-Ireland). The United Kingdom contains most of the area and population of the British Isles—the geographic term for the group of islands that includes Great Britain, Ireland, and many smaller islands. Together England, Wales, and Scotland [constitute](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/constitute) Great Britain, the larger of the two principal islands, while Northern Ireland and the republic of [Ireland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Ireland) constitute the second largest island, Ireland. England, occupying most of southern Great Britain, includes the [Isles of Scilly](https://www.britannica.com/place/Isles-of-Scilly-islands-England-United-Kingdom) off the southwest coast and the [Isle of Wight](https://www.britannica.com/place/Isle-of-Wight) off the southern coast. Scotland, occupying northern Great Britain, includes the [Orkney](https://www.britannica.com/place/Orkney-Islands) and [Shetland](https://www.britannica.com/place/Shetland-Islands-Scotland) islands off the northern coast and the [Hebrides](https://www.britannica.com/place/Hebrides) off the northwestern coast. Wales lies west of England and includes the island of [Anglesey](https://www.britannica.com/place/Isle-of-Anglesey) to the northwest.

Apart from the land border with the Irish republic, the United Kingdom is surrounded by sea. To the south of England and between the United Kingdom and [France](https://www.britannica.com/place/France) is the [English Channel](https://www.britannica.com/place/English-Channel). The [North Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Sea) lies to the east. To the west of Wales and northern England and to the southeast of Northern Ireland, the [Irish Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Irish-Sea) separates Great Britain from Ireland, while southwestern England, the northwestern coast of Northern Ireland, and western Scotland face the [Atlantic Ocean](https://www.britannica.com/place/Atlantic-Ocean). At its widest the United Kingdom is 300 miles (500 km) across. From the northern tip of Scotland to the southern coast of England, it is about 600 miles (1,000 km). No part is more than 75 miles (120 km) from the sea. The capital, London, is situated on the tidal [River Thames](https://www.britannica.com/place/River-Thames) in southeastern England.

[![](https://cdn.britannica.com/19/25419-004-F1E2CCD1/coast-North-Channel-Northern-Ireland-Torr-Head.jpg?w=300)](https://cdn.britannica.com/19/25419-004-F1E2CCD1/coast-North-Channel-Northern-Ireland-Torr-Head.jpg)

[North Channel coast, Northern Ireland](https://cdn.britannica.com/19/25419-004-F1E2CCD1/coast-North-Channel-Northern-Ireland-Torr-Head.jpg) The North Channel coast south of Torr Head, Northern Ireland.(more)

![](https://cdn.britannica.com/marketing/BlueThistle.webp)

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The archipelago formed by [Great Britain](https://www.britannica.com/place/Great-Britain-island-Europe) and the numerous smaller islands is as irregular in shape as it is [diverse](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diverse) in geology and landscape. This [diversity](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diversity) stems largely from the nature and [disposition](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposition) of the underlying rocks, which are westward extensions of European structures, with the shallow waters of the [Strait of Dover](https://www.britannica.com/place/Strait-of-Dover) and the [North Sea](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Sea) concealing former land links. Northern Ireland contains a westward extension of the rock structures of Scotland. These common rock structures are [breached](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/breached) by the narrow [North Channel](https://www.britannica.com/place/North-Channel-strait).

On a global scale, this natural endowment covers a small area—approximating that of the [U.S. state](https://www.britannica.com/topic/state-United-States-political-subdivision) of [Oregon](https://www.britannica.com/place/Oregon-state) or the African country of [Guinea](https://www.britannica.com/place/Guinea)—and its internal diversity, accompanied by rapid changes of often beautiful scenery, may convey to visitors from larger countries a striking sense of compactness and consolidation. The peoples who, over the centuries, have hewed an existence from this Atlantic extremity of Eurasia have put their own imprint on the [environment](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/environment), and the ancient and distinctive palimpsest of their field patterns and settlements complements the natural diversity.

## Relief

Great Britain is traditionally divided into a highland and a lowland zone. A line running from the mouth of the [River Exe](https://www.britannica.com/place/River-Exe), in the southwest, to that of the Tees, in the northeast, is a crude expression of this division. The course of the 700-foot (213-metre) [contour](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour), or of the boundary separating the older rocks of the north and west from the younger southeastern strata, provides a more accurate indication of the extent of the highlands.