United Kingdom (UK) – is a country in Northwestern Europe, one of the largest European powers, a member of the United Nations Security Council. It is an island unitary state, the successor state of the British Empire that existed in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The capital of the UK is London, one of the largest metropolises in Europe, an important economic and financial center. The state comprises four historic provinces: Scotland, England, Northern Ireland, and Wales.
The UK has a predominantly temperate oceanic climate. Throughout the year, the weather is mostly rainy with mild winters and cool summers. Temperatures rarely rise above 35 degrees Celsius or fall below -11 degrees Celsius.
The settlement of what is now the UK began around 30,000 years ago. By the end of the prehistoric era, the population belonged to the tribe of Island Celts, which included Gaelic Ireland and the Britons. In 2500 BCE, the famous Stonehenge, a stone structure in Wiltshire, was built and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The cultural life in the UK is diverse and rich. The country has had a significant influence on the development of cinema. Directors such as David Lean and Alfred Hitchcock are considered among the most popular in the history of film. Michael Powell, Charlie Chaplin, Ridley Scott, and Carol Reed also deserve special attention. Some of the most successful films, including those about James Bond and Harry Potter, were produced in the UK.
The most widespread religion in the country is Christianity. Additionally, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, and atheism are also prevalent. In England, there is a national church – the Church of England, which is part of the Anglican Communion.
The UK is the birthplace of The Beatles, the best-selling music group in history, whose works have sold over a billion copies.
