Area: 244,820 sq km
Population (July 2007 est.): 60.78 million
Capital: London
Languages: Office languages include English and Welsh. Scottish Gaelic is spoken in some parts of Scotland. Geordie, Tyke, Scouse and Cockney are some of the other dialects and accents used.
Per capita GDP (2007 est.): $35,300
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom, is located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. Consisting of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, the UK includes the island of Great Britain, the northeast part of the island of Ireland and many small islands. Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK with a land border, sharing it with the Republic of Ireland. Great Britain, is linked to France by the Channel Tunnel.
Useful addresses
British Embassy
P.B. No. 248, Abu Dhabi
B +971 2 6101 100
E +971 4 6101 586
j chancery.abudhabi@fco.gov.uk
www.britishembassy.gov.uk/uae
British Embassy (Consular General)
P.B. No. 65, Dubai
B +971 4 3094 444
E +971 4 3094 301 (Management)
j consular.dubai@fco.gov.uk
British Council
P.B. No. 1636, Dubai
B +971 4 3370 109
E +971 4 3370 703
j information@ae.britishcouncil.or
Passport/visa
A valid passport or travel document is required to enter the country. You may require a visa depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Your local British Embassy, high commission or consulate can provide further information on entry requirements.
Credit cards/cash
Credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are widely accepted in the country. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, post offices, some hotels and bureau de change kiosks found at international airports and most city centres. ATMs are common in Britain.
Getting there
London Heathrow is the world's busiest international airport and is accessible by bus, London Underground and the Heathrow Express train. Most of the major global airlines serve London.
UK flag carrier British Airways (BA) offers an extensive global route network flying to and from centrally located airports. Emirates airline offers daily flights to London (Gatwick
and Heathrow), Manchester, Birmingham and Glasgow.
Getting around
- A number of domestic airlines operate throughout the UK. Small regional airports in the country run excellent services and are easy to get through to onward destinations.
- Travelling by train is often the most comfortable and speedy way of getting around. London's underground transportation system, referred to as the Tube, is the most efficient means of public transportation in the city. Inter-city trains are fast and provide buffet car refreshments.
