Geography of United Kingdom
The United Kingdom (UK) is an island nation located in Northwestern Europe.
It consists of four countries — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
The UK is known for its historical importance, industrial development, rivers,
highlands, islands, and maritime climate. It has played a major role in world
history, politics, trade, and culture. Questions related to the United Kingdom
are important for competitive examinations such as UPSC, SSC, Railway, Banking,
Defence, PSC, and various GK examinations.
United Kingdom at a Glance
| Topic |
Information |
| Country |
United Kingdom (UK) |
| Continent |
Europe |
| Capital City |
London |
| Largest City |
London |
| Official Language |
English |
| Currency |
Pound Sterling (£) |
| Total Countries in UK |
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland |
| Area |
About 243,000 km² |
| Population |
More than 68 Million |
| Government Type |
Constitutional Monarchy |
Countries of the United Kingdom
| Country |
Capital |
| England |
London |
| Scotland |
Edinburgh |
| Wales |
Cardiff |
| Northern Ireland |
Belfast |
Location and Boundaries of United Kingdom
| Direction |
Bordering Water Body / Country |
| North |
Atlantic Ocean |
| South |
English Channel |
| East |
North Sea |
| West |
Irish Sea and Atlantic Ocean |
| Only Land Border |
Republic of Ireland |
Major Physical Features of United Kingdom
| Physical Feature |
Important Fact |
| Scottish Highlands |
Mountainous region in Scotland |
| Pennines |
Called the "Backbone of England" |
| Lake District |
Famous tourist and natural region |
| Cambridge Fens |
Low-lying fertile region |
| Snowdonia |
Mountain region in Wales |
Major Mountains and Peaks of United Kingdom
| Mountain / Peak |
Important Fact |
| Ben Nevis |
Highest mountain in the UK |
| Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) |
Highest mountain in Wales |
| Scafell Pike |
Highest mountain in England |
| Slieve Donard |
Highest peak in Northern Ireland |
Major Rivers and Lakes of United Kingdom
| Name |
Important Fact |
| River Thames |
Most famous river flowing through London |
| River Severn |
Longest river in the UK |
| River Trent |
Important river in England |
| Loch Ness |
Famous lake in Scotland |
| Lake Windermere |
Largest natural lake in England |
Climate of United Kingdom
| Region |
Climate Type |
| England |
Temperate Maritime Climate |
| Scotland Highlands |
Cool Oceanic Climate |
| Western Coast |
Wet Maritime Climate |
| Southern England |
Mild Temperate Climate |
Natural Resources of United Kingdom
| Resource |
Importance |
| Coal |
Historically important fuel resource |
| Petroleum |
North Sea oil reserves |
| Natural Gas |
Major energy resource |
| Iron Ore |
Industrial use |
| Wind Energy |
Important renewable energy source |
Agriculture of United Kingdom
| Crop / Product |
Importance |
| Wheat |
Main cereal crop |
| Barley |
Used in food and beverages |
| Potato |
Important food crop |
| Dairy Farming |
Important agricultural activity |
| Sheep Farming |
Common in Wales and Scotland |
Important Cities of United Kingdom
| City |
Importance |
| London |
Capital and financial center |
| Manchester |
Industrial and sports city |
| Birmingham |
Major commercial city |
| Edinburgh |
Capital of Scotland |
| Liverpool |
Important port city |
Famous Places and Landmarks of United Kingdom
| Place |
Importance |
| Big Ben |
Famous clock tower in London |
| Buckingham Palace |
Official residence of British monarch |
| Stonehenge |
Ancient prehistoric monument |
| Tower Bridge |
Famous bridge in London |
| Loch Ness |
Famous Scottish lake |
Important One-Liner GK Facts About United Kingdom
| Question |
Answer |
| Capital of United Kingdom |
London |
| Currency of UK |
Pound Sterling |
| Highest mountain in UK |
Ben Nevis |
| Longest river in UK |
River Severn |
| Most famous river in London |
River Thames |
| How many countries form the UK? |
Four |
| Capital of Scotland |
Edinburgh |
| Famous prehistoric monument in UK |
Stonehenge |
| Highest mountain in England |
Scafell Pike |
| Official language of UK |
English |