Traveling Tales  Stonehenge by Kerry Frey |
A man may lead a horse to water, but cannot make him drink.
- English Proverb |
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Country Overview | |
The United Kingdom is located in Western Europe just northwest of France, composed of several islands between the English Channel and the North Atlantic Ocean. Total land area is 241, 590 sq km with 12, 429 km of coastline. Climate is temperate and often overcast. Government type is constitutional monarchy with captial of London, England. Queen Elizabeth II has served as chief of state since 1952, while head of government Prime Minister Anthony C. L. Blair has held that office since 1997. Population is 60 million with a 0.1% rate of natural increase. Language is officially English. Welsh is widely spoken and given official recognition in Wales, while Gaelic is spoken in Scotland and Ireland. Economy is highly developed and a world leader in trade and banking. GDP per capita is US$22,800 with 17% of the population living below the poverty line. Workforce is mostly employed in service industries, while the one percent working in agriculture produce 60% of the country's food needs. Maps: Political Map - Physical Map |
