Country's codes
International phone code for United Kingdom: +44
3 letters: GBR
2 letters (internet domain): .GB
Digital country code: 826
Standard EAN-13 (country barcode): 500-509
Olympic country code: GBR
FIFA Codes for the United Kingdom's Home Nations
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🏴 England — FIFA Code: ENG
England is an independent FIFA member and competes under the code ENG.
Governed by: The Football Association (FA). -
🏴 Scotland — FIFA Code: SCO
Scotland competes independently in FIFA tournaments using the code SCO.
Governed by: Scottish Football Association (SFA). -
🏴 Wales — FIFA Code: WAL
Wales participates separately in FIFA events under the code WAL.
Governed by: Football Association of Wales (FAW). -
🏴 Northern Ireland — FIFA Code: NIR
Northern Ireland fields its own national team with the FIFA code NIR.
Governed by: Irish Football Association (IFA).
Best Time to Visit the UK
The United Kingdom is enjoyable year‑round, but the ideal seasons are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October). These months offer mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful landscapes. Summer brings the warmest weather and long daylight hours, making it perfect for festivals and outdoor sightseeing—though it is also the busiest and most expensive period.
Winter (November–February) is colder and wetter, but it’s a great time for city breaks, Christmas markets, and budget‑friendly travel. Because UK weather can be unpredictable, packing layers and a waterproof jacket is always wise.
Tip: Even in summer, sudden rain showers are common. Always keep a compact umbrella or light waterproof layer.
Travel Tips for Tourists
- Use public transport: Cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester have excellent networks. Contactless payment works seamlessly on public transport.
- Book attractions early: Popular sites such as the Tower of London, Stonehenge, and Edinburgh Castle often require timed tickets.
- Know the driving rules: Cars drive on the left, and many cities have congestion or low‑emission zones.
- Bring a Type G adapter: The UK uses a unique plug type, so a universal adapter is essential.
- Expect variable weather: Comfortable walking shoes and a light waterproof layer are recommended year‑round.
- Respect local etiquette: Queuing (lining up) is taken seriously, and politeness is appreciated in daily interactions.
Tip: Many museums in the UK—especially in London—are free to enter, making them excellent options on rainy days.
Food in the UK
British cuisine has undergone a remarkable renaissance, and today the UK food scene is one of the most exciting in Europe. Beyond the beloved full English breakfast and fish & chips, cities like London, Edinburgh, and Manchester boast Michelin-starred restaurants, vibrant street food markets, and world-class international dining.
Don't miss a proper cream tea in the West Country, a Cornish pasty on the coast, or a Scottish pie in the Highlands. Borough Market in London and Leeds Kirkgate Market are brilliant spots to taste local and artisan produce.
Tip: Pub lunches are a budget-friendly way to sample hearty British classics — look for the daily specials board.
Museums in the UK
The UK is home to some of the world's finest museums and galleries, and the best part? Many are completely free to enter. London alone has world-class institutions — the British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery are all free and could fill days on their own.
Beyond the capital, the Ashmolean in Oxford, the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, and the Titanic Belfast experience offer extraordinary regional collections. Science, history, art, and culture — there is something for every curiosity.
Tip: Book timed entry tickets online in advance for popular museums, especially in peak summer months.
Best Day Trips from London
London's central location makes it the perfect base for incredible day trips across the UK. Within 1–2 hours by train you can reach Bath (Roman ruins and Georgian architecture), Oxford (dreaming spires and university colleges), and Cambridge (punting on the Cam). Brighton offers a lively seaside escape just an hour away.
Stonehenge and Salisbury Cathedral make a rewarding combined visit, while Windsor Castle — just 40 minutes from Paddington — is one of the world's oldest and largest inhabited castles. The Cotswolds are ideal for a scenic countryside escape.
Tip: Book rail tickets 6–8 weeks in advance for the best fares — advance singles can be up to 80% cheaper.
Citadels & Castles Outside London
England, Wales, and Scotland are scattered with dramatic medieval citadels and castles that bring history vividly to life. Edinburgh Castle dominates its volcanic skyline and houses the Scottish Crown Jewels, while Warwick Castle in the Midlands is one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in Europe.
Wales holds the highest density of castles per square mile of anywhere in the world — Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech are all UNESCO-listed masterpieces. In the north of England, Bamburgh Castle overlooks the Northumberland coast with breathtaking drama.
Tip: An English Heritage or Historic Scotland membership pays for itself quickly if you plan to visit more than 3–4 sites.
Useful country information
Land area: 93,278 sq mi (241,590 sq km); total area: 94,526 sq mi (244,820 sq km)
Population (2022 est.): 68.207 million
Capital and largest city (2024 est.): London, 9.1 million
London: Capital City Profile
Major UK Cities by Population
Beyond London, the UK has several large and vibrant cities. Birmingham is the second-largest city, with a population of around 1.1 million, and is often called England's second city. Glasgow is Scotland's most populous city at around 635,000, followed by Leeds (536,000), Liverpool (507,000), and Manchester (470,000).
Note: Figures reflect city proper populations based on recent census estimates. Metropolitan areas are significantly larger — Greater Manchester, for example, has over 2 million residents across its wider urban area.
Monetary unit: Pound sterling.
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Languages: English, Welsh, Scots, Scottish Gaelic
Ethnicity/race: White 87.2%, Black/African/Caribbean/ 3%, Asian/Asian British: Indian 2.3%, Asian/Asian British: Pakistani 1.9%, mixed 2%, other 3.7% (2011 est.)
Religions: Christian (includes Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist) 59.5%, Muslim 4.4%, Hindu 1.3%, other 2%, none 25.7%, unspecified 7.2% (2011 est.)
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At its height, the British Empire spanned more than one-quarter of the world’s land area, shaping global politics, trade, and culture.
Today, four nations—England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland—form the
United Kingdom. Throughout the 19th century, Great Britain emerged as a dominant industrial and maritime power and played a pivotal role in the development of
parliamentary democracy, as well as major contributions to literature, science, and modern music.
The first half of the 20th century brought two devastating World Wars that significantly weakened the UK’s global influence. The second half witnessed the gradual dissolution of the Empire and the country’s transformation into a modern, prosperous European state. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO and the Commonwealth, the UK continues to pursue a broad, outward‑looking foreign policy.
In recent decades, the UK has debated the extent of its integration with Europe, culminating in the
Brexit decision. While remaining outside the European Monetary Union, the country has also undertaken major constitutional reforms. Since 1999, devolved governments in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have exercised varying degrees of legislative authority, reshaping the political landscape of the United Kingdom.
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