Country Profile: United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) is a parliamentary constitutional monarchy located in Western Europe, comprising Great Britain (which includes England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland. With a population of approximately 68.5 million, the UK features a diverse society enriched by its historical and cultural heritage. Its economy, marked by a dominant service sector, is classified as a high-income economy, yet it faces challenges such as stagnant growth and public debt. Governed from its capital, London, the UK is a prominent player in international politics, being a permanent member of the UN Security Council and a founding member of NATO.

Geography

The United Kingdom is located in Western Europe, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea, with a total area of 243,610 square kilometers. It has a primarily temperate climate and features a mix of rugged hills and rolling plains, with its highest point being Ben Nevis at 1,345 meters. Notably, the UK has a coastline stretching 12,429 kilometers, and its terrain influences many of its urban centers and population distribution.

Area: 243,610 sq km (total)
Coastline length: 12,429 km
Highest elevation: Ben Nevis at 1,345 m
Urban population: 84.6% (2023)
Agricultural land: 70.3% (2023)

People and Society

The estimated population of the UK is 68,459,055 as of 2024, with a fairly balanced gender distribution. The UK is ethnically diverse, with 87.2% identifying as White and notable minorities including Black, Asian, and other groups. English is the predominant language, while several regional languages are also recognized. The society is predominantly Christian, though a significant percentage identifies as secular or practices other religions.

Total population: 68,459,055 (2024)
Median age: 40.8 years (2024)
Life expectancy: 82.2 years (2024)
Urbanization rate: 0.8% (annual rate of change)
Birth rate: 10.8 births/1,000 population (2024)

Economy

The UK's economy is characterized as a high-income, non-EU economy with a strong focus on services, which constitute 72.8% of its GDP. While it experienced a growth rate of 0.4% in 2023, the economy faces challenges from stringent monetary policies and high public debt. The UK remains a global financial center, with significant sectors in technology, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

Real GDP (PPP): $3.636 trillion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita: $52,500 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 4.2% (2024)
Public debt: 138.6% of GDP (2023)
Exports: $1.117 trillion (2024 est.)

Government

The United Kingdom is governed as a parliamentary constitutional monarchy. The capital, London, operates under a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. With King Charles III as the head of state and Prime Minister Keir Starmer as the head of government, the UK plays a central role in international diplomacy and global governance.

Government type: Parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Suffrage age: 18 years
Legislature seats: 650 in the House of Commons
Next general election: July 2029
Legal system: Common law system

Military and Security

The UK Armed Forces, which includes the British Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force, play a significant role in national defense and international peacekeeping efforts. With military expenditures representing 2.4% of GDP in 2025, the UK maintains a robust presence globally, including deployments supporting NATO and UN operations.

Military personnel: Approximately 138,000 Regular Forces (2025)
Military expenditures: 2.4% of GDP (2025)
Key military alliances: NATO, UN
Major deployments: Over 8,000 personnel globally
Last conscription: Abolished in 1963

Energy

The United Kingdom achieves a 100% electrification rate, with significant investments in renewable energy sources. The energy sector produced 262.166 billion kWh in electricity consumption in 2023, with notable contributions from wind (30.7%) and fossil fuels (36.2%).

Electricity generating capacity: 114.749 million kW (2023)
Total energy consumption per capita: 94.28 million Btu/person (2023)
Proven natural gas reserves: 180.661 billion cubic meters (2021)
Nuclear energy production: 12.5% of total electricity (2023)
Coal production: 1.568 million metric tons (2023)

Environment

The UK faces environmental challenges, including air pollution and the decline of marine habitats. It actively participates in numerous international agreements aimed at addressing climate change and protecting biodiversity. The country also has significant agricultural land use, with about 70.3% of its land dedicated to agriculture.

Carbon dioxide emissions: 340.94 million metric tonnes (2023)
Urban population: 84.6% of total population (2023)
Total renewable water resources: 147 billion cubic meters (2022)
Annual municipal solid waste generation: 30.771 million tons (2024 est.)
Recycling rate: 34.2% of municipal solid waste (2022)

Transportation

The UK boasts an extensive transportation network, including 16,390 km of railways and 1,057 airports. The Channel Tunnel facilitates rail travel between the UK and mainland Europe, enhancing connectivity. The merchant marine includes 868 vessels in various categories.

Railways length: 16,390 km (2020)
Airports: 1,057 (2025)
Merchant marine total: 868 (2023)
Heliports: 139 (2025)
Key ports: 185 total

Communications

The UK is well-connected, with 96% of the population using the internet. It has a robust telecommunications infrastructure, including a mix of fixed-line subscriptions and a significant number of mobile cellular subscriptions.

Internet users: 96% of population (2023)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 84.3 million (2023)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 26.627 million (2023)
Broadband fixed subscriptions: 28.2 million (2023)
Telephones per 100 inhabitants: 121 (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	68,459,055 (2024 est.)	Total residents
Area	243,610 sq km	Total land area
GDP (Purchasing Power Parity)	$3.636 trillion (2024 est.)	2024 estimate
Unemployment Rate	4.2% (2024 est.)	% of labor force seeking employment
Birth Rate	10.8 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)	Births per 1,000
Life Expectancy	82.2 years (2024 est.)	Average life span
Energy Consumption per Capita	94.28 million Btu/person (2023 est.)	Energy use per capita
Total Agricultural Land	70.3% (2023 est.)	Percentage of total area used for agriculture
Carbon Dioxide Emissions	340.94 million metric tonnes (2023)	Total emissions