Capital cities

• London – England
• Edinburgh – Scotland
• Cardiff – Wales
• Belfast – Northern Ireland

Area

Land and water: 152,033 square miles

Population

The UK – approximately 60.6 million
(England 50,714,000; Wales 2,977,000; Scotland 5,108,000; Northern Ireland 1,733,000).

Languages

The two official languages in Britain are English and Welsh, English being the most widely spoken. Scottish Gaelic is also spoken in some parts of Scotland.

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.

Religion

Most people are Christian (71%), although all other religions including Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism are freely practised. About 23% of Britain follow no particular religion.

Government

The UK is a constitutional monarchy that is a representative democracy, where Queen Elizabeth II is recognised as the head of state, and the elected Prime Minister – Gordon Brown – is the head of government.

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, but services like banking and insurance are the greatest contributors.

Currency

Britain uses the pound sterling. The sign for the Great British Pound (GBP) is £.

Time zone

• 29 October – 26 March: Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)

• 25 March – 29 October: UTC + 1

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 warm 14 - 25°C, and winter (December-February) is a cool 1 - 4°C.

Major UK holidays 2009

• New Year's Day (All UK) - 1 January 

• Extra New Year's Bank holiday (Scotland only) - 2 January 

• St Patrick's Day (N. Ireland only) - 17 March 

• Good Friday (All UK) - 10 April

• Easter Monday (England, Wales and N. Ireland) - 13 April 

• Early May Bank Holiday (All UK) - 4 May

• Spring Bank Holiday (All UK) - 25 May

• Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland only) - 13 July 

• Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland only) - 3 August 

• Summer Bank Holiday (England, Wales and N. Ireland) - 31 August 

• Christmas Day (All UK) - 25 December 

• Boxing Day (All UK) - 28 December

Weights & measures

Historically Britain used the Imperial System, but new regulations make use of the Metric System compulsory with the exception of a few items, for example distance and speed are measured in miles and miles per hour.

Electricity

Voltage is 240 volts AC at 50HZ. Appliances generally use standard 3-pin square plugs and sockets.

Personal safety & tips:

How safe is Britain?

By international standards, Britain is a safe country with low rates of street crime and violence. Use this general guide to help you maximise your personal safety during your trip. Most of these tips are common sense, and you probably practise them in your own country, but they can make a real difference.

Emergency situations

In an emergency that requires ambulance, police or fire services dial 999 from any telephone. In the case of a non-emergency crime you should contact your local police station.

Insurance

We strongly advise that you take out adequate insurance before you leave to cover you for any health and medical issues, and also for theft or damage to your belongings.

Tips to help you stay safe:

Using public transport & taxis

• Avoid waiting alone at bus stops and on train platforms.

• On a double-decker bus, sit downstairs where the driver can see you.

• Avoid sitting in an empty carriage on trains and the Underground.

• Check the time of the last train, bus or tube back to your accommodation.

• Walking near railway lines can be very dangerous; never touch them.

• Always use a licensed taxi – check the back of the taxi to ensure it carries an official licence plate.

• Minicabs that stop in the street may be cheaper, but they are not as safe as those you arrange over the phone.

• If you need immediate assistance when travelling on a bus or train you can call the British Transport Police free on 0800 40 50 40.   

Be safe on the streets

• Stay on the pavement walking towards oncoming traffic.

• Look both ways when you cross the street – remember cars drive on the left in Britain.

• Never carry large amounts of money with you, but always make sure you have enough for a phone call and a bus or taxi home.

• Keep your handbag and belongings close to your body and wear them in front of you.  

• Avoid using cash machines at night or in isolated places, and always be aware of people around you.

• Try not to display expensive items like laptops, mobile phones and jewellery.

• Avoid confrontation – if you are harassed, try to remove yourself from the situation. 

• If you think you are being followed, find the nearest public place and ask for assistance.   

At your accommodation 

• Avoid leaving valuables in your room.

• Make sure your room door is locked when you leave.

• All paid-for accommodation has to have a working smoke detector and alarm.

• Make sure you turn off all gas and electrical appliances (except the refrigerator) when you go out.

• When you arrive at your accommodation, familiarise yourself with the fire exits, assembly points and the location of fire extinguishers.

• Make sure your accommodation provider supplies you with information about the procedures for emergency evacuation.   

For more information on personal safety when visiting the UK see the Metropolitan Police website.

Medical information

Medical insurance

You are strongly advised to take out adequate insurance before travelling to Britain. Your travel agent will be able to suggest a suitable policy.

Bringing medicine into the UK

If you want to bring medicine into the UK, first check that it is licensed for use. Always carry medicines in a correctly labelled container as issued by the pharmacist. Otherwise, bring a letter from your doctor or a personal health record card giving details of the drug prescribed, in case it is queried by customs or you require additional supplies. Remember that some medicines available over-the-counter in other countries may be controlled in Britain, and vice versa.

For further information please contact HM Customs and Excise Advice Centre, Tel: +44 (0)20 8929 0152.

Pharmacies & chemists

In Britain you can obtain prescription, and over-the-counter (non-prescription), medications as well as expert medical advice at pharmacies – often called chemists. We recommend you carry a letter from your doctor stating your prescription and dosage if you are taking any medication. 

Pharmacy opening hours

Pharmacies are usually open from 09:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday, 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays and limited availability on Sundays. However, in larger cities you will find a number of pharmacies open late during the week and on the weekend. For more information and to find a pharmacy near you, visit the National Health Service pharmacy information  website.

Vaccinations & inoculations

You do not require an International Certificate of Vaccination when travelling to the UK, but you should check if one is needed on re-entry into your own country.

Food & water

The level of food hygiene in Britain is very high, so you should simply observe the normal precautions when consuming food products, i.e. ensure it is thoroughly cooked, or that it is within the expiry date. The standard of water cleanliness is also very high, and in general kitchen water supplies, tap water in restaurants and ice cubes are safe drinking water. You can find bottled water in most shops and supermarkets.

Opening times

Opening times for businesses and services can vary hugely. Use this guide as a very general outline for what to expect, but for exact opening times you should contact the organisation directly. Also note, most British businesses do not close for lunch: