The United Kingdom is a sovereign state off the northwest coast of continental Europe, comprising England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The country's territory consists of numerous small British islands, the island of Great Britain, and the northeastern part of the island of Ireland. The Isle of Man, Guernsey, and Jersey are formally not part of the country. However, the UK is responsible for their defense and international representation. The total area of the state is 247.5 thousand square kilometers. The United Kingdom has 14 overseas territories, the last remnants of the British Empire.
The currency of the country, the pound sterling, is considered one of the strongest in the world. The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy simultaneously. The country is headed by a king, but the actual power and responsibility for decision-making lies with the Prime Minister. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own governments with a range of powers. The capital of the United Kingdom is London.