The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, the UK, or Britain, is a sovereign island country off the north-west coast of mainland Europe. The Kingdom is comprised of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and many small islands. It is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, and the English Channel. The Irish Sea separates the island of Great Britain from Ireland upon which reside the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. The country is also a part of the European Union but does not participate in the single monetary unit of the Euro and thereby retains the Pound as its official currency.

The tradition of monarchy which is an integral part of the history of the United Kingdom began with William the Conqueror in 1066 when he was crowned King in Westminster Abbey. As time moved onward other monarchs began questing further and further for lands to add to the country that would be known as the United Kingdom. First to be assimilated were Scotland, Wales and Ireland but they were not the last as the kingdom continued to expand. http://www.destination360.com/europe/uk/history Eventually Britain became the world's foremost ruling power during the 19th and early 20th centuryand At its height, the British Empire covered one-fourth of the earth's surface. Not only did the United Kingdom expand geographically but it was central in the development of parliamentary democracy and the advancement of literature as well as science. The onset of two World Wars and the eventual withdrawal of Ireland from the union depleted its power in the first half of the 20th century but the country continued to evolve into a modern and prosperous European nation over the latter part of the 20th century. http://www.destination360.com/europe/uk/history In the 21st century however the economic woes that have troubled the world also have put a strain on the citizens of this Nation. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8011321.stm